Dear Congregation,
Christ Congregational Church now has its first Confirmation class in eleven years! Seven youth began the process by taking part in an intensive week-end on August 4th and 5th. They are Charlotte Balcells, Lucy Everhardt, Anasofia Godley, Isabella LeGrand, Anthony Morell, Lia Smith, and Zoe Smith. We were blessed by adults from the congregation who helped teach, prepared meals, and generally assisted me in various ways. In addition, Debbie Wanninkhof led us in music and Ms. Judi, taught beaded jewelry-making.
Saturday was a very full day starting at 10 a.m. with a nice light breakfast and concluding with Evening Vespers. Confirmands learned about the Bible, Church History, the Sacraments, Worship, and our United Church of Christ. On Sunday, which was Family First Sunday, the Confirmands each led the various parts of the service. Their skit on the Gospel lesson, Luke 12:13-21, “The Parable of the Rich Fool” was very engaging! After lunch we focused on The Ten Commandments. Hopefully you will get to see them perform the rap “Live the Ten” in the future. They also put all the toiletries you’ve brought in for SOS Shelter into individual baggies. There were 60 bags consisting of soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and assorted other health and hygiene items in all. Thanks for donating!
In addition to learning as a group, each Confirmand has some requirements to do individually. They are: (1) Complete an approved mission/outreach service project and make a presentation to the congregation about that experience. (2) Interview a church member on his/her faith journey. (Please let me know if you’d like to be interviewed!) (3) Be involved in the life of the church. (4) Write a brief faith statement. (5) Attend all Confirmation activities.(6) Worship regularly at CCC.
The Rite of Confirmation, in which each of these young people will affirm her/his own baptism, is scheduled for November 24th during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. What a joyful day that will be as seven new members will be added to our rolls bringing their many gifts!
In Christ’s Love!
Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ