Most parents want the best for their children. They make sure they get the food, rest and medical attention they need. They arrange for them to have every opportunity to learn the lessons that will help them make the most of their particular gifts, interests and abilities. They rehearse and remind and review them on the habits of common courtesy and civility. They want them to grow up to be healthy, successful, responsible adults.
As a community of faith, we want the best for our children, too; but we know that takes more than just teaching them to be good citizens. We want them to grow into fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ and that takes the energy, attention and commitment of a congregation. Indeed, when we baptize a child, the whole congregation promises to “do all in [our] power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.”
Paul reminds his young protégé, Timothy, that, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). We have entered a season of “training for godliness” with a special group of young people. They have entered a period of preparation for confirmation.
Confirmation in the United Methodist tradition is a rite through which young people affirm the faith of the church, renew the vows of baptism, and commit to live lives of discipleship as professing members of The United Methodist Church. Class sessions, personal reflection, mentoring relationships, worship, service, field trips and retreats will be some of the experiences they will have as a part of their confirmation journey. Our hope is that this period of exploration and preparation will help them know their story, confirm their faith and live their commitment. We hope to celebrate the public profession of their faith in worship on Pentecost, Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Please pray for each of them as they enter this process of growing into spiritual champions.
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