Confirmation Day

(Apology given up front - spell check isnt working!)

I just returned from the Confirmaiton Service of 6 of my youth group from the Felsen Church. It was a lovely service and I got to speak the Blessing over them, which I was very honored to do.

Confirmation is an interesting social phenominon in Germany. Maybe it is in certain places in the US too - I have only been exposed to it here. I remember the Cincenera's (sp?) of some of my latina classmates in So Cal. It's like that here.
For most families it is more of a ritual of becoming an adult then something particularly religious. Most youth look forward to confrimation becuase they get to by thier first suit and tie or fancy dress and are given heaps of gifts.

In the end, for many youth, the cerimony which is meant to be welcoming them into the Church, ussures them out of it. After two year of Confirmation classes for over half of the youth confirmed, today will be there last contact with church, until they choose to have thier own babies baptized. As I congratulated one young woman durring the service, who comes from a very difficult and sad family, she said to me smiling sadly, "Well, good-bye then."

Christian Reich (the Paster) works hard against that, both before Confirmation and durring the service trying to remind everyone over and over again that this is about a personal relationship to God through Jesus. But it is questionable how many people really hear or remember that message.

I will try to post a picture of confirmation when I find one.

Today is sunny, with big puffy animal clouds in the sky, which always remind me of my childhood. After writing this I will spend the next few hours finishing my sermon for tomorrow. Its a weekend full of church services! Ok, just wanted to sett down on paper (screen) a little bit about Confirmation.
I do so very hope that these wonderful 6 youth will remain in the Church and in my life - I have enjoyed them very much and am excited to see the Men and Women they will become! With that I wish you all a great weekend!!

As I said to the youth today:
May God who knows you intamitly and loves you dearly, remind you every day of the Freedom you have in Christ - Freedom to be who you were created to be without worrying what others will think or giving into the social preasures, Freedom to begin each day anew with Him. May Jesus, who walks alongside you, guide you on your life's path and the Holy Spirit who lives in your hearts comfort and protect you in all things and give you Peace.

With love,
M