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Between Consecration and Confirmation, November 14th was a special day for First Presbyterian Church.  Not only did church members make commitments for their 2011 tithes to fulfill God’s command in Leviticus 27:30, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD”, but the 2010 class of Confirmands also proclaimed their faith before the congregation and were accepted into church membership.

Although these two events have different purposes, they complimented each other nicely.  Pastor Paul spoke about how tithes are used for everything from keeping the lights on to teaching the next generation of believers, represented by the class of Confirmands, what it means to be a Christian and helping them to make the personal and life-changing decision to be Confirmed. After all, another one of God’s commands instructs us to, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).   Without your tithes, First Pres would not be able to support the personnel, space, and supplies required to teach children the love of God in this way.  What a way to use the money God has granted us!

For Confirmands, this date marked the end of the first class to go through the newly-formatted Confirmation program.  Confirmation has been re-arranged without losing any content to bridge the gap between 8th and 9th grade years, when many children typically stop attending church due to the pressures and rigorous schedule of High School.  In the Spring of 8th grade, Confirmands learn basic Christian beliefs as outlined in the Apostle’s Creed.  In the Fall of 9th grade, Confirmands now understand what it means to be a Christian and begin to practice it by using Christian Living Skills, including fellowship, worship, prayer, learning, and service.  Finally, Confirmands reflect on their experience and beliefs, expressing both in a written Statement of Faith and artistic Creative Expression.  They attend a Session Commissioning meeting, where they are examined and approved for church membership before being Confirmed before their church family.  It is our hope that Confirmands enter 9th grade with a greater sense of commitment to church participation and prepared for the focus and determination it will take to be responsible for faith growth throughout their lives.

When babies are baptized in our church, the pastors carry the child around the sanctuary to “introduce” them to their church family.  During a baptism, we promise as a church body to contribute to raising the child to love and serve God.  When that child is later Confirmed, we are finally able to see the fruit of our labor.  What a rewarding experience for a church congregation who has supported these children in so many ways; parents who pray with children at home, neighbors who give them a ride to church, Sunday School teachers who endure everything from diaper changes to relationship drama, deacons who prepare treats, staff who plan events and keep the church facility clean, musicians who show what it means to worship God, tech and decorative teams who enhance services, the mission committee who plans service project opportunities, and every adult who takes a moment to talk to a child and show that they are a valuable part of the church family! For those who contributed to the faith of our 2010 class of Confirmands, THANK YOU!