Confirmation Week Three
Welcome!
You guys have done great so far. I hope what we’re learning together is helping you better understand your place in God’s church. Did you know you are a saint? Yea, you’re not just confirWOMEN, but you are saints of God. What does the word saint mean to you?
This week, we’re focusing on three topics: Saints, Ministry and Baptism.
This week’s reflection work
We only have one video this week. Take time to watch it and take 3 minutes to write any thoughts you have afterward in your notebook. Write down something that stood out to you. You could also think about what if you had to explain this to a 5-year-old Kelsey Kid. What would you tell them?
The video
One question
How’s your writing coming along? Taking time to write on a regular basis is something many, many Christians have done as a way to grow stronger in their faith. It sounds strange, but doing so teaches our minds to remember important things about our day and what we are feeling.
This week, I’d like you to contact your mentor. Ask them to name 1-2 people that have been important in their life of faith. Ask them what made those people so important. Write about why you think your mentor still remembers them.
Have you been baptized?
We’re also going to talk about baptism this week. As a way to get ready for that, take time to go over this next section. Whenever anyone gets baptized and/or joins the church, there are several questions they need to answer in front of the entire church. The entire ceremony is printed in our hymnals. We’ll look at that this weekend.
For now, notice the questions we ask everyone. Why do you think they are important to ask? Why don’t we just baptize someone quickly and move on?
.
.
.
.
.
The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors and those candidates who can answer for themselves:
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
5 The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors of candidates not able to answer for themselves:
Will you nurture these children (persons)
in Christ’s holy Church,
that by your teaching and example they may be guided
to accept God’s grace for themselves,
to profess their faith openly,
and to lead a Christian life?
I will.
6 The pastor addresses candidates who can answer for themselves:
According to the grace given to you,
will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy Church
and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world?
I will.
7 The pastor addresses the sponsors:
Will you who sponsor these candidates
support and encourage them in their Christian life?
I will.
.
.
.
.
.
As members of Christ’s universal Church,
will you be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church,
and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
I will.
As members of this congregation,
will you faithfully participate in its ministries
by your prayers, your presence,
your gifts, your service
and your witness?
I will.
Let’s pray: Holy God, thank you for blessing our lives with people who love us and show us how to love Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, continue to deepen our faith and understanding. Teach us to listen to your word and look for your inspiration. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.