Tomorrow twenty-two of our eighth graders (one's a ninth grader) will be publicly confessing tomorrow that they believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For most of them it will be confirming what took place in reality as they were baptized as infants in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit - faith was given by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ became personal Savior. This is a big day for these young people, and for their families and for those who have been praying for their growth in faith. Because of their recognized growth and maturity Our Savior also then allows and encourages their regular participation in The Lord's Supper.
Soon most of these confirmands will also be graduates of Our Savior Lutheran School. Maybe because of the chronological proximity of both events, and undoubtedly because of the challenges and temptations that the new frontier of High School presents, and maybe even because of what seems to be a growing spiritual lethargy on the part of parents ... there remains the discouraging fact that many of these children have the propensity of falling away from Jesus and from regular participation in the church.
Well, I've got high hopes for this class. They are a wonderful group of kids ... and I truly believe that with their honest commitment, the strength of Jesus, and a happening youth ministry ... they will remain faithful AND actively involved. Their creativity in some of their projects, their confirmation interviews, how I've seen the Holy Spirit working in their lives ... makes me more than hopeful for them. They also have a great group of parents to support them.
I'm truly looking forward to the Rite of Confirmation tomorrow at OSL. Please take the time to remember yours ... and the public vows you made. And along with this class, please remember ... Confirmation is NOT spelled GRADUATION.