CONFIRMATION I (Year One) REQUIREMENTS 2012 - 2013
Registration Form & Yr. 1 Schedule

MISSION STATEMENT: The goal of the confirmation journey at Strongsville UMC is to build a foundation for a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.  There are four essential components:  learning and growing in Christian community, regularly participating in worship, developing Christian spiritual habits, and serving God and God’s world.

ATTENDANCE: (Christian community component) You are required to attend all classes and special events.  The dates for special events are written into the class schedule.  Circumstances such as winter weather may cause schedule changes.  If you need to miss a class or special event, please call Pastor Christopher at 440-238-6135 or e-mail ChristopherL@strongsvilleumc.org or office@strongsvilleumc.org.

MAKE-UP WORK: It is your responsibility to make up the missed class within 14 days. (This will not apply if the class is cancelled.)  Many times you will be able to do the in-class work on your own.  All such assignments and any handouts will be stapled to the confirmation bulletin board outside Pastor Christopher’s office.  As an alternative, you may type two pages, double spaced, on the subject covered the day missed.  The Bible, library material, and the internet can be included.  Plagiarism is unacceptable, so do not cut and paste or otherwise directly copy what someone else wrote without a good faith attempt to cite your sources.  Include in the paper 1) basic definitions of the topics; 2) how the subject applies to your life and circumstances at this time;  and 3) what has changed (if anything) concerning the beliefs held concerning the subject covered in the paper.  All make-up work should be turned in to the “completed” slot outside Pastor Christopher's office.

SUPPLIES: You are required to bring to ALL classes and special events your Bible, notebook, and pens/pencils.  Occasionally other items may be requested.  Please speak to Pastor Christopher if you need a scholarship for anything involving money.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: (community, habit & worship components) You are expected to attend a worship service twice a month and turn in a Worship Worksheet.  Any of our three Sunday morning services are fine:  8:15 a.m., 9:25 a.m., or 11:05 a.m.  You may also attend Taizé or services from other churches.  The Worship Worksheet has specific questions about the service.  Worship Worksheets may be found outside Pastor Christopher’s office door and are also available by email.  We only count the Worship Worksheets that are handed in, either during class or in the mailbox slot outside Pastor Christopher’s office door.  Since the confirmation program is 19 months long, we expect to receive 38 completed Worship Worksheets from you.

PALM SUNDAY: (service & worship components)  The confirmation class will probably arrange palms on Saturday, April 16 following the Easter Egg hunt.  We will let you know for certain on the date as soon as we can.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE MINISTRY: (habit & service components)You will be expected to participate in at least one ministry here at Strongsville United Methodist Church, and ministry to the world beyond the church walls.  Please see the “Guidelines for MAD Ministry” for further details as to appropriate projects and contacts for church ministries. You are expected to earn two MAD points per month.  (Again, for 19 months, we expect 38 completed MAD Sheets.)  Please fill out a M.A.D. (Make a Difference) Sheet each time you participate in your chosen ministry, and place it in the box outside Pastor Christopher’s office door.  Many opportunities will come your way via email.

DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN HABITS: All confirmands will be matched with a prayer partner within the class.  Guidance and suggestions regarding prayer and Bible reading will be given during the year.

RETREATS & SPECIAL EVENTS: As much notice as possible will be provided regarding retreats and special events.  They are also mandatory unless otherwise noted.  Please make every effort to treat them as such.  Permission & Consent for Medical Treatment or Permission & Declination for Medical Treatment are required.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY: You will help prepare and participate in the confirmation service on a Sunday in May 2012, most likely May 20. You will be introduced to the congregation at the end of each scheduled worship service.  Confirmands will participate in the entire 11:05 worship service on that Sunday morning.  There will be a breakfast for Confirmation students, parents, and siblings Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday of Confirmation.  More details will be given as the dates draw near.

You are always welcome to contact Pastor Christopher regarding questions, concerns, or comments:  440-238-6135 or ChristopherL@StrongsvilleUMC.org.  We look forward to sharing this Christian journey with you.