Dear Peace Families,
Last night we had our last Confirmation gathering of the year. As our time together comes to an end, it is (as always) bittersweet—I am so happy for our students and proud of them for all the ways they’ve grown throughout the year, and I will miss our time shared together each week as well.
Because it’s been a great year! True to our mission, growing a community that nurtures a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, we’ve grown in our faith and understanding of what it means to be a Christian. We spent a lot of time studying Martin Luther’s Catechism—things such as baptism, communion, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed, etc., that he believed were essential to those in the Christian faith. We also grew together as a group and deepened our lived experience of life as a Christian community.
That said, I want to express my gratitude for our 6th-8th grade students. They’ve done a tremendous job supporting one another, being curious, asking deep questions, and engaging in their faith and community.
I also want to thank each of their parents, who have taken the time to invest in their student’s faith, continuing our conversations throughout the week, and blessing us all with consistency and care.
Additionally, I give thanks to Ryan Byers and Carter Mason, who have been exceptional leaders throughout the year. They have given selflessly of their time and energy for the benefit of our students, and they have embodied the love of God week after week.
Lastly, on Sunday our 8th grade students will affirm their baptisms during worship. In other words, they have taken to heart God’s promises to love them—unconditionally and always—and desire to take on the promises made in their baptisms for themselves. It’s a significant milestone, as it’s through this occasion that they officially become adults in the church as well. And as a congregation, it’s an opportunity for us to reaffirm our support and care for them, and to surround them in prayer as well.
Join us—it’s going to be a great day together!
Grace and Peace,
Joe
DON’T FORGET:
- There’s only three weeks left to register for VBS!
- There are still spaces available to serve at FMSC in Chanhassen tomorrow (Friday) night from 6:45-8:45pm. Send an email to [email protected] to reserve spots for you and your family, and to join the 26 of us already signed up!
Family Tip of the Week
How do you remember your baptism? At dinner one night this week, mark the sign of the cross on each family member’s forehead, and remind one other that you are a beloved child of God!