Confirmation 2026-2027

Why Confirmation?
Confirmation is an important step in a young person’s faith journey. In the United Methodist Church, it’s a time for youth to explore what it means to be a Christian, ask honest questions, learn about the church, and decide for themselves if they are ready to claim their faith as their own.

We typically invite 7th graders to participate, but older students are welcome—just reach out to Chris Moss to learn more. Whether your child is just beginning to ask big questions or is ready to make a deeper commitment, Confirmation is a meaningful and memorable experience that helps shape a lifelong faith.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

• Confirmation class will begin on September 13th. Generally, the class will meet on Sunday mornings during Youth AM from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (except for holiday weekends and school breaks).  
• Confirmands have two opportunities to attend a Confirmation retreat at Camp Glisson. The Fall Confirmation Retreat is August 28-30. The Winter/Spring Confirmation Retreat is January 29-31, 2027. Each confirmand is expected to attend. Cost for one retreat is included in the registration fee listed below. 
• Confirmation Sunday is April 18, 2027 at 10 a.m. At the end of classes, students can make the decision whether to join the church or not. If they choose to, then this is the day it will happen. It is a special service so please go ahead mark your calendars, and plan to attend. 

EXPECTATIONS:

• Worship: Attending worship (10 a.m. Sunday Morning) is important. During your time in Confirmation, we expect that you will attend as often as possible. 
• Baptism: All confirmation participants must be baptized before they can be confirmed. If you have not been baptized, that is ok. But please connect with Chris, Sam or Mike to discuss! 
• Serve in Worship: As an additional way to be a part of the church and participate in worship, we ask all confirmands to serve in worship as a Greeter, Usher, Acolyte, Scripture Reader or in another serving capacity at least three times during their time in Confirmation. 
• Study: Our weekly confirmation sessions are one of the most important parts of the program! Come prepared to grow alongside your small group as you dig into the Bible and learn more about our Christian faith and the Church. Each week, you will need to bring your Bible and Confirmation Journal.
• Serve: Serving others in big and small ways is a part of how we can share the love of Jesus with the world. We ask all Confirmation students to participate in at least one service project (food pantry, thrift store, etc.) during their time in confirmation.
• Give: One of the five essential practices is to give. Throughout confirmation, consider what you will give to the church as a response to your commitment to follow Jesus. Will you give 10% of your income? Will you give monthly or weekly? Your commitment along with the gifts from many others allows you to be a part of your church’s incredible work in your community and world.

COSTS?

$295 is the cost for the year and includes one retreat, their newly designed Confirmation booklet and a NRSVUE Bible.  

Scholarships are available if needed. Please reach out to Chris Moss at chris@birminghamumc.org with any questions or concerns.