Our Book of Order, the constitution of our denomination, says that, "The baptism of our young children witnesses to the truth that God claims people in love even before they are able to respond in faith." At the worship service baptizing infants or young children, we, the congregation are asked to affirm that we will guide and nurture the children "by word and deed, with love and prayer," and that we will encourage them to "know and follow Christ and to be faithful members of His church."
We have done that, and we have a class of 7th graders who have been taking a confirmation class since the start of Lent. "Confirmation" is the opportunity for a person baptized as an infant or young child to speak for themselves about their faith, to say what they believe before this nurturing and caring congregation, and to join the church as full members. This ceremony "confirms" the baptism.
On Sunday, April 21 at the 11:00 worship service these young people will be confirmed before the gathered community of this congregation. Come and support them on this joyous day.
--Chas
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