This confirmation resource is rooted in the life of the community called to live out the ministry of Jesus Christ. The curriculum is divided into four core sections: covenant, tradition, pilgrimage, and ministry. Each of the sections includes five practical, hands-on 60-90 minute sessions plus a "focus event," structured as a retreat centered on the theme for extended time together.

My Confirmation: A Guide for Confirmation Instruction
(revised) United Church Press, 1994

This resource is a student study book that explores the issues of faith in six parts: Bible, Basic Christian Beliefs (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Ourselves), Christian Way of life, Christian Church, Christianity in Action, Some Questions to Face. Emphasis is made on what it means to actually live a Christian life and the disciplines involved to do that (worship, prayer, action). The final part helps confirmands discern if/why they want to be confirmed. Each part contains follow-up questions for review. There is also an excellent resource section with handy charts, definitions, symbols, hymns, etc. This resource is informative, biblically based, and engaging at an age appropriate to youth.

Affirming Faith
United Church Press 1996

This confirmation resource offers seven sections: Community Life, Our History and Heritage, God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, the Church, and God’s Gifts and Our Response. Both the Student Journal and the Congregational Guide include music resources and a glossary. The Congregational Guide also has a section on planning for leaders, mentors, service projects, retreats and field trips. Based on the UCC Statement of Faith, this is designed to focus on community involvement and growth in faith as a lifelong journey. Each session includes a scripture basis, information, questions, and prayers. Both resources are laid out sequentially and the Congregational Guide has lots of ideas for engaging students personally.

Responsible Faith
Maynard Beemer, Janice Davis, Edwin Fromm, Robert Johnston
available from Wisconsin Conference-UCC ($5.00) 1981

This resource attempts to teach the historical theology of the church. Grounded in the Heidelberg Catechism and John Westerhoff’s understanding of faith as developmental, this curriculum invites young people to explore basic questions of faith, claim the faith of the church as their own, and make a commitment for participation in the life and mission of the Christian community. Sections include an Introduction, Student-Teacher Planning Process which allows the leaders and learners to design the course based on interest and learning styles, Baptism and Confirmation (4 sessions), The Human Condition (5 sessions), How God Deals with the Human Condition (7 sessions), and The Human Response (8 sessions). Originally targeted for 9th graders, each session is approximately one hour and is discussion oriented.

Making Disciples
William H. Willimon Logos Publications 1990

This resource is an excellent guide for mentors and confirmands, inviting them to reflect together on what it means to be a Christian. The two resource books are basically identical, contain 12 learning modules each addressing a particular topic and include several joint activities. Modules are: Getting to Know You, God and Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Worship, The Bible, Saints, Ministry, Baptism, Spiritual Life, Death and Dying, Church Administration, Hope and Growth. Mentor and confirmation are expected to meet on a regular basis for structured conversation (questions are provided). Some suggested activities require advance planning (i.e., attending a funeral together). It is hoped that through witness and exploration, both lives will be challenged and enriched. This resource, appropriate for any age, would augment any confirmation course of study.

Living In Grace
Augsburg Publishing

This confirmation age resource is divided into 10 categories: Baptism, Apostles Creed, Community, Worship, Lutheran Confession, Old Testament, New Testament, Ten Commandments, Communion and Prayer. Each has 5-10 week modules to explore. It comes with a Leader Guide and a Student Resource book. Categories can be selected and purchased separately. Living in Grace also offers a Series Planning Guide.

Saints and Sojourners
Augsburg Publishing

This is a Bible survey curriculum featuring 30 sessions; 15 on the Old Testament and 15 on the New Testament.

Creative Confirmation
Augsburg Publishing

This resource features three Biblically based modules: Family Matters, Bondage to Freedom and Into the World. The third section features worship, community, language of faith, mission and service. It comes with a parent book and a planning guide for teachers. This is a very flexible curriculum and can be tailored using one hour sessions for 1, 2 or 3 year plans. It is ideal for the person who would like basic material to design their own curriculum course.

The Rite of Confirmation: Moments When Faith is Strengthened
Peter R. Monkres and R. Kenneth Ostermiller
United Church Press 1995

This book is a study of confirmation; its history and practice, suggesting that we consider this a repeatable rite throughout a person’s life. Five moments of critical transition are offered: Children in encountering images of God and preparing for communion, Youth in affirming one’s baptism and membership in the church through confirmation, Younger Adults in choosing vocations and exploring independence, Adults in the confirmation of their lifestyle, relationships and spiritual direction, and Elders in moving to a mature faith, changing physical realities, retirement and aging.

Study questions accompany each chapter.

These resources could be utilized for a confirmation or new member class.

So You Are a Church Member
Robert T. Fauth
United Church Press 1995 (revised)

A small, helpful resource describing Protestantism, the United Church of Christ, what we believe and what the church can mean in terms of expectations and responsibilities for service.

You Belong: A Handbook for Church Members
Allen H. Marheine
United Church Press 1995 (revised

This short, 90-page book really packs a lot in. Sections are but 1-2 pages long with Scripture, stories, questions and reflections on what it means to belong to God and Christ’s Church in the world.

Our Christian Symbols
Freidrich Rest
Pilgrim Press 1982

Laid out in short, pictoral, sequential segments, this small book features the major symbols of the Christian Church. Includes a bibliography and index. It discusses the colors of the church season, vestments, parts of church architecture, etc. giving the meaning behind the symbol.

To Begin at the Beginning
Martin B. Copenhaver
United Church Press 1994