THE FOUNDATIONS COURSE
A City of Light Disciple-Making Course
A 4-week course exploring the foundational beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. There will be a student track and an adult track. Foundations is open to anyone who wants to go deeper in their life in God, who is new to City of Light, or new to being a Christian.
Participants commit to be present at each session, engage with study resources and prayer outside of the course sessions, participate in Holy Week, and for those wanting to explore baptism or become a confirmed/member, meet with a pastor to complete the course.*
Sundays, 1-3pm, February 25 - March 17
Location TBD
Childcare options available
$30 per person
*After completing this course, participants will have the option to be baptized (or for parents, to baptize their children) or to become a confirmed/member.
February 25: The Story of God
March 3: Belief in God
March 10: Life in the Church
March 17: Mission in the World
March 24 - March 31: Worship through Holy Week
April 28: Next Confirmation Service
— 10am Youth Confirmation
— 1:30pm Adult Confirmation/Membership
At City of Light, Disciple-making courses are short term, intensive, and Lord willing, transformational. They include both a teaching/discussion component and a practice/homework component. The assignments for this course will include:
A small registration fee of $30 will cover the cost of course materials (financial assistance may be available upon request). We are planning to offer childcare, details forthcoming.
Please reach out to course@cityoflightanglican.org with any other questions!
IT’S ALL ABOUT MISSION
For adults, the ancient practice of confirmation roots us in both our local church, City of Light, and the global and historic church and releases us in ministry. It’s about MISSION. It is a blessing and anointing of every believer in the priesthood of all believers to give their life to the kingdom of God through the church. Through preparation, prayer, and the “laying on of hands” followers of Jesus are equipped and empowered to serve according to their gifts and callings.
IT’S ALL ABOUT MATURITY
In addition to the meaning of adult confirmation, youth confirmation serves as a rite of passage for those maturing in their faith. For youth, confirmation is a coming of age rite that invites them to receive their baptism as an adult and join in the mission of the church. It’s about MATURITY. If you were baptized when you were younger, whether infant or older, and entering adulthood want to publicly receive your baptism and confess your faith, confirmation is for you.
What is confirmation for youth?
Confirmation is a Christian rite of passage whereby a student says, “Yes!” to promises made on their behalf when they were baptized. The word “confirmation” actually means “strengthening.” During confirmation, our bishop prays over each student for a special strengthening in the Holy Spirit as they live out their unique role in the Kingdom of God.
How do I know my child is ready for confirmation?
This is a great question because the confirmation process best serves students who desire to be confirmed for the building up of their life in God, not simply because they’ve reached the appropriate age or their friends are doing it. We’re happy to have students who are on the fence go through the process as a means of figuring it out, but we want the final decision to be something they own for themselves. If your student knows what confirmation is about and desires to receive this sacrament, then we think they’re ready!
What is confirmation for adults?
Confirmation is a rite by which we are strengthened in the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17). We are joined to a particular church body by receiving the laying on of hands by a bishop who represents the church. While not a sacrament in the same way as baptism and the eucharist, because it is not explicitly commanded by Jesus, confirmation is still a means by which we receive grace from God’s loving hands.
Does being confirmed mean that I’m committing to only be a part of an Anglican church or to be officially Anglican?
Not necessarily. The point of confirmation is connecting you to the broader church throughout history and the world. Our part of that is the Anglican church, but confirmation is something for the entire church and connects us to the entire family tree through our Anglican branch on the family tree.
What am I committing to?
At City of Light, the confirmed/members are the primary ministers of the church, doing the work of ministry to build up the body of Jesus. Confirmation is a way to be “all in” in the church. It’s committing or recommitting our lives to following Jesus and being commissioned for ministry in the church for the world. Confirmed/Members sign a commitment to our calling, the creeds, and working for unity.
What if I’ve been confirmed in another tradition (Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, etc.)?
Then your confirmation can be received into our Anglican church family. You don’t need to be confirmed again, but we’d love to pray for you at our Confirmation service.
What if I’ve been away from the Lord and the church and want to publicly return to Jesus and his church?
Reaffirming your confirmation is the perfect way to return to your identity in Christ. Join the Foundations Course to prepare to reaffirm your faith.
What if I’m already an adult member at City of Light but want to be confirmed?
Reach out to Pastor Trevor! If it’s been a while since you’ve become a member, going through the new Foundations Course may be a great opportunity. Or you may be eligible to forego some or all of the course and be able to be confirmed on April 28.
Still have other questions? That’s ok! Contact trevor@cityoflightanglican.org.
