Youth > Confirmation

Confirmation

Confirmation is a very important part of our church's life. It is a time when the youth of the church examine their lives as disciples of Christ and learn what it means to be Presbyterian. Confirmation training and classes provide both youth and parents an outlet for discussing important faith issues and equip youth to accept the responsibility of participating fully in the life of the church.

Here is a preliminary schedule for confirmation 2009-2010:

• Summer Cookout in the Hoyt's backyard - Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 PM.
  Come meet with each other, get an overview of the year, and get excited about the journey ahead of us.
• Fall Family Retreat at GPC - Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7.
  At this retreat for youth and their parents, the main topic will be faith formation and how this is a joint undertaking between parents and youth. Sometimes, the youth and parents will be together to discuss issues of faith. Other times, the youth and parents will be separated to work on issues that are relevant to their particular age group. (This retreat is not optional for parents. More details to come.) The retreat will be held at GPC and is not an overnighter.
• Winter Confirmation Classes - during the Sunday School Hour - January through March.
  Youth will study the Christian way of life from a Presbyterian perspective. They will work toward their ultimate goal - preparing their statement of faith, which they will read before the GPC Session.
• Spring Confirmation Retreat at Crestfield - Friday and Saturday, April 30 - May 1.
  At this retreat, for confirmands only, we will prepare statements of faith which confirmands will present to the Session at a special meeting on May 4. At this meeting, Session will vote to confirm them in worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 23.
• Parents' Classes.
  Two classes for parents only, one in fall and one in winter, will be an opportunity for parents to explore their crucial role in teaching a Christian way of life. Parents will explore practices and habits to make their home an environment for faith formation.