“Pastor’s Musings”

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.  Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

1 Corinthians 13:11-12

“This message is for Greg.  This is Dr. Van Nostrum’s office and we are calling to confirm your appointment for May 23rd at 11:00 a.m.  If you can not keep this appointment, please call our office at 724-555-1212.  Please remember to bring all insurance documents and history with you.  We look forward to seeing you then.”

We’ve all had those phone calls.  The doctor’s office calls and leaves a message on the phone verifying that you have previously set an appointment.  They are calling to confirm.

Confirm and confirmation, literally mean “to make firm,” or “with firmness.”  We make firm what has previously been agreed upon or set.  When we confirm something, we ratify and agree to our previous arrangements.

Confirmation in the local church has some roots in that very meaning.  Not only is it something that we “do,” but it is something that God blesses.  It is not simply a rite of passage, but a high moment in the life of the one who is making a firm commitment on their own to what has gone before.

The before, in this case, is baptism.  The young person who is being confirmed is making firm and agreeing to the vows that were previously made at their baptism.  They are saying, I agree with this, and I take it upon myself.  I am choosing to believe that all the grace that has been working in my life up to this point is real – I believe!

Baptism is a gift and it can never be taken away from us.  But in our Methodist belief system, Baptism is neither necessary, nor is it sufficient for our salvation.  We can be baptized, but if we don’t make firm this commitment and this faith in a Risen Savior, we jeopardize our standing.  Again, baptism guarantees nothing, it is our heart that confirms that we believe that God has created, has sustained us, and will redeem us in all things.

It was four years ago that our congregation celebrated the confirmation of young people in our church.  It has been some time since we’ve had youth old enough to confirm.  This year, we have a great group of youth who are talking about what God means in their life and will ratify and make firm the vows that were taken at their baptism.

Confirmation is a high day in the life of the church and it will be a high day in the life of those who come forward to be a part of the church and say, I believe in God, in Jesus Christ, and I believe that the Holy Spirit is working in me.

We have made firm the date of our celebration this year.  I invite you to mark Sunday, May 23rd in your calendar.  It is going to be a great day of worship and celebration.  Not only is it Pentecost, but it will be Confirmation Sunday.  It will be the day that we invite the Holy Spirit to work within our youth and move them to a life of perfection.

God, who began a good work in the lives of our youth, will be faithful to complete it.  Come and let us celebrate and reaffirm our faith as we witness the affirmation of faith of so many who we will call Christian.

In God’s Grace,

Pastor Greg

College Hill United Methodist Church

5th Avenue at 33rd Street      P.O. Box 313      Beaver Falls, PA  15010