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Membership |
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CONFIRMATION
Youth, and sometimes adults, join the church through Confirmation. It is important to understand what is being confirmed during the confirmation process. Confirmation is a confirming of the youth’s baptismal vows. In our faith tradition we baptize children and adults. We recognize the value of being raised in a Christian Home. Therefore, it is on the basis of the parents (and Godparent’s) faith that a child is baptized and welcomed into the church. The parents are asked if they desire to baptize their child in the faith and family of Jesus Christ. Then the parents are asked to make promises or vows in three areas of ministry:
1. Teaching children to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 2. Working to resist evil and work for love and justice in the world. 3. Celebrating Christ’s presence in the world by Christian mission.
The last vow ends with these words: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with this child in the Christian faith --- so that she/he may affirm her/his baptism?
Confirmation is usually for youth in the eighth or ninth grade or above. Youth are usually able by then to use abstract thinking, which is important in understanding God, who can not be seen, only experienced. This is also the time that youth are beginning to think about their own identity as individuals separate from their parents. If a youth has not been baptized they will be baptized and confirmed on the same day. Then it is the youth that is making promises in the three areas listed above.
The format of the confirmation class changes periodically. We are currently having a class for eight graders and above. The class meets twice a month at 11:30 to 1:15. The youth are expected to attend worship on the Sundays that class meets. (Other Sundays the youth are in a more traditional Sunday School Class.) The curriculum includes group discussion, field trips, participation in worship, and writing a final paper describing the individuals beliefs. The youth confirm their Baptismal Vows in a service of worship and a ritual of celebration. This is usually scheduled for late June each year.
Contact Pastor Deborah Blood for additional information. |
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ADULT MEMBERSHIP
The church welcomes new members who believe in Jesus Christ. Several times a year the church offers introductory classes for people to become better informed of the church’s faith. Adult membership is possible by one of three methods:
Transferring one’s membership from another Christian community.
Profession of Faith is for adults who are making a public witness to their faith for the first time. This category is appropriate for those who have never been connected with a worshipping community. Baptism and Confirmation may also be appropriate to this situation.
Re-Affirmation of Faith is for individuals who have been associated with a prior church yet may not have any documentation that can be transferred. In all three situations the individuals will meet with the minister for questions and answers. Classes are encouraged for everyone and expected of the last two categories. Call the church office for the date of the next opportunity for membership education. After instruction the new members are welcomed into the church community during the Sunday Morning 10 AM worship service. Contact Pastor Deborah Blood for additional information. |
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The First Congregational Church In Bloomfield Bloomfield, Connecticut United Church of Christ |
