At Manchester UMC, Confirmation provides an opportunity for seventh and eighth graders to explore the Christian faith alongside other youth in a fun, relevant and engaging way. Our focus is on helping each young person learn about God’s unconditional love and amazing grace through experience and conversation.
Register for confirmation 2026-27.
At the end of this journey, youth will have an opportunity to profess their own faith in Jesus Christ and be confirmed as new members of Manchester UMC. We believe Confirmation is not a destination, but more like a way station where youth have an opportunity to take personal ownership of their faith journey. While we hope every youth will make the decision to profess their faith and be confirmed, there is no pressure or requirement to do so.
Important program information
Confirmation is designed for 7th and 8th grade students – older students may also participate if they choose.
Even if you’re still figuring out exactly what you believe, you’re welcome! Confirmation is a place to ask questions, explore, learn, and grow alongside other students and caring adults.
Confirmation meets as part of our larger Wednesday night youth ministry.
5:30–6:30 pm — Community Meal
Students and families are invited to eat together. The Youth Room opens at 6:10 pm.
6:30–6:50 pm — Youth Opening
All youth gather together for games, worship, campfire, or other community-building activities.
6:50–7:45 pm — Confirmation Small Group
Confirmation students meet together for the week’s lesson, conversation, and activities.
Wednesday Topics This Fall
September 9 — What Do We Do at Confirmation? Parents should attend this first gathering with their student.
September 16 — What Is the Bible? Confirmation Bibles will be distributed.
September 19–20 — Middle School Lock-In
September 23 — Who Is God?
September 30 — Who Is Jesus?
October 7 — Service Project
October 14 — What Is the Holy Spirit?
October 21 — What Is the Church For?
October 28 — Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
November 4 — What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
November 11 — What About Other Religions?
November 18 — Why Do People Suffer?
Winter & Spring Experiences
Our weekly Confirmation classes conclude in November, but the Confirmation journey continues throughout the winter and spring through retreats, worship, service, and special experiences.
November 6–7 — Confirmation Retreat – Pathways that connect us to God
January 29–30 — Middle School Retreat – with students from other UMC congregations
February 10 — Ash Wednesday – and picture with your small group
February 26–27 — Night at the Bistro – annual fundraiser
March 5–6 — Faith Exploration Weekend – learning about other faith traditions, the Methodist tradition, and baptismal vows
Confirmation Day
Sunday, April 4, 2027 — Confirmation Sunday
Students will have the opportunity to publicly affirm their faith and become professing members of Manchester United Methodist Church. Youth can choose to be confirmed at either 9:00 or 11:00 am. We will take individual, family, and group pictures in between the services.
It is our goal that after being confirmed at Manchester UMC, your youth will have:
- A stronger connection to other Christian youth
- An expanded world view plus compassion for others
- A better understanding of their own values and beliefs
- A faith deeply rooted in the love and grace of Jesus Christ
- A desire to become an informed church member
Confirmation students are expected to attend weekly meetings for Confirmation. If they miss a meeting, make-up work is available. Make-up work can be viewed at the link below. Confirmands can miss up to five sessions and still be part of the class. Because this a very experiential program, any youth who misses 6 or more sessions will need to postpone their Confirmation and enroll in the next program year. (Sessions missed due to illness will not count as a miss, but make-up work will still be required.)
The program fee for this year’s Confirmation program is $150 per person due at registration. The program fee covers materials, supplies, t-shirt, Bible, travel expenses and more.
This program is also supported financially by Manchester UMC. Half and full scholarships are available and may be selected on the payment page at registration. There are no requirements or additional forms for scholarships. Anyone who selects a scholarship will receive one.