Confirmation is at the heart of our Middle School youth ministry for students in 7th and 8th grades. It is the process by which our 7th and 8th graders prepare to affirm their baptisms and become adult members of the church. The four key components of the program are:
Active participation in weekly worship
Sunday morning small groups
Monthly “Family Group” meetings where small groups of families meet together for fun and faith formation
Monthly “Clergy Group” meetings where students meet with the pastors
We welcome all of our middle school students to participate, regardless of whether they have been part of our confirmation program in the past. Parents of 7th and 8th grade students will recieve an email from Pastor Kelsey. New students are always welcome to participate in confirmation and are welcome to join at any time during the program. If you are new to the congregation or didn’t receive the email, please contact Rev Kelsey Kresse, Pastor for Youth and College.
October 2021
Spring 22
Upcoming Events
Sundays from September 13 - October 19 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.
Ninth graders will start the year off on Sunday mornings with Pastor Kelsey getting ready for their confirmation service on Sunday, October 25. They will share breakfast, build relationships and talk about what it means to be confirmed. All current 9th graders are encouraged to attend, regardless of if they have previously participated in confirmation activities. Register for 9th grade Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College-Age Ministry.
Sunday, September 13 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.
Continuing Every Sunday
During the Sunday morning education time, confirmation students are in small groups learning about faith and life. All current 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to participate, regardless of if they have done confirmation previously. Register your student for Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College Age Ministry.
7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Kick-Off Picnic
September 13 5:00-7:00 p.m.
We are SO EXCITED to gather for our annual Confirmation Family Picnic and kick Off! We need your help! Please sign up for a helping slot and also sign up for what you are bringing to share! The church will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and buns. Thank you and we'll see you on the 13th!
questions? email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net
6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.
September 20-21 2026
Mar Lu Ridge, Jefferson, MD
Join us at Mar-Lu-Ridge for our Confirmation Retreat. We’ll get started on Sunday morning at Mar-Lu-Ridge at 11:00a.m. for worship. Confirmand families are encouraged to worship with us and then join us for lunch in the dining hall. All family members MUST register for lunch here. After lunch, families will depart and Confirmands will continue overnight into Monday(FCPS is off for Yom Kippur)). The retreat will finish up at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. We will gather for relationship building, scripture study, outdoor adventures, great meals and lots of fun! A packing list will go out to registered participants as we get closer to the retreat! If the cost is a barrier, reach out to Pastor Kelsey . Scholarships are available.
Confirmation Retreat Family Lunch
September 20th following 11:00 a.m. worship service
Join the Confirmands and their families for lunch following worship on Sunday September 20th at Mar-Lu-Ridge. No need to register the confirmation student but please register each family member staying for lunch separately.
6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.
6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.
6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.
Fields of Fear at Cox Farms
7th-12th grade
October 11, 2026
Meet at church at 6:30p.m. for carpool
Join us for our annual trip to Cox Farms for the spooky and scary “Fields of Fear.” Please RSVP to let us you’re you’re coming by buying this free “item.” All participants, adult chaperones included, will need to purchase their own tickets at fieldsoffear.coxfarmsva.com.