Making a commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ means “to give all that we know of ourselves to all that we know of God.” That initial commitment is important, but it is not the end of the matter. Christian discipleship is a journey. For many of us, preparation for that initial commitment to give ourselves fully as disciples of Jesus Christ begins with Confirmation Training. It serves as an important initial step.
At Bluffton UMC, we invite fifth grade students (and older) to commit to a four week Confirmation Class and then will be presented to the church on Confirmation Sunday in the Spring when they profess faith as members of the church. Confirmation Students “Confirmands” will meet weekly with other Confirmands and Confirmation Leaders to engage in instruction, study, inquiry, sharing, and learning about being a disciple of Christ. Most of these Confirmands are part of Bluffton UMC because of their parents’/guardians’ decisions. We are very clear that, when they profess faith on Confirmation Sunday, it will be their decision. Many others – parents, pastors, teachers, family members, congregations members – may be very supportive of that choice, but the confirmand gets to choose: “I acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, and I want to give my life as His disciple.” The 2020 Confirmation Class begins its journey on Sunday afternoon, Jan 12 at 3 p.m. in the Conference room with a brief informational meeting for both Parents and Confirmands. I want to encourage you to check it out. Confirmation Training is an important step in the journey of a lifetime. Let’s encourage and pray for our youngest disciples as they take this important step.
The Sunday dates to add to your calendar: Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2.
We will discuss the date for Confirmation Sunday with the parents and youth choosing to join the class.
Please RSVP by Thursday, Jan 9, for us to prepare enough materials for each Confirmand.
Laurel Karper
Director of Christian Education
education@blufftonumc.org