Onward Bound
We feel it is important for young people to work on developing their faith in such a way that it will become a solid resource for coping with the challenges of life, during the teenage years and, ultimately, for the rest of their lives. The goal of our Junior High Ministry is to build these resources and, in the process, make Disciples for Christ.
There are many ways that the Church community teaches its members how to be disciples. Exploring how the Bible, worship, God and the Church relate to our day-to-day lives to name a few. “Claim The Name”, The United Methodist Confirmation curriculum helps us do this. Another way is through creating strong relationships with other young people and adults in the church. Our involvement with PADS, Bridge Communities, and the United Church of Rogers Park provides opportunities to witness for ourselves God’s presence in the world.
Church relationships are different from our other friendships because the tie that binds us together as a Church community is the spirit of God. Our students live in different towns, cities and villages, but attend the same church. The friends they meet at church are friends who will last a life time.
“Onward Bound” seeks to help our young people accomplish these goals through a combination of fellowship time, service opportunities, small group work and recreation. We feel it is not just important, but necessary, that our young people take time out of their busy lives to work on their faith by attending Wednesday evening confirmation classes. It takes time and effort and intention to build relationships and make disciples for Christ.
Responsibility of Parents
Please think seriously about enrolling your son or daughter in “Onward Bound” this year and, with him or her, make a commitment to work on your faith. As parents, you are a crucial part of your child’s journey. Opportunities for parents to help: be a driver for an occasional field trip; coordinate the acolyte schedule and parents to help with the acolytes on Sunday mornings; teach a section of the confirmation class. Most importantly, have your child at Onward Bound every Sunday morning and be positive and supportive about our Church and the Onward Bound program.
Expectations for 7th and 8th Graders
Confirmation is important! There are expectations for our youth as they gather each Wednesday evening for Onward Bound.
- Attend Onward Bound each Wednesday evening.
- Complete a weekly classroom assignment and keep in your confirmation binder
- Be ready to listen and contribute to the class discussion
- Show respect for yourself, other students, teachers, and shepherds.
- Try your best
- Participate in two short term service activities (such as PADS, serve dinner at a homeless shelter, or other community service)
- Participate in one long term service activities (Sing in the Connection Choir or serve as an Acolyte).
The Connection Choir
The Connection Choir offers service to the Church community by sharing in some of the Sunday morning worship services, the Ash Wednesday Worship Service and through the Spring Cantata.
Acolyte
Acolytes process in with the ministers at the beginning of Worship, light the altar candles, sit on the pews to the sides of the altar, extinguish the candles at the end of Worship and recess out with the ministers following Worship. There is a training session and they will be able to choose 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. services. They will acolyte approximately 4 times during the year and may choose a partner with whom to acolyte.
Onward Bound Fees
The fees for “Onward Bound” are $120 per year. This covers the Wednesday evening dinners and a small subsidy for materials. The remainder of the program expenses are supported by the Church through the Education Work Area. Payment should be payable to the First United Methodist Church and brought to the Registration Session.
Confirmation Sunday
Eighth graders will be confirmed at the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, April 29 2012.
