Weekly Word
Posted on Nov 11, 2016 by
Hey Salem Community-
Over the past two weeks our ninth grade students have shared their statements of faith and affirmed their baptisms. I have had the privilege to work with each of these amazing young people over the past 2 years in our confirmation program. It is truly a blessing to walk with our middle schoolers as they learn, share, questions, struggle, and walk with God for two years in study.
One thing that continues to impact me each year is the uniqueness of the confirmands stories and their willingness to share them with this community. I was particularly impressed by the depth of their faith statements this year and the honesty expressed by each of them.
I shared a few words at the confirmation banquet regarding their faith statements and below are the incites I took from that day.
One confirmandstruggled to write his faith statement yet took the time to come in and talk with me about it. He shared that he didn't grow up in the church and felt like everyone else had a story to share and he did not. As we talked it became clear that the community is where he feels Gods presence in his life and continues to seek relationship with his peers and adult mentors. He chose to persevere and was able to find his truth to share.
Another confirmandchose to be extremely brave as she shared her struggle to get out of her comfort zone to experience new things and people. She took a huge risk to talk about her anxiety and leaned into that discomfort. We Lutherans don’t always want to get out of our comfort zones yet know that Christ continues to call us to new life.
Yet another shared how important it is for us to love God and each other no matter the differences between us. That is a theme that our country and world could use right now. She truly feels God’s presence in that welcome and seeks to share that with others.
Lastly, one of our confirmands shared how important it is to be a living example of Christ in the world. He hopes to be that example through teaching others how to blacksmith. Sometimes spreading the gospel is less about words and instead about taking time in relationship with others.
Our confirmands shared a witness of Perseverance, Vulnerability, Love, and Relationship. I hope each of us will continue to find Christ is all of these places throughout our journey.
Peace- John Holt (Director of Youth and Family Ministries)