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Baptism is the sacrament through which, by water and the Holy Sprit we are initiated into, and become part of, the Body of Christ, the Church. We are adopted as God’s child and “marked as Christ’s own forever.” At our baptism we promise to continue in the Christian life, to proclaim the Good News of Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to strive for justice and peace. Confirmation is described by the Book of Common Prayer as a rite of the Church “in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” It is a public, adult affirmation of the covenant with God to follow in the ways of Jesus that was made for us at our baptism by our parents and godparents. Reception is appropriate for those who have been a part of another Christian tradition, have been confirmed by a bishop and would like to make a public affirmation of their faith and affiliation with the Episcopal Church. Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows is a rite in which those who are baptized and confirmed are presented to the bishop to reaffirm their baptismal vows. Often, this occurs after a time away from the Church, a change in life circumstance, or a deepening of one’s spiritual life. If you are an adult and would like to explore and deepen your faith, and to publicly pronounce your commitment to Christ, whether through Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows (or you have questions and would like more information), you are invited to speak to Kathy about attending the Adult Confirmation program beginning February 26. Through the use of video and discussion, we will look at what it means to be a Christian in the Episcopal Church, and explore the basic principles of Christianity through the Anglican approach of Scripture, tradition and reason. There will be an information/introduction/orientation gathering on Sunday, February 10 at 12:30 in the Conference Room for anyone considering one of these rites. Attendance at this gathering is not a commitment to be confirmed or received, or to reaffirm vows in May. We will be using the "via media" program as a basis for preparation. For more information on via media see Current Programs.
Meeting times are as follows:
Sunday, February 24 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 2 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 9 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation will take place at Grace Cathedral on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
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