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
- 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 28 sessions and serve at least 3 times as an Acolyte (worship assistant) during the program.
All Confirmation parents and youth are required to attend a joint informational gathering on Wednesday, September 11th from 5:30 to 8:30P at Manchester UMC. During this orientation, 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 3 times as an Acolyte (assistant) during Sunday worship between September of 2019 and April 2020 before they can be Confirmed. Parents should bring their calendars in order to choose Acolyte dates and times on Wednesday, September 11. 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.
September 11: 5:30-8:30 pm – Parent/Youth Orientation & Acolyte Training
September 18: 6-8 pm – Amp-Up Kick-Off
September 25: 6-8 pm – Small Group Introductions and Expectations
October 2: 6-8 pm – Bible Essentials
October 9: 6-7 pm – Family Dinner at Church
October 18-20 – Retreat
October 23: 6-8 pm – Old Testament and Family Group Pictures
November 3: 4-6 pm – Join Youth Group
November 6: 6-8 pm – New Testament and Lord’s Prayer
November 13: 6-8 pm – Thanksgiving Dinner/Meet MUMC Staff
November 20: 6-8 pm – Apostle’s Creed
December 4: 6-8:30 pm – Circle of Concern Tour and Service Project
December 11: 6-8:30 pm – Kingdom House Tour and Service Project
January 8: 6-8 pm – Islamic Foundation Tour
January 10-11 – Lock-In (Visit United Hebrew Congregation and Cathedral Basilica, discuss similarities and differences in religions)
January 22: 6-8 pm – Leaning on God (Addiction and Recovery Speakers)
February 5: 6-7 pm – Family Dinner at Church
February 9: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm – Attend Modern Worship and Family Groups
February 12: Manchester UMC History, Structure, and Tour
February 19: United Methodist History, Structure, and Social Principles
February 26: Ash Wednesday Service (6:30 pm) and Family Groups (7:15 – 8:00 pm)
March 1: 4-6 pm – Attend Youth Group
March 4: 6-8:30 pm – Moana Movie Night (God’s Calling)
March 11: 6-8 pm – Sacraments
March 22: 4-6 pm – Baptism Service
April 1: 6-8 pm – Discipleship and Church Vows
April 8: 6-8 pm – Family Dinner at CiCi’s
April 15: 6-8 pm – Statement of Faith and Closing
April 26: Confirmation
Note: The above schedule was last updated 5/28/2019. If you print a paper copy, please check back regularly to ensure you have the most current version.
While the schedule is set, some details may change throughout the year. The Manchester Youth Google calendar will have the most up-to-date information.
Program Fee
The program fee for this year’s Confirmation program is $150 per person due at registration. Scholarships are available based upon need. The program fee covers materials, supplies, t-shirt, Bible, retreat, travel expenses and more. This program is also supported financially by Manchester UMC.
Confirmation Registration
Click here to register for the 2019-20 Confirmation Program. After registering, please be sure to complete the following two steps.
- Print and Submit the Liability Waiver (Download, Print, Sign and Bring to the first session)
- Complete the Youth Registration Form
- Pay $150 Program Fee (Pay by September 10, 2019)
If you have any questions, please contact Beth Boemler, Director of Youth Ministry at 636.200.4735.