Confirmation

Confirmation at FUMC Uvalde is a 9 month program for 6th grade youth and their families. During the confirmation process, the individual is asked to consciously embrace the Christian faith and vocation as one's own and to accept the responsibilities of Christian discipleship. Two important processes must take place in a confirmation program.  First, the child must be instructed in the basics of the faith. Confirmation seeks to give the child a systematic overview of the faith - our identity, our history and heritage, our practices, and our beliefs.   This will include both our heritage and practices as a Christian community and as a United Methodist Family, as well as our basic beliefs and commitments. In addition, the person should be instructed in what it means to live the Christian life and be involved in the mission of the church in the world.  The second process is spiritual formation.  Our faith is not just about information.  It is about formation - being molded, shaped, and transformed into the image of Christ.  This takes time and experiences, not just information.  A comprehensive confirmation program is more than just a class.  It seeks to provide experiences and opportunities in which the child can be shaped as a Christian. Confirmation seeks to mold or shape the child by providing a safe environment of love and acceptance in which the child can explore their faith as well as experience what is being taught in a real way (i.e., relationships with peers and mentors, small group experiences, mission opportunities, etc.). One of the most important things we do in confirmation is build relationships - with God, with each other, and with the adults who help lead in some way.  The great commandment that Jesus gave us is to love - to love God and to love our neighbor.  In all we do during the year, we try to fulfill this commandment.  We intentionally spend a lot of time and effort building trust, building relationships, and building community. The youth are partnered with a mentor (Friends in Faith) and a prayer partner to help see them through the Confirmation experience.