Confirmation at Trinity

Welcome to Confirmation!

Trinity's Mission Statement
Trinity is (a) people who love everyone, transform lives through Jesus, and serve the world. We are an inviting community that respects and includes all people.

We are a people on a journey to grow and live out our faith in our daily lives. We have a passionate commitment to justice in the world.
 
Trinity’s Youth Vision
To be a ministry that ignites in children, youth, and families a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ, through experiencing God’s transforming love, through serving the world.

Core Values

• Love Transform Serve
• Relationship Building  – Acts 2
• Fun and Friendly Atmosphere  – John 10:10
• Worship God in Spirit and Truth  – John 4:23-24
• Learning God’s Word  – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Reliance on God’s Power  – John 15:5
• Prayer Works!  – Philippians 4:6
• Serve people in Christ’s name  – Matthew 25:34-40
• Christianity is more about a relationship than religion  – Matthew 22:37-40
• Share the message of Christ!  – Mark 16:15-16

The Confirmation Experience

Through the Confirmation experience, individuals “confirm” the promises made in faith at the time of their baptism. Our program is designed to help you better understand how you can keep these promises as you live as a follower of Jesus Christ. Choosing to follow Christ is the most important commitment you can make, and we want walk with you your journey of faith.

Participation in the Confirmation program is a decision you should not take lightly as it affects the entire family. As Confirmation is a voluntary program, we assume that by enrolling, students and their families agree to all the requirements as stated in this booklet. Join us as we experience God in our lives – together!

Behavior Guidelines

In order to make Confirmation the best experience possible, we will not allow negative behaviors from a few to ruin the experience for the larger body. We aren’t expecting perfection, but we do expect each person to give his or her best possible effort. In the event of a behavior issue we will try to help the student by giving them the following consequences:

1st Consequence: A verbal warning. 
2nd Consequence: Pulling them out of the group to talk to a leader.
3rd Consequence: A phone call to parents.
4th Consequence: A parent will need to attend Confirmation with the student until the behavior is resolved.

The following are our basic expectations:

1. Be where you are supposed to be.
2. Respect God, people, and property.
 - Do not distract others during times of prayer, worship, or teaching.
 - Do not make fun of others, fight, use offensive language, etc.
 - Listen to all leaders and staff.
 - Damage done to any church property will be paid for/restored by the people responsible.
3. Leave distracting or dangerous items at home including by not limited to; electronic music and media devices, weapons, offensive clothing (same rules as the schools), drugs, alcohol, and please turn your cell phones off.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.– Romans 12:1-2

Confirmation Student Requirements

Every one of our Confirmation requirements is designed to help you get to know God better and to develop a lifestyle that will help you continue to grow closer to God.

Wednesday Nights – Grades 7 and 8
6:30-8 p.m.
Students in grades seven and will kick-off  Wednesday nights with a high energy worship and teaching session in the Worship Center. Mid-way through their evening they will transition to small groups for a study and discussion time with peers and a leader.
Expectation: You are expected to be at all Wednesday night meetings. You may miss two for sickness or conflicts. Students missing more than two nights will be responsible for completing make-up work.

Wednesday Nights – Grade 9
7-8:30 p.m.
Students in grade nine will kick-off with a dynamic teaching time and then mid-way though the hour will transition to their small groups for study and discussion time with peers and a leader.
Expectation: You are expected to be at all Wednesday night meetings. You may miss two for sickness or conflicts. Students missing more than two nights will be responsible for completing make-up work.

Worship Attendance – Grades 7, 8 and 9
Part of Confirmation is equipping you to become fully active members of the church. As part of this preparation we ask that you attend worship services regulary.
Expectation: During April, students are expected to turn in 10 church bulletins to their small group leader to show they attended at least 10 worship services throughout the school year.
Service Projects – Grades 7, 8 and 9: Two per year
Expectation: Each small group is asked to participate in two service projects a year. There are many opportunities listed in church publications.

Worship Help – grades 7, 8 and 9
Two times per year
Expectation: Each student is asked to help with worship twice a year. Their choices include:
• Communion Assistant
• Usher (w/ adult)
• Greeter (w/ adult)
• Audio/Video (training required)
• Sunday Morning Children’s Program (a variety of opportunities)

Family Nights
September 26 (Informational)
Grades 7, 8 & 9 - Jan. 10 & 17 (faith and family focus)
Grade 9 - April 15 (informational)

Expectation: Each student should attend with at least one parent.

Special Grade 7 and 8 Requirement:
Confirmation Camp

Camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to take time away from their hectic lives and encounter God in a new way. Going to camp leads to lasting relationships and memories and important encounters with God.
Expectation: Each student is required to attend a week of camp during the summer. Camp dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Special Grade 9 Requirement:
Spring Retreat:  March 28-30, 2008
The ninth-grade class will go on a retreat together as a capstone to their three-year experience and as a launching point for their high school faith experience.
Expectation: All ninth graders are required to attend a weekend retreat during the spring.

Faith Statement Paper
Expectation: Each ninth-grade student will be asked to write a two-page paper describing their faith journey to be handed in before their Confirmation Meeting.

Confirmation Meeting
Expectation: Each ninth grade student will meet one-on-one with a Trinity staff member to discuss the student’s faith journey and desire to be confirmed at Trinity. The meeting will take place during the month before Confirmation Sunday.

Confirmation Stole
A Confirmation stole is a representation of you, the right side showing symbols of your faith and the left symbols of your family, interests, talents, etc.
Expectation: Each student is expected to make a stole before The Rite of Confirmation.

Rite of Confirmation
May 4, 2008 2 p.m.
This is an important day as the ninth-grade class publicly affirms their faith. More details about the retreat, paper, Confirmation meeting, stole and Rite of Confirmation will be given out during the year.

Other Optional Opportunities

Release days – grades 7, 8, and 9
Each grade will have a release day from school. These are days you can be excused from school by your parents and enjoy a day growing in your faith and having fun.

Fellowship Events – Grades 7, 8,and 9
Throughout the year special junior high events will be scheduled. You will learn about these at Confirmation, through the mail, the Trinity Today, or the web.