Confirmation at Trinity

Welcome to Confirmation!

Parents – We want you to know:
•    We help your child discover God’s love and live their faith every day.
•    We create innovative curriculum, programs and experiences to make faith real for your child.
•    You are the most important person in your child’s faith development and we are here to support you.

Students - We want you to know:
•    This is a place for you and your friends.
•    It’s a place to discover more about God and yourself.
•    You can help change the world.

Grade 10 Confirmation 2009

Fall Gatherings
Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and 21, 2009 – 5:30-7 p.m.
Grade 10 students
Each small group will meet three times during the Fall of 2009 to prepare for the Rite of Confirmation, finish their projects, and do their confirmation interview.

Rite of Confirmation
October 25, 2009 – 2 p.m.; Rehearsal: Oct. 24, 2009, 9-11 a.m.
This is the day the Confirmation class publicly affirms their baptism and personal faith.
Expectation: Each student must attend a rehearsal the Saturday morning just prior to Confirmation Sunday from 9-11 a.m. to rehearse the service and for photos. Each student must attend the Rite of Confirmation to be confirmed. More details about the retreat, paper, projects, capstone trip, Confirmation interview, stole and Rite of Confirmation will be given out during the year.

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

This ministry is about helping students affirm a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Through the Confirmation experience, individuals “confirm” the promises made in faith at the time of their baptism. Our program is designed to teach you 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 to walk with you on 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!

* Confirmation at Trinity is a three-year journey starting in the fall of seventh grade, and ending in the fall of student’s tenth-grade year.

In order to make Confirmation the best possible, we are trying to creat a positive experience. We will not allow negative behaviors from a few to ruin the experience for others. We aren’t expecting perfection, but we do expect each person to give his or her best possible effort. In the event of a behavioral issue we will try to help the student by going through the following process:

1st step:    A verbal warning.  
2nd step:    Pulling them out of the group to talk to a leader.
3rd step:    A phone call to parents.
4th step:    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 on time.
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 but not limited to: electronic music and media devices, weapons, offensive clothing (same rules as the schools), drugs, alcohol, and please turn cell phones off.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sister, 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 encourage you to grow closer to God and develop a lifestyle that will help you continue growing closer to God. The youth staff at Trinity is more than willing to help your family understand and complete the following requirements.

Wednesdays

Grades 7 & 8 - 6:30-8 p.m. 

Grade 9 - 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Students in Grades 7 & 8 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.

Grade 9 students will be working toward completing a series of projects that help them grow in and express their faith. Evenings will include small group time, speakers and fun faith experiences. 

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.

Special Grade 7 and 8 Requirement:

CONFIRMATION CAMP

Camp Dates: July 26-July 30 or July 31-Aug. 4
Camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to take time away from their hectic lives and discover God through music, games, talks, and endless fun. Going to camp leads to lasting relationships and memories and important encounters with God.
Expectation: Each student is expected to attend a 4-night Confirmation camp during both summers after completing grades 7 & 8. Scholarships and fundraisers are readily available.

Special Grade 9/Grade 10 Requirements

Fall Retreat 2010: Date TBA
The tenth-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: Each student about to be confirmed is expected to attend a weekend retreat.

Faith Statement Paper
Expectation: Each student in Grade 9 will be asked to write a two-page paper describing their faith journey to be completed during Fall 2010.

Capstone Trip
Expectation: The summer after their grade 9 year confirmation students are encouraged to attend Florida Beach Camp or lead at VBS, Bay Lake Camp or Quadna Camp. 

Confirmation Interview
Expectation: Each student will meet one-on-one with their ?small group leader to discuss the student’s faith journey and desire ?to be confirmed at Trinity. The meeting will take place during the ?fall of their tenth-grade year.

Other Optional Opportunities