I owe you all a huge apology. While Holy Trinity has done a lot of good things to adapt during the ever-changing circumstances that have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I have failed miserably in one area. That specific area is confirmation. I have no excuses that are worth your time or are legitimate. I have simply let you down and I apologize. I understand if you are frustrated or angry about it and I can only ask for your forgiveness. I am sorry.
Despite the current situation we are living in, faith formation for confirmation-aged youth has always difficult. Churches for decades have tried to come up with something that is “new and improved” to keep our kids in the church and faith, only to see the majority of them leave once they have the opportunity to choose for themselves. There are many theories and opinions on why this occurs but part of my prevailing theory is that as a Church we focus too much on head knowledge (are they able to repeat and recall basic information about the Bible and Jesus) but not actually ask them or demonstrate ways to practice the faith. There is a scene from the tv show “Big Bang Theory” in which Sheldon insists that he has learned how to swim. Leonard reminds him that he only learned on the internet and floor and has never actually gone swimming. I believe this similar to what we do. We insist our youth, and all of us, know basic facts without ever understanding how to put it into proper practice in our lives. (You can watch the clip by clicking HERE.)
I also understand there are other issues that faith, church and confirmation pose for individuals and families. Time is a major constraint. We all have so many activities and options to participate so that we cannot always attend “class” or make it to worship (even when worship has been online the last several months). Therefore, one thing I would like to change this year is the ability to put more of the “learning and practicing” in your own hands to do on your own time. Then when we gather (whether physically or on zoom) it will be more of a “debrief” than it is teaching.
I would like to structure confirmation on what are called the “6 Marks of Discipleship.” The idea is that people who become/are disciples of Jesus do 6 things on a regular basis. They are: Pray, Worship, Read and learn about scripture, Serve the church and the world, Give to those in need, and Encourage one another. Every month, each confirmation youth will be asked to practice each of the “6 Marks.” They will have the opportunity and will be empowered to practice it when they would like and, in some instances, how they would like. Parents are asked to oversee that it is being practiced and to help where asked and designated. We will meet every month, either on zoom or at church to talk about questions and to share experiences.
What I hope to accomplish is to support the youth to learn about and practice their faith by developing habits that can continue throughout life that will continue long after they reach their point in life where church and faith is their choice and not one that is chosen for them by family.
Lastly, some youth are planning on being confirmed or affirming their baptism this fall (students in 9th grade and older). That is still possible. This is what I ask. The youth needs to participate in confirmation for September and October and then complete a “Faith Statement” like youth of the previous years have done. I will give this to them when we first meet. What the confirmation service will look like is still to be determined, but in keeping with tradition here at Holy Trinity, it will be around Reformation Sunday, October 25th.
I would like to meet, in person at church, outside and under the tent on September 13th at 6pm. Each youth and an adult should plan on attending. At this meeting, I hope to cover expectations, again apologize for the lack of communication and opportunities for confirmation and ensure we are on the same page moving forward.
If you would like a sneak peek at a great resource we will be using for the “Read and Learn about Scripture” “Mark of Discipleship”, go to www.bibleproject.com. They have terrific videos that will provide much of our content. They are good for people of all ages.
Please let me know that you will be able to join us on Sept. 13th at 6pm. You can email me at pastortim@htelc.com
Have a great day,
Pastor Tim