Dear Christ Church,
This weekend will be a milestone in the spiritual journey of nearly 30 Christ Church parishioners as they experience the powerful grace of confirmation and reception.
What is confirmation?
Confirmation is a sacramental rite. It’s a ceremonial moment in the church where older teens or adults who have completed a discipleship course stand up and say, “I believe in Jesus Christ.” Confirmation is a line-in-the-sand moment when you publicly declare your trust and obedience to follow Jesus as you did in your baptism. It’s also a moment where we experience the Spirit, each of us in different ways–renewed spiritual energy, a deepening sense of call, God equipping us for a new work.
For those who have been baptized as infants, this is the moment where they say, “I receive this faith my parents and the church gave me, and I claim it as my own.” For others being received, this is the moment of saying, “I’m casting my lot in with the Anglican Communion, this worldwide and historic church, to be formed in the way of Jesus.”
Please join me in praying for these precious ones to be confirmed that they will experience an inner renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit as the bishop lays his hands over them and anoints them with holy oil.
Lastly, as a community, we are preparing to bid farewell to Herb+ and Angel Bailey, who are beginning a new role in Florida in just a few weeks. Herb+ has written a letter explaining more about this exciting development and saying goodbye to Christ Church. The Baileys are hosting an open house on June 29th, and I encourage you to drop by and visit, help pack a box, or pick up some art. We will commission Herb+, Angel, and Amara on Sunday, July 7th.
Fr. Herb, we are so grateful for your leadership among us as you’ve helped us share the good news about Jesus Christ, especially with the least, the last, and the lost.
Peace,
Matt+
PS, Don’t forget I’ll be installed as Rector this Sunday night. That service is at 5:30pm and will be followed by a backyard party.