The United Methodist connection was lived out as as the youth and leaders gathered in fun, fellowship and faith for Confirmation Retreats at at Storm Mountain Center in the Black Hills and Lake Poinsett Retreat Center in the northeast corner of South Dakota.

Confirmation retreat at Storm Mountain

"The 2015 Confirmation Retreat was a great success!!  We had six churches participate this year - Harrold, Highmore, Pierre First, Prairie View, Rapid City First, and Spearfish First. In total the retreat had 35 Youth and 11 adults,"   said Pastor John Britt, Rapid City First UMC.

The focus of the retreat was learning about the sacraments of baptism and communion and also about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral - which covers scripture, experience, tradition, and reason. Each confirmand made  a stole and began writing a  personal creeds.  In addition, the group enjoyed several worship times, played lots of games, and made many new friends. Photo courtesy John Britt, Rapid City First UMC: A confirmation class having fun at Storm Mountain Center.

One of the highlights of the retreat was making our stoles.  Each stole is a representation of each confirmant's learning and is an artistic statement of faith.  Another highlight was the great teaching and learning offered by our diverse group of presenters: Pastor Scott McKirdy, Spearfish UMC, Pastor Kori Lehrkamp, Highmore / Harold / Blunt UMC, Pastor Peggy Stempson, Pierre First UMC and Pastor John Britt, Rapid City First UMC. Each of the pastors took turns presenting to the youth.

The time learning and development of faith helped those attending better define who they are in Christ.  Lots of connections were made among all that were involved in the retreat.

Confirmation retreat at Lake Poinsett

The first weekend in November, the confirmation students and leaders from Asbury UMC went to the Lake Poinsett Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center for a Fall Confirmation Retreat. Thirteen youth from Asbury and were joined by the Confirmation group from The First United Methodist Church of Vermillion. The total number of youth attending was 18 youth.

The youth learned about John Wesley and the origins of the Methodist Church by playing a John Wesley board game. The youth spent time discussing social justice concerns they see in the world today as they explored the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. 

The 9th grade Confirmation students from Asbury UMC prepared for their upcoming Confirmation Sunday which will be January 31, 2016. They began designing stoles that will be presented to them on that Sunday symbolizing their commitment to as service to God.

"While on retreat we enjoyed renewing and building friendships, laughing, learning, eating, and singing, " said Adam Davenport, Director of Youth and Adult Ministry at Asbury. "I feel that our evening worship on Friday was a highlight." Photo courtesy of Russ Stone, Vermillion First UMC: Confirmation youth engaged in an exercise at Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center.

Everyone gathered after a night hike at the lake-side chapel around a blazing campfire. the group concluded time together by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. "

I enjoyed watching the youth lead our different worship experiences during the retreat. It is exciting to see young men and women enthusiastic about their faith and becoming leaders," stated Davenport. "I believe the biggest impact was gathering together with young men and women from different churches. The youth from different locations gelled as a group quickly. It was exciting to watch them learn, play and interact with one another."  Photo courtesy of Russ Stone, Vermillion First UMC:  Confirmation youth wearing stoles they created at Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center.