October is a an interesting month, isn’t it? Now that Summer has passed and Fall has arrived, so have the weeks of craziness that mark the transition from harried summer schedules to the more steady rhythm of October. Teachers, kids, grandkids and their parents are following the even cadence of the school week. Work schedules seem less disrupted by vacations, additions, and departures. The world of entertainment is more steady, with weekly football games and weekly programming well underway.
In a way, it’s the same for the church. Most of us are well into our Fall programming (as it is) and for those of us who follow the narrative lectionary, we are working our way through Genesis, Exodus and the stories of the people of Israel. Sunday attendance has stabilized after the yearly fluctuations of summer. Things such as these provide some affirmation of God’s presence and blessing.
Of course, there is change, or potential change, at hand which threaten to disrupt things. There is a consequential election coming in November, and I think we all expect political tensions to continue to rise. But there is also a change coming up in which we all can rejoice.
Our three confirmands — Amelia, Henry, and Kirby — will affirm their baptisms during the Rite of Confirmation on Sunday, October 27 during 9;30 am. I have been blessed to walk with these three remarkable young people as they have explored our shared faith in God through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit for the past three years. We’ve taken some great learning and service trips to Camp Onomia, Memphis, Pastor Karsten’s cabin, and the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We’ve spent part of that time with other youth from Our Redeemer as well as about a dozen congregations in the Saint Paul Area Synod through Deep Dive. We’ve all grown in understanding and faith — me included.
Confirmation truly is an affirmation of baptism — a time to claim responsibility for the promises which their parents, sponsors, loved ones, and congregation made on their behalf when they were young. It’s also a big change, for it signals our affirmation that each of them are invited to assume full adult membership in the congregation, with the right to vote on important matters and contribute in significant ways.
As part of our final preparation for Confirmation, we’ll be reviewing some of the lessons learned from the ELCA Youth Gathering this summer during education. I sincerely invite all of you to join us on October 6 and October 20 at 11 am to wonder and learn together. It is one way you can affirm their journey in the process.
Then please join us on Sunday, October 27 as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday during worship at 9:30 am. There will be further opportunity to celebrate and affirm this time of change immediately after.
Pax,
Pastor Scott