Ministry for middle school youth is centered around our Confirmands in Action ministry, or CIA. When a child is baptized, parents and sponsors make promises on behalf of the child. As an adolescent, the baptized child is called upon to publicly affirm the promises made on his or her behalf. CIA is the name of the intentional ministry that takes adolescents on a journey of faith exploration and its relevancy to prepare them for publicly affirming their baptisms. At Epiphany, CIA is three-year process, with persons entering into confirmation concurrent with beginning the 6^th grade in school and being confirmed at the end of their 8^th grade year. CIA meets during the school year.

The mission of CIA is to assist the baptized child to identity more fully with the church and participate more deeply in our mission. The model used at Epiphany was developed by our Pastor Rick when he served in Colorado, and it has won local and national acclaim for excellence in youth ministry. CIA is not an academic approach, but rather seeks transformation through experience and relevant encounters with the scriptures, the calling of the church, and the role of disciples in today’s world. The materials are authored by Pastor Rick. Under his leadership, the youth are shepherded by teams of adults "asset-builders" who work with the youth in small group formats. The process includes a number of intentional Sunday afternoon discipleship formation sessions (about 14 each school year), weekend retreats, a week at summer camp, service to the church and world, pastoral conferences, and a full menu of fun activities under the name “MidLites.” 

Anticipated outcomes of CIA ministry

CIA Calendar 2011-12

On Sunday mornings during the school year, our middle school youth meet for fellowship and formation with CIA guides. These adult asset-builders facilitate small group discussion centered on a Gospel text. Youth engage in the Scripture and together discover what the text is saying to them right here, right now in their daily lives.

Youth gather on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Confirmation Retreat, Lutherock
June 10 - 16

In June, Epiphany middle school youth will travel to Lutherock, the ELCA's outdoor ministry facility in North Carolina, for a week of Confirmation Camp. More information will be shared about the camp at the CIA Mid-Term Gathering for Youth and Parents on Tuesday, January 17, at 7 p.m. in the worship center.

AFFIRM, Berry College
June 17 - 22

Affirm is an event of faith, fellowship, and friends sponsored by the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Affirm is for youth in grades 6 - 12, as well as for college freshmen and sophomores. Grounded in scripture, Affirm offers youth the opportunity to develop discipleship and leadership skills.

For further information, check out the ELCA Youth Ministry News.

World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta
Saturday, May 5, 12:30 - 6:30 PM

Bring a total of $26 -- $16 for admission (must have exact change) and $10 for lunch (location TBD). We'll have lunch, then travel to the World of Coca-Cola to spend the afternoon. Meet in Epiphany's lobby area at 12:30 p.m.; pickup is in the parking lot at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Paula Atkins for further information or to sign up.

 Complete the Activity Consent Form.

Check out the full 2011-12 calendar for MidLites events.