This might but the best lesson we have this whole class!  Ok, maybe not, but it’s a lot of fun!  This is the place where we figure out how to USE all this information we have been learning.  Let’s face it; learning is useless without a way to use it.  So, here’s how…

            When you stand in front of the church on Confirmation Sunday, your pastor will ask you if you agree to do certain things, and as a class you agree to do it.  One of the vows (a vow is something you promise to do) is worded like this, “will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?”     If you were asked that right now, do you think you’d know what it means?  Would you know what you are agreeing to?

             Well, I am going to walk you through it.  First your prayers, ok?  Click on the link to read the definition of the word relationship.  What do you think it means to be in a relationship with God?

            Jesus also knew the importance of prayer.  In the story in Mark 1:32-39, what do you think Jesus was doing before and after His time alone with God?

            Prayer doesn’t just help strengthen your relationship with God.  Here is a question for you…who do you pray for more?  Yourself or others? ****  Your prayers for others can help their relationship with you, with God, and with others in their lives.  Look at Colossians 1:1-12.  This is an example of intercessory prayer (prayer for others).  Why is this so important?

            You need to pray to God every day.  For yourself, your family and friends your church…for everyone in the world.  Prayer works.  Honest!

            Ok, now onto presence.  Joining a church (which is what you do through confirmation) is like joining anything else, in some respects.  You wouldn’t join a basketball team or dance company and only show up one practice per year, right?  What would happen if you only went to school every other month for a few hours?  Would you learn anything?  Would you be any good to your team?  Probably not. 

            Read Hebrews 10:24-25.  Why does this verse say it is important to meet with other believers?

            If you join a church and only participate in its ministries once every few months, how will your relationship with God grow?  Or your relationship with the church members?  The church, as we talked about before, is like a body.  If one of our parts I missing, it is hard to function.  So, take this vow seriously, please.  It really does mean, I vows to show up and be a part of this family of faith! Name two ways you can be an active member through your presence

            So, onto gifts.  Does this mean bring Kelly stuff on her birthday?  YES!  J  No, ok, not really.  By gifts, we mean a few things.  Gifts, simply put, is what you possess.  Resources.  Not always money, but that is where we are going to start.  What does Matthew 6:24 say about money? Where do you spend most of your money?   What does that say about what is important to you?

            The Old Testament gives the outline of 10% of your money should go to the church.  (in other words for every $10 you make, $1 goes to the church).  The church runs on the money given by its members.  So everything, from electrical bills to staff salaries, from bulletins to carpeting, is paid for by the members together.  But, giving offering is not about the amount you give, it is about a commitment to God, and giving Him back a small portion of what He has given us.  The story in Luke 21:1-4 talks about giving.  According to Jesus, what principle of giving is found in the widow’s example?

            Ok, so on to service.  Read Mark 10:42-45.  What value is Jesus teaching the disciples?

            Have you ever taken a personality test?  Or a career test?  Or any test where they tell you what you are good at, or what you should be when you grow up?  Well, here is what we are going to do.  Click this link, and take this quiz. 
It is a little long, but just answer it the best you can.  You should probably do this with a parent or friend, someone who knows you and  can help you with the questions you are not sure about.   After you are done, copy the url into this box so Your teachers can view your answers.  They will help you to make it make sense.

            After you have taken the test Pastor Bob and Denise can help you to find places you can plug into in the church,
so you can use your gifts and services in the best way to make the most of what God has given you! 

            Ok, almost done!  One more week, and a one on one meeting, and you are done! 

            Don’t forget your name in the box before you hit submit!!