10am Confirmation Service

November 2, 2014

10:00am – 11:30am

Confirmation web

Our bishop is scheduled to be in town for our annual confirmation service on Sunday, November 2. This is an exciting time as we celebrate with many of our newer people the culmination of a journey toward and into the Anglican Communion. One of our Pastorates is even geared toward preparing folks for confirmation if they so desire.

But what is confirmation? Why do we do it? The word “confirmation” literally means to “make firm together,” which suggest that we give people the opportunity in the context of a local church to confirm the promises they made at baptism. This is how The Book of Common Prayer puts it: “To make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop” (412).

This latter bit is important. Only bishops can confirm, as they represent for us the presence of the apostolic witness to the gospel that has been handed down for generations to this present day. Being confirmed by a bishop, then, symbolizes one’s participation in the broader and historic church. But even more, we believe confirmation to be a sacramental act. Through the laying on of hands by a bishop, God is present through is Spirit in a unique way to strengthen your faith, empower you for service, and keep you in eternal life. In one sense, your confirmation is your “ordination” into ministry as the body of Christ. What a wonderful time for the entire church and a pivotal juncture in anyone’s faith journey!

If you’ve never been confirmed and would like to talk further about it, please speak with Fr. Wes or Fr. Brian.