Why do we have two sacraments, rather than seven? Which
version of the Bible is the “best” one? Why do we worship on Sunday? What does
it mean to be “spiritual”? How could Jesus be both fully human and fully
divine? If everyone else does something, does that make it right? What do we
mean when we speak of “eternal life”?
These are just some of the questions we deal with each
year in the Confirmation Class. The class, which Mary Langley and I teach, is
not about facts and figures, it is about helping the students explore their
faith. We want the young women and men of our Confirmation Class to learn the
importance of asking questions. We want them to learn that asking questions is
part of vital faith.
Self-assurance is often fragile and fleeting in the
middle school and high school years. We want our young people to understand
that God walks with them, even – and especially - when the road they are
walking is a difficult one. We want them to feel God’s presence in their lives.
Confirmation Sunday, which this year falls on May 15th,
is always a bittersweet day, as our Confirmands stand before our congregation
to make their public profession of faith, answering “I do” in response to my
question, “Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior,
trusting in his grace and love?” and “I will” in response to my question, “Will
you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?”
Our Confirmands also become members of the church,
responding, “I will” to my question, “Will you be a faithful member of this
congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts,
your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciples of Jesus
Christ?” As members they are eligible to serve as Elders and Deacons and
participate even more actively in the church than they already do.
The 9th grade year is a time of enormous
change, as young women and men begin to awaken to the unique gifts God has
graced them with, and as they begin to look at themselves no longer as
children, but as emerging adults. It is an exciting year, but also a year
filled with challenges and questions. We want our young people to draw strength
from the promise that God watches over them, “their going out and their coming
in”, God’s everlasting arms always around them.
To Hannah, Ian and Josh – it has been a joy working with
you this past year! Mrs. Langely and I are very proud of you, as we know your
parents are, too. May the Lord bless you always!
Grace & peace,
Pastor Skip
