Once our young people enter roughly seventh grade, they participate in an in-depth, two and a half year program of preparation for adulthood called Affirmation of Baptism class.
Don't worry though... this isn't your grandparent's confirmation class of memorizing Bible verses, taking quizzes or reciting catechisms! Instead, we follow the philosophy that if our students can discover how their faith intersects with the realities of twenty-first century life in a fun, exciting and relevant way, they'll continue to remain involved in Christian community throughout their lifetime. Even if your youth is a bit older but never participated in a Affirmation of Baptism class, they are more than welcome to join us!
During the school year, our Affirmation of Baptism students and parent/ guardians meet most Sundays at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. We deeply believe in intergenerational conversation at Messiah, and thus, other adults from the congregation often join our discussions!
Don't worry though... this isn't your grandparent's confirmation class of memorizing Bible verses, taking quizzes or reciting catechisms! Instead, we follow the philosophy that if our students can discover how their faith intersects with the realities of twenty-first century life in a fun, exciting and relevant way, they'll continue to remain involved in Christian community throughout their lifetime. Even if your youth is a bit older but never participated in a Affirmation of Baptism class, they are more than welcome to join us!
During the school year, our Affirmation of Baptism students and parent/ guardians meet most Sundays at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. We deeply believe in intergenerational conversation at Messiah, and thus, other adults from the congregation often join our discussions!
Following our young people's Affirmation of Baptism roughly in the fall of their freshman year of high school they graduate to Youth Group and participate in a wide variety of activities each and every single month at Messiah, many in collaboration with our interfaith partners at Congregation Gates of Heaven! Recent events have included a Haunted Hayride, Thanksgiving Basket Packing with Concerned for the Hungry, Help-Portrait Schenectady and preparation for the 2028 ELCA Youth Gathering.