Confirmation, the confirming of the vows made at baptism, is for those persons in eighth grade or older. It is an experience of learning, service, fellowship and growing in faith.  Baptism is that point where parents of a child say "yes" to God and the church on behalf of their child. Confirmation is when the child says "yes" for themselves.  

It does not mark an ending, but a beginning of one's life in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a yearlong program. 

The ministry consists of a mentoring relationship with an adult as together the Gospel of Luke is studied. The group meets as a whole on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. The sessions cover church history, Bible overview, use of scripture/reason/experience/tradition in understanding life and making life decisions. The classes also include the official confirmation game, PITT, with our own blessed card shuffler and Bible Trivia pursuit each week. We end each session by praying for each other.  

For more info contact the pastor at 715.342.0907 or by emailing him at hhintzman@wisconsinumc.org  

Here is what people have to say about their confirmation experience:

I feel blessed to have been a part of the confirmation process in the life of a young person.  Mentoring was a wonderful experience giving me the opportunity to grow in my faith as I prepared for the confirmation sessions as well as enjoying the time I spent with Jordan in discussion and working together to try to address her questions.  Shirley Skillman

Mentoring was both a rewarding and learning experience.  Building a relationship with my Confirmand and sharing her journey through the confirmation process has renewed my understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Thanks, Patti

Serving as a Confirmation mentor was a privilege. Sharing our faith journeys  made for unique bonding. I grew, and hopefully she felt affirmed as she celebrated God's presence in her life. We share the same spiritual gifts...so that gave us an even greater connectedness. Praying together, studying the Word, sharing artwork, and just knowing that we were an important part of the body of Christ, part of the family of believers was good. May God continue to bless this ministry.  Nea Miller

It was a great experience for me. I enjoyed getting to know other people my age while also getting closer to God.  

2009-10CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE  

September
         16      Meet with Howard – Eric Taylor, Mentor
         23      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
         30      Meet with Howard for Fun Night

October – Burns family to arrange church visit
          7     Meet with Howard – Jim Miller, Mentor
          14      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          21      Meet with Howard – Ralph Neale, Mentor
          28      No Disciples Night (Teacher’s Convention)  

November – Felt family to arrange church visit (Avoid November 29)
          4     Meet with Howard – Gini Wurtzel, Mentor
          11      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          18      Meet with Howard – Don Geiger, Mentor
          25      No Disciples Night – 7:00 Thanksgiving Worship  

December – Wendt family to arrange church visit
          2      Meet with Howard – Mary Schultz, Mentor
          9      Holiday Basket Shopping
          16      Meet with Howard – Andy Felt, Mentor
          23      No Disciples Night (Christmas Break)
          30      No Disciples Night (Christmas Break)  

January – Beshire and Bernsteen families to arrange church visit
          6     Meet with Howard – Michael Hurst, Mentor
          13      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          20      Meet with Howard – Nea Miller, Mentor
          27      Meet with Mentors  

February – Flanders and Schneeberg families to arrange church visit
          3     Meet with Howard – Dennis Yockers, Mentor
          10      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          17      Meet with Howard – Gini Wurtzel, Mentor
          24      Meet with Mentors  

March – Hansen family to arrange church visit (Please check with Laura before arranging visit)
          3      Meet with Howard – Eric Taylor, Mentor
          10      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          17      Meet with Howard – Michael Hurst, Mentor
          24      Meet with Mentors 
          31      No Disciples Night (Spring Break)  

April – Bechtold family to arrange church visit
          7     Meet with Howard – Andy Felt, Mentor
          14      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          21      Meet with Howard – Nea Miller, Mentor
          28      Meet with Mentors  

May – Neale family to arrange church visit
          5      Meet with Howard – Dennis Yockers, Mentor
          12      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard
          19      Meet with Howard (Last Disciples Diner) – Jim Miller, Mentor
          26      Meet with Mentors – Parents meet with Howard

June  2      Meet with Howard, All Mentors
          6      Confirmation Sunday  

Note:  Because of various times when the 4^th Wednesday is part of a holiday, it is up to the students and their mentors as to when they want to meet.  

Church Visits:  Please let Yvonne know as soon as you have the church visit arranged…try to have it arranged by the end of the month before.  If you need to switch your church visit month, after you have arranged to switch with another family let Yvonne know so we know who is responsible for each month.  

Mentors:   If you need to switch the Wednesday you are helping Howard, please let Yvonne know who you are switching with so we know it is covered.  

Yvonne Chojnacki, stplschojnacki@wisconsinumc.org, 344-3557 (church) or 341-7601 (home)

Confirmation Students 09-10
Jordan Bechtold
Preston Bernsteen
Paul Beshire
Jacob Burns
Craig Felt
Claudia Flanders
Jordan Hansen
Bennett Neale
Ali Schneeberg
Allison Wendt                                            

Mentors                                               Phone Number
Don Geiger                                                 340-0637
Michael Hurst                                              592-4478
Dennis Yockers                                           345-0555
Jim Miller                                                   344-0157
Eric Taylor                                                  341-8751
Mary Schultz                                               345-1438
Andy Felt                                                   343-9142
Ralph Neale                                                536-8335
Nea Miller                                                  344-0157
Gini Wurtzel                                               343-2776