Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to an exciting opportunity for our young people to deepen their faith and their relationship with God through the Confirmation program of Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ.
You will notice that Confirmation has the word firm in it. Confirmation is a time when young people have the opportunity to make a firm decision whether they will claim the name Christian for themselves and will offer up their prayers, gifts, and service as a member of the United Church of Christ.
Some students may have been baptized as an infant. Confirmation would be a time when they claim for themselves the vows that were once made on their behalf. If a student has never been baptized, at the end of Confirmation they may choose to be baptized and claim the name “Christian” for themselves.
The Confirmation program is for 8th and 9th graders or those in high school who have never been confirmed. Throughout the process these students will study and discuss such topics as church history, Christian ethics, the Bible, Christian beliefs, the beliefs of other religions, and Christian activism.
These days, young people are busy and their lives are filled with many activities; but Confirmation is an important part of helping them experience the fullness of the Christian faith. We hope that you will answer the invitation to this very important journey in the life of the church — the journey of Confirmation.
Sincerely,
The Pastoral Team: Pastor Laurie, Pastor Megan, and Pastor Aaron
On the first Sunday of each month, we gather for faith formation, reflection, and fellowship. Each session focuses on a different topic central to the Christian faith. Sessions are led by the pastors, are experiential and fun, and engage diverse learning styles. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings from 12:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Opening Retreat : September 16-17 (Friday and Saturday)
Session 1: October 2 (Sunday)
Session 2: December 4 (Sunday)
Session 3: January 8 (Sunday)
Session 4: February 5 (Sunday)
Session 5: March 5 (Sunday)
Session 6: April 2 (Sunday)
Session 7: May 7 (Sunday)
Session 8: June 4 (Sunday)
Confirmation Sunday : TBA
Once a month, confirmands will experience faith lived “out in the world” with a variety of service-learning opportunities. Following an action-reflection model, youth will participate in a project, worship service, or lecture and then reflect on the experience as a group.
Two Interfaith Visits
Two Ecumenical Visits
Two Volunteer Service Projects
Research shows that when the whole family and church community are involved in the faith formation of our youth, our young people grow and thrive. Therefore, we involve parents and adult mentors in our confirmation process. Each youth is partnered with an adult mentor from the congregation and has opportunities throughout the year to meet, share, and grow in relationship. In addition, parents will have seasonal gatherings for faith reflection, and families are invited to engage in monthly at-home faith practices.
Monthly At-Home Faith Practices
Meeting with Mentors (once a season)
Parent Touchstones
Our plan is to take the youth on a pilgrimage in the summer of 2023 as a final part of the confirmation process. Our destination is still to be determined. We will host fundraisers throughout the year to help pay for the trip.
Confirmation is such a meaningful process for both the young people involved, as well as our entire congregation. We hold certain values, intentions, and expectations to guide the program, so that all involved can be welcomed and transformed.
Our Values
Belovedness
Belonging
Respect
Curiosity
Our Intentions
Authentic Engagement with the Foundations of the Christian Faith
Belonging to a Cohort of Peers
Practicing Our Faith at Home and in the World
Membership Into the Full Life of the Church
Our Expectations
Attendance
Participation
Questions or Concerns? Contact Pastor Aaron at AaronL@gablesucc.org.