What do we "confirm" in the Confirmation class? At North Shore, we believe that Christ calls his followers to be baptized, and that children and infants are included in his promises. Therefore, many of us have been baptized as infants, and the vows of our baptisms were made for us by our parents. Confirmation, then, is the time when young adults (usually eighth grade) examine the Christian life they have been baptized into, and then confirm the vows that were made on their behalf. For those who have not yet been baptized, we expect that members of the Confirmation class will become baptized at some time before the day of Confirmation.

Confirmation is a very special year at North Shore! Our eighth graders meet with Rev. Sue LeFeber and her husband Bill for 30 classes, 3 retreats, 4 field trips, and lots of personal attention. Our curriculum, Crossings, helps us to look at the ways that the core stories of the Bible "cross," or intersect, with our own lives today. For instance, when we study about God's call of Abraham, we think about how God is calling us into relationship today, and when we learn about Moses and the Exodus, we ask ourselves about our own captivities. Small groups with caring adult mentors help with team building and good fun. In addition to gaining a solid foundation in the Bible, we participate in service work, learn about other faiths, and build relationships that last a lifetime. Our learning is interactive, and questions are welcomed and encouraged!

The work of the year builds toward the third weekend in May. On that Saturday morning we hold our Oral Exam; all the members and leadership of the church are invited to be present as the class proudly shares what they have learned. And on Sunday, the confirmands pose for our group portrait, kneel for the vows of confirmation, and become full members of the church by owning the covenant. When worship is over, we lead the procession outside to stand around the fountain and symbolically thank God's Holy Spirit with a dove release!

If you are approaching eighth grade (or are the parent of a soon-to-be eighth grader), we invite you to explore the Confirmation program at North Shore Congregational Church. You do not need to be a member to participate in the class, but we will encourage you to consider joining the church on the day of Confirmation.

Enrollment for the Class of 2013 is open until September 1, 2012 and the Class Orientation for parents and students will be on Sunday, September 9 at 9:15 a.m. Please contact Rev. Sue LeFeber if you would like to know more.

To see this year's shedule of classes and events, click here.