Each grade level meets in its own space except for the combined 11th/12th grade class. Each class is led by a team of 2-4 adult volunteers who provide consistent care and encouragement through the school year.
Confirmation is a very special and important program for youth at First United Methodist Church of Denton. It is through the relationships built in this class as well as the lessons learned that our youth become ready to claim the Christian faith for themselves.
Confirmation in The United Methodist Church is a time of intentional preparation, leading to the first public profession of faith. During this time young persons "make firm" what has gone before: God's prevenient grace, baptism, the teaching and witness of parents and other persons of faith, the teachings and life together in the church, the student's own growing faith. Youth are invited to claim for themselves the name Christian and United Methodist. Confirmation is a significant step in the journey of faith.
Sixth graders begin their journey through Confirmation, and our youth program, with a Fall Retreat to Bridgeport Camp during Labor Day weekend. This 24-hour retreat (Friday at 5:00 pm to Saturday at 5:00 pm), is the group’s first chance to really get to know each other and the adult leadership that will be walking alongside them during this important process. We play, laugh, watch movies, study the Bible, make covenant with one another, and begin talking about our faith.
In the spring, sixth graders also have their first opportunity to be in mission as a youth. In January, we take another 24-hour trip to serve with C2K - Connect to the Kingdom. C2K is a project of the Council on Youth Ministries of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, which provides an urban mission experience in Dallas. We then take the opportunity to experience worship with other United Methodists at St. Luke Community Church.
Sixth graders also have the opportunity to lead in worship each Sunday by serving as acolytes throughout the year. All members of the class will be part of the acolyte training session during a Sunday school class time in the fall.
Confirmation continues in seventh grade as we go further in depth to know our st ory, confirm our faith, and live our commitment to God. Also in this year, seventh graders are invited to the Youth Fall Retreat, Saturday-Monday of Labor Day weekend at Bridgeport Camp. Having already gotten to know their classmates well, they now have the chance to connect on a deeper level with the entire youth group. Seventh graders are also welcome to experience their first week-long adventure in mission through our middle school mission trip. In the past we’ve served with C2K, Heifer Ranch, DOOR, and other service agencies.
We will offer a special opportunity for each youth to be confirmed following their 7th grade year. During our spring retreat at Bridgeport Camp, each youth will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a pastor prior to their decision to make sure they understand the important promise they are making to God and to the church. While this will be a set time for youth to consider this opportunity, they are also welcome to speak to the youth pastor, Rev. Deana Ferguson , at any time in their spiritual journey to discern their next steps in faith.
LinC examines the latest music, movies, news, and current events through a biblical lens. LinC challenges our youth to think about their faith and beliefs. With the immediacy of on-line technology and an interactive approach, LinC provides relevant information about current issues that have immediate impact on youth. Through this curriculum, we are able to encourage youth to live into their culture while being rooted in faith.