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Confirmation at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
"I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God of all, who is above all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1-6; adapted from NRSV)
Baptism joins us into the universal church, the body of Christ. Confirmation is an affirmation of the vows taken on our behalf when we were baptized. It is a rite of the church which happens during public worship. In the Confirmation rite, a Confirmand says "yes" to their baptism and the church responds with a resounding "yes" to the growing faith of the Confirmand. Confirmation is not the completion of baptism, but rather is another milestone along the faith journey of a Confirmand.
At First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 8th graders are given the opportunity to enter a period of study. During this time, they learn about the faith, the history of the church, and our own denomination, the United Church of Christ. Students write 13 sermon notes or summaries and an original statement of faith. Mentors are assigned to each Confirmand. Their role is to share their faith with the Confirmand, to be available for questions or concerns, and to be a support for the student during the Confirmation study time. At the end of this period of study, the Confirmand decides if he or she wants to affirm their baptism and join FCC, UCC through the rite of Confirmation. Students both plan and lead a Confirmation service, where they read their statement of faith.
Inquiries or comments about Confirmation at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ may be directed to the Senior Minister or church office.
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