Class Sessions:
The first Saturday of each month from 8am to 10:30am the confirmation class will come together to grow as a community. Students will be required to do some memorization but the class will mostly focus on dealing with questions and issues that the catechism brings to light. Homework will be assigned and expected to be completed prior to each meeting - students will be given an overview of all assignments at the first class and will be encouraged to complete them with their shepherds as appropriate. Punctual attendance is mandatory for each student. Every class session must be attended for the whole duration or the student will not be allowed to continue in the confirmation process.
Shepherd Meetings:
Each student prior to the first class session will be required to find an approved shepherd of the same sex and sign a 1-year covenant with them. The shepherd will be the spiritual guide and companion to the student. The student and shepherd will be required to meet twice during the month at their convenience to deal with issues brought up in the class, life, and assigned readings. The topic of the meetings is up to the shepherd and the student but they will be encouraged to use this time to complete the homework assignments. This shepherding relationship will continue for one full year. The hope is that a strong relationship is built and the shepherding relationship continues on for life.
Service Ministry:
Throughout the year we will schedule service ministry opportunities for our Jr and Sr High. Also, there will be a list of opportunities to serve within the various ministries of NPC. Students will be required to participate in a service opportunity monthly and at least twice in a group project. Parents of students are also encouraged to participate with their students in these service ministries. The hope is that students are excited about the ministries and will want to participate in all six. The idea also is the parents are involved in this confirmation process as well. These service ministries will give an opportunity for the parents and student to experience together the calling of our Lord.
Summer Mission Trip:
After being confirmed, students will need to complete a summer mission project. They can either participate in a summer mission trip with the youth group or with the whole church. If the students are unable to participate, they may elect to do their own individual mission project with the help of their shepherd. The time invested in this project will be equivalent to that of the mission trip. Students will need to submit their project in writing for approval by the Director of Youth Ministries. The idea is that summer provides the time for us to immerse ourselves in a ministry that we may not otherwise be involved in. It provides a larger glimpse into God's Kingdom and challenges us to listen to His calling in our lives daily.
Worship Attendance:
Since corporate worship is the lifeline of a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is imperative during the confirmation season that students attend. A couple of times, attendance at the 11:00 service will be required due to some rites of passages that will be involved in the confirmation process. Students will keep a journal of their worship experiences over the course of confirmation and be given multiple opportunities to reflect on the role of worship in our lives. Students will be given a variety of opportunities to be directly involved in the worship service as well as in the planning of the Confirmation service on May 16th.
Church Membership
Students wishing to become members of Newton Presbyterian Church will be able to do so after being baptized and completing the Confirmation class. Students that have not been baptized will have the opportunity prior to the confirmation service. Students who desire to be baptized will need to meet with the senior pastor and be approved by the session. All students wishing to become members of NPC will meet with session on May 11th. On May 16th, students wishing to complete the confirmation process and become full members of the church will do so. Students will need the recommendation of their shepherd and meet individually with the senior pastor and session for approval.
Shepherd Responsibilities
The shepherd is responsible to encourage and train the student to be a disciple of Christ. The shepherd will be responsible to meet twice a month with the student to discuss any questions and help with any outside homework or projects. The shepherd is encouraged to participate in the service and mission projects with the student. In addition the shepherd will be responsible to meet and introduce themselves to the student's parents. The shepherds will be required to attend an orientation for Shepherds and fill out a report that will be submitted to the Director of Youth Ministries.
Parent Responsibilities
Parents are encouraged to take an active part in the confirmation process. The parents are the primary educators in any students' life. The role of the youth director and shepherd should be as a facilitator for the parent. Each month a sheet of questions will be given to the parents to ask their student about what they are learning and processing in confirmation. In addition we are asking the parents participate in the service projects with their students. We want to encourage all parents to join in the process.
