Confirmation Remains Important

A brief reflection from Pastor Michelle Oetken, Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults

Inspired.

It is an honor and a privilege to walk with our students who are in our confirmation ministry. Middle school years can be such a challenge, so I consider it a privilege that every week we get to proclaim the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Every week we get to surround these children of God with prayer and wonderful caring adults. Every year about this time we get to reflect on the powerful growth that we see in these students. It is inspiring.

This year’s class, who will be affirming their baptisms this Sunday, is able to articulate well where they experience our God. As a part of our time together each week, our small groups were able to share their highs and lows, they also share where they have seen or experienced God. It is a joy to read that this practice has become part of who they are, they have eyes to see God in action.

One of our confirmands wrote, “I have experienced God in my life in many ways, but the biggest way is through my friends and family. They are very supportive and caring, and will always be there for me.” Another wrote, “I have experienced God in my life through all of the blessings He has given to me. I feel His presence while I use my spiritual gifts of music, writing, encouragement, leadership and mercy.” Another confirmand shared, “I have mostly really felt God in my life during the hard times.”

Our confirmands are an inspiration to us all to continue to look around us with the eyes of faith to see where God is active in our lives.

This is also a class who has a strong sense of community for whom they are thankful. More than any other class with whom I have worked, these confirmands offered up their thanks for their parents, their small group leaders, this congregation, and for each other.

Some more of their thoughts:

“I would like to thank my parents for providing me my spiritual belief, love, believing in myself, and for being role models on how a Lutheran should be.”

“I would like to thank my parents for signing me up for confirmation because I don’t think that I would’ve known about it if my parents wouldn’t have told me. I would also like to thank my friends for keeping me interested in confirmation (many listed by name). Finally I would like to thank my confirmation leaders, as it has been a fun and exciting journey with them helping and leading me through it.”

“I need to thank my group leaders…I will miss confirmation.”

“A special thank you to our pastors for their leadership, kindness and personal interest towards all of us. I have been made to feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved through my extended family at Sheridan Lutheran Church.”

It is a privilege to walk with these incredible confirmands. Please join me in praying for them and encouraging them as they take another step on their journey of faith.

Confirmation Worship

These students will affirm their faith in a special worship service Sunday, April 24 at 3pm.
As a part of confirmation tradition at Sheridan, each student presents a stole and a Bible verse to the community Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30pm.

Pastor Michelle Oetken, Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults
Pastor Michelle shepherds the Wednesdays @ the Well ministry, including Confirmation.
You can follow her on Twitter: @thankfulMiMo