Beyond the Pulpit 5.16.26

Good Morning Crozet UMC,

Today is going to be such an amazing day! We will celebrate some of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our young people. At both services we will celebrate graduates and welcome new members. At 10AM, all are invited to an informal celebratory breakfast where we can congratulate our graduates and new members, and fellowship with one another.

Not only have I been working on preparing for today’s worship service in recent weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching this year’s confirmation class of 19 students in 6th – 12th grades! We’ve studied the history of the UMC, our basic tenants of faith, worship and the sacraments, United Methodist organization and principles, and of course our Mission & Vision as United Methodists. As we neared the end of our time together, we reviewed again the historic vows of faith that we each make when we commit to be Christ followers. In recent weeks, each confirmation student, and their family, met with me to discuss their decision about confirmation and their next steps on their journey of faith.

I am beyond thrilled to share that ALL NINETEEN youth have chosen to profess their faith in Christ today and join Crozet UMC! What’s even better, we will also welcome three sets of parents as new members too!

One of my favorite Confirmation activities is to have the students work together in much the same way as the leaders of the early church once did, through conversation, reflection, and shared faith, to give voice to what they believe as faithful Christians. Together, these students have written a creed that expresses their understanding of God, the Church, and the Christian life. Today, they offer this creed as a gift to our church family.

I hope you will be present for worship this morning and join these young disciples as they lead us in this profession of faith.