“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” – Ephesians 2:19
We recently had confirmation Sunday at St. Luke’s. It was a day filled with joy. We had 37 students make their profession of faith and take the vows of membership. It is always a joyful celebration when our young students take the faith for themselves. It was also a special day because this was the first time that we were able to have this celebration in worship since COVID kept us from meeting in 2020. It was a powerful day for our family of faith as we gathered to welcome our newest members.
Personally, this day was extra special for my family, as our daughter, Mary Beth, was part of the confirmation class. Our hearts were filled with joy as she professed her faith publicly and became a member of St. Luke’s. It was a blessing to witness her, along with the confirmation class, commit to sharing God’s love and bringing hope to the world.
As I stood in the sanctuary looking at the confirmation class, I was reminded of an important part of our faith. Our faith is both personal and corporate. Although our faith means so much to us as an individual, it is through others that our faith is deepened and enriched. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said “The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” We experience God through one another, and our practice of faith is strengthened by those who are on this journey with us.
It was a blessing to see the confirmation students take this step in the faith. It was also a blessing to see that they were not standing alone. That day, they were joined by the St. Luke’s youth ministry staff, the clergy, their parents and grandparents, the faith friends who had been praying for them, and a loving congregation who joined the confirmation students in renewing their commitment to support the family of faith through their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service.
We are often tempted to think that we can take the journey of faith by ourselves. The truth is, we need each other. We need the loving support of our family of faith, and we need to play an active role in supporting others. There is no greater way to love our neighbors than to be an active participant in the journey of faith with them.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
