Life in Community - Part 2
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19
Every now and then I hear the question, “Why is our confirmation class three years long – why are there so many requirements?” It is a fair question. In today’s world, when people’s schedules are so full and lives are so stressful, why do we require more? I struggle with this constantly. I see frazzled families and know that our programs are adding to an already hectic lifestyle. My answer is that building community takes time. The purpose of having a confirmation class is not only to teach the youth the important beliefs of the Christian faith, but to help them connect to the community of believers. It takes time and energy to make this connection, and I see that as my number one responsibility as Youth and Family Minister. During our confirmation class time, we spend time exploring the basic beliefs of the Christian church in the Lutheran tradition. The lessons are founded in scripture. I am amazed at the increasing level of biblical interest and understanding that is exhibited by our youth. The concepts are presented in a variety of ways to help the youth connect to the material. We have adult guides, who are leading, but also learning alongside the youth to demonstrate that learning and growing in faith is a lifetime endeavor. We ask the youth to help as worship assistants. This opportunity gives them the experience of learning about worship from many angles, and it gives the congregation the opportunity to meet our youth and see them as responsible leaders. The youth are also required to turn in worship outlines where they summarize their worship experience. It has been my pleasure to read these outlines and to see the youth grow in their ability to connect to the worship experience and to think beyond what they hear in the scripture and sermon. We ask the youth to participate in church and community service to help them understand that living the Christian faith happens daily inside and outside of worship and the Holy Trinity Church building. We provide servant events so that the youth learn that service is something we do, not only as individuals, but as a community as well. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul sends the message that we are adopted into God’s family and into the community of faith. Our former identities matter no longer because we are claimed by Christ in the waters of baptism. It is our responsibility, as members of the Body of Christ, to welcome each other, bear with one another, and encourage each other’s gifts. This doesn’t happen in a short amount of time. It takes time and energy. In our present time where angry young men, who are disconnected “loners”, commit violent acts against a world that seems to them unwelcoming, it is absolutely vital that we make every effort that we can to adopt and welcome our young people. Thank you for your commitment to do just that. In Christ, Sara
Every now and then I hear the question, “Why is our confirmation class three years long – why are there so many requirements?” It is a fair question. In today’s world, when people’s schedules are so full and lives are so stressful, why do we require more? I struggle with this constantly. I see frazzled families and know that our programs are adding to an already hectic lifestyle. My answer is that building community takes time. The purpose of having a confirmation class is not only to teach the youth the important beliefs of the Christian faith, but to help them connect to the community of believers. It takes time and energy to make this connection, and I see that as my number one responsibility as Youth and Family Minister. During our confirmation class time, we spend time exploring the basic beliefs of the Christian church in the Lutheran tradition. The lessons are founded in scripture. I am amazed at the increasing level of biblical interest and understanding that is exhibited by our youth. The concepts are presented in a variety of ways to help the youth connect to the material. We have adult guides, who are leading, but also learning alongside the youth to demonstrate that learning and growing in faith is a lifetime endeavor. We ask the youth to help as worship assistants. This opportunity gives them the experience of learning about worship from many angles, and it gives the congregation the opportunity to meet our youth and see them as responsible leaders. The youth are also required to turn in worship outlines where they summarize their worship experience. It has been my pleasure to read these outlines and to see the youth grow in their ability to connect to the worship experience and to think beyond what they hear in the scripture and sermon. We ask the youth to participate in church and community service to help them understand that living the Christian faith happens daily inside and outside of worship and the Holy Trinity Church building. We provide servant events so that the youth learn that service is something we do, not only as individuals, but as a community as well. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul sends the message that we are adopted into God’s family and into the community of faith. Our former identities matter no longer because we are claimed by Christ in the waters of baptism. It is our responsibility, as members of the Body of Christ, to welcome each other, bear with one another, and encourage each other’s gifts. This doesn’t happen in a short amount of time. It takes time and energy. In our present time where angry young men, who are disconnected “loners”, commit violent acts against a world that seems to them unwelcoming, it is absolutely vital that we make every effort that we can to adopt and welcome our young people. Thank you for your commitment to do just that. In Christ, Sara
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