At Manchester UMC, our Confirmation program provides an opportunity for young people 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.

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 the faith journey they have been traveling since their baptism. 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.

Who Should Participate?

Confirmation is open to youth in 7th to 12th grades who are interested in exploring the Christian faith in a fun and experiential way.

What Happens During Confirmation?

Rather than just talking at youth, our Confirmation Program strives to engage young people and their families in a variety of experiences that provide opportunities for learning, reflection and conversation. Confirmation experiences include:

• Activity parks and other fun adventures
• Learning and talking about the Christian faith
• Going on an offsite weekend retreat
• Enjoying family dinners at Steak ‘n Shake
• Service projects and touring St. Louis agencies
• Observing other faith traditions
• A pool party and baptisms (if not already baptized)

Confirmation Benefits and Outcomes

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

Program Expectations

As part of their Confirmation experience, each youth is expected to attend 25 sessions and serve at least 4 times as an Acolyte (worship assistant) during the program.

All Confirmation parents and youth are expected to attend a joint kickoff gathering on Wednesday, August 29th from 5:30 to 8:30P at Manchester UMC. During this kickoff, youth and parents will learn about program benefits, expectations, scheduling and also receive important Acolyte training.

Session Attendance

Session dates are provided below so that families can make the necessary calendar arrangements now. If a youth misses a session, they will be expected to make up that session before they can be Confirmed. NOTE:  Because this a very experiential program, any youth who misses 6 or more sessions (regardless of reason) will need to postpone their Confirmation and enroll in the next program year.

Acolyte Information

Youth are expected to serve at least 4 times as an Acolyte (assistant) during Sunday worship between September of 2018 and May 2019 before they can be Confirmed. Parents should bring their calendars in order to choose Acolyte dates and times during the kickoff gathering on Wednesday, August 29th. Once the Acolyte schedule is set, youth and parents are responsible for finding a replacement Acolyte if they are unable to serve during their scheduled worship service and must notify the Acolyte Coordinator of any changes at least 48 hours in advance.

Confirmation Schedule

Below are the Confirmation dates. Please mark them on your family calendars now so that your youth can successfully complete this Confirmation program. Times shown are drop off and pick up times at Manchester UMC.

Session 17 February 10, 2019* 6 to 8P Attend Youth Group at Manchester UMC
Session 18 February 27, 2019^ 6 to 7P Family Dinner (Location TBD)
Session 19 March 6, 2019^ 6 to 8P Attend Ash Wednesday Service & Discuss
Session 20 March 13, 2019^ 6 to 7P Family Dinner (Location TBD)
Session 21 March 27, 2019 6 to 8P Dinner & Faith Essentials Discussion
Session 22 April 3, 2019 6 to 8P Dinner & Confirmation Vows Discussion
Session 23 April 10, 2019 6 to 8P Dinner & Faith Reflections (Share Your Faith)
Session 24 April 28, 2019^ 6 to 8P Baptisms, Pool Party and Open Gym
Session 25 May 5, 2019*^ 9:30 or 11:00A Confirmation & Reception

* Dates or times with an asterisk are tentative until confirmed.
^ Parents should plan to attend these sessions. If parents are unavailable, youth should still attend.

Note:  The above schedule was last updated 3/28/2019. If you print a paper copy, please check back regularly to ensure you have the most current version.

Program Fee

The program fee for this year’s Confirmation program is $150 per person. Scholarships are available based upon need. The program fee covers materials, supplies, t-shirt, retreat, travel expenses and more. This program is also supported financially by Manchester UMC. The program fee must be paid by the end of the kickoff gathering on August 29, 2018 for all youth who wish to participate.

Confirmation Registration

Registrations for this year’s Confirmation Program closed on August 20, 2018. If you have already registered, please be sure to complete the below two steps if you have not already.

1. Print and Submit the Consent and Release Form (Download, Print, Sign and Bring to the first session)
2. Pay $150 Program Fee (Pay online by August 20, 2018)

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Boemler, Director of Youth Ministry at 636.200.4735.