April 11, 2010
Confirmation Sunday
- Revelation 1:4-8
- Ruth Moore
The 11 young people who are being confirmed today (at the 11:00 service) have been meeting together every Sunday morning since the beginning of the year. They have explored together what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a Presbyterian, and what it means to be a member of a church. And today they are helping in worship and sharing their faith statements. They shared their faith statements with the session and their parents and their mentors. Their faith stories moved us all – they are very impressive.
On this first Sunday after Easter we hear again in our scriptures who Jesus was, is and will be. We hear the proclamation of the Easter Gospel – Jesus died on the cross, was raised from the dead, and because of his sacrifice we are no longer slaves to sin and death – we are a forgiven and freed people who believe in Jesus – the Alpha and Omega – the beginning and end – the God who is always with us.
You will hear some of these same words from our confirmands. But you will also hear some questioning, some doubts, some boredom, some confusion, and some soul searching. The journey of faith is not straight and narrow – it always involves twists and turns, belief and unbelief. The disciples wanted to share the good news of the gospel with others – it was too miraculous to keep to themselves. They were witnesses to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and they wanted to teach and share that power and promise with others.
And today we get to hear about those promises from Christ’s newest disciples in the faith.
Each confirmand has written a faith statement. Their mentors and Julie Shannon helped them, but these are their own words and their own beliefs.
(9:00 am – at this service we will hear the faith statements of Gabe Boris, Michael Schmahl, Amy Skeels and Ian Clarke.)
(11:00 am – and this service we will hear the faith statements of Sarah Keesling, Zach Yohn, Jack Dynes and Morgan Boone.)
I want to thank all of the confirmands for helping in worship today. Some of them (9 am - will participate) (11 am – participated) in both services so they get extra credit!
As we gather to answer the questions for new members in the faith and as we celebrate with Sarah her baptism in the faith, I just wanted to say to all of you…You are now old enough, you’ve finished the class, you have faith and you have questions. You have a church that loves you and will walk this path of faith with you. You have the love of a God that is calling your name and asking you to follow. Good and faithful servants you are now ready to confirm the promises of faith and so I invite all the confirmands to join me on the steps.