From the Church of England website
Two new resources from Church House Publishing are reaffirming the Church's commitment to Confirmation - the point where those who have been baptised make a firm commitment to Christian discipleship.
Moving Images, Changing Lives by Sarah Brush and Phil Greig uses popular films to engage young people creatively with the themes and ideas associated with Confirmation and discipleship via a course of 11 sessions.
There are clips from more than 30 films, including Star Wars: A New Hope (where Obi Wan Kenobi faces Darth Vader in combat), Bruce Almighty, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (showing the reanimation of life on earth), Big Fish, The Miracle Maker, Notting Hill, The Matrix, Dogma, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Dolores Umbridge's speech), The Passion of the Christ and The Life of Brian. All lead to discussions, the study of Scripture, fun ice-breakers and prayer.
Moving Images, Changing Lives recommends using films which are suitable for groups of various ages: the suggestions include five Us, 13 PGs, eight 12s, six 15s and one 18 (The Passion of the Christ).
The second resource, Reconnecting with Confirmation by Pete Maidment, Susie Mapledoram with Stephen Lake, aims to equip clergy, lay church leaders, youth workers and PCCs with a deeper understanding of the origins and theology of Confirmation, and of youth culture. It includes a practical guide to creating the best possible confirmation experience for young people - from preparation to the rite itself and beyond. Included are a wide range of viewpoints from various voices in the Church including young people themselves.
As a general rule anyone who is over 10 years old and can answer for themselves could be ready for Confirmation. Courses to prepare candidates for Confirmation are organised all around the country with Confirmation services often taking place at Easter and Pentecost. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church asks God to give those being confirmed power, through the Holy Spirit, to live the life of discipleship.
Moving Images, Changing Lives: Exploring the Christian Life and Confirmation with Young People Through Film (ISBN 978 0 7151 4207 3, £19.99) and Reconnecting with Confirmation (ISBN 978 0 7151 4208 0, £14.99) are both published by Church House Publishing and are available from all good Christian booksellers or direct from www.chpublishing.co.uk.
Notes
Background information on Confirmation is available here.
Sarah Brush is Diocesan Youth Officer for Worcester and is on the board of AMAZE, the professional association of Christian Youth Workers; Phil Greig is training for the ordained ministry at Ridley College and was previously a Diocesan Youth and Children's Officer.
Pete Maidment is Adviser in Evangelism and Discipleship for Young People for the Diocese of Winchester and a youth pastor in Southampton; Susie Mapledoram is the Diocesan Youth Officer for Manchester; Stephen Lake is Sub Dean of St Albans, and will be installed as Dean of Gloucester in June 2011.