“ As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer males and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. ”
Galatians 3:27-8
In the month of March, we will be celebrating another Confirmation class at LPUMC. The confirmation experience is a process of growth and introspection...a time of learning about God, about ourselves, and about Christianity as it is expressed through the United Methodist tradition. Most generally, a Confirmation Class is composed of young people in their junior high or early high school years. This year's Adult Confirmation Class has yielded folks from many faith traditions, or noneall, some who have already made their first confirmation journey many years ago in another church or denomination, and some who have never attended a religious class before in their life. Together, all have laughed, questioned, made new discoveries (and friends), and thought about whatmeans to be a follower of Christ, and more particularly, to be a United Methodist Christian.
During our time together, we have explored the early roots of the Methodist revival planted by John and Charles Wesley in England and cultivated by the Circuit Riders crossing the frontier of the American colonies. We have learned how the Methodist movement has been characterized by Wesley's unique understanding of God's Grace,connectional system, and the deep value of holy conferencing. We've discussed the pro's and con's of the itinerancy system, the beauty of apportionment model, and how each member of the church has the potential of effecting change at the General Conference level. We have shared precious conversations about the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and pulled the Social Principles apart and put them back together again, looking for the truths that we each hold dear. Finally, we have celebrated that this is a church body that holds each person to be uniquely and wonderfully made, inviting all persons to the Lord's Table of Grace.
On March 29th, we will celebrate the conclusion of our Confirmation experience by honoring those who have completed their study. Some may make the decision to wed their spiritual journey with Lafayette Park United Methodist Church by becoming members. All will be acknowledged for their presence with us and their desire to seek deeper understanding of a life lived in Christ through faith. I know you will join me in celebrating their hunger to (re)connect anew with God in a meaningful way.
It has bee thrilling to watch God's Spirit weave together the hearts of these folks who are from such diverse paths into a caring group. There is "no longer Jew or Greek,... slave or free,...male or female". God's Spirit has drawn us together for purposes of learning, sharing, and ultimately serving. That's what the Holy Spirit does so well. As our spirits are touched by God's, we become One in Christ Jesus. It's amazing grace.
Peace,
Sharon
