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THE MEANING OF CONFIRMATION
The baptismal covenant is God's word to us, giving the assurance of God's grace, through our adoption in the spirit as part of the body of Christ. It is our word to God to love and serve God and others and to live by faith in God's promise. All who live within the bounds of this covenant together constitute the community of faith, which we call the church. Because we believe that children are free to receive God's grace for themselves, parents and sponsors may make this covenantal commitment on behalf of a child, thus establishing the child as part of the faith community.

Confirmation allows those who were baptized as children to affirm the covenant of baptism for themselves. Each person being confirmed makes a personal commitment to God within the faith community. At confirmation, members of the community are also asked to reaffirm their own commitment and use the opportunity to strengthen their faith and dedication to God.

CALL TO WORSHIP
Christian family and friends, we have come together to bear witness as these persons now before us affirm the vows made on their behalf at their baptism. They have studied the word of God as contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, they have been taught the history and traditions of the Christian church and our denomination.

Of their own will, they have decided to affirm for themselves the Christian covenant. They are ready to declare their faith publicly before this congregation, and to take the responsibility for themselves to follow the teachings and example of Christ in their own life.

To the confirmands:
Do you now in the presence of this congregation profess your faith in God, the creator of all things?
I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and promise to live your life following the example that Christ has set for us?
I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the sustainer and guide for your life's journey?
I do.
Do you understand the basic doctrines of the Christian faith and promise by God's grace to observe them?
I do.
Do you understand the teachings of this church and your responsibility to support the church by your witness and service?
I do.

To the sponsors:
Do you promise to encourage these persons in their Christian walk and witness, to be their companions and aid in their service to God and the church?
I do.
Do you promise by your life and witness to be an example of Christ's teaching?
I do.

To the congregation:
Do you promise to support these persons in their Christian life, and to include them in the life of this community?
We do.
Do you, who have already taken this step, reaffirm the vows of your baptismal covenant?
We do.
Let us all affirm our vows with the words of the Apostles' Creed.

All:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYER OF BLESSING
God of the ages, who time and again reached out to your people in love and mercy, receive into your favor these persons who this day have reached out to you by faith, through their promise to love and serve you.

Bless their pilgrimage through life. Uphold them by your grace. Keep the evil one from their path that they may know the joy of true fellowship with you.

Bless all those who have nurtured them to this time, those who have provided physical and spiritual support. Bless their parents who have been an example to them of Christian love, and their sponsors who continue to be partners on their journey.

Let this congregation be a worthy example of love and service in your name. Keep peace and unity among us, that together we might work to advance your kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

BENEDICTION
Now God the Creator, Jesus Christ the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the Comforter, bless, preserve, and keep you. May the Lord's favor shine graciously upon you. Go in peace to love and serve God. Amen.