Book of Common Prayer - This Sunday - 29 September

Book of Common Prayer - This Sunday - 29 September

This Sunday,  29 September, we will be learning about the Book of Common Prayer.  In preparation for class, check out this fun video from Father Matthew!

See you Sunday.

PS. Remember that on Sunday Broadway will be closed down for Siclovia

Introduction to Confirmation

Introduction to Confirmation

This confirmation class is off to a great start! Last Sunday (21 September) during class we learned what confirmation is and why it is such an important part of our faith.  The web site for the Episcopal Church is a wonderful resource for learning about the church (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/)

Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of the Episcopal Church - yeah, this sounds serious because it is! So what are the Sacraments?

“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).

Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. These include:

·         Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419, Book of Common Prayer

·         Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452, Book of Common Prayer

·         Matrimony (Christian marriage),  pp. 422-438, Book of Common Prayer

·         Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555, Book of Common Prayer

·         Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467, Book of Common Prayer

These help us to be a sacramental people, seeing God always at work around us. 

 I bet you never thought of yourself as becoming "sacramental people," but you are.

So Confirmation is the adult affirmation of your baptismal vows. Do you remember your baptismal vows?  Probably not because most of you were baptized when you were very young, even a baby.

It is worth taking time to review baptism in Episcopal Church.  Again, according to the Episcopal web site:

Baptismal Covenant

"Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).

A mini catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the Baptismal Covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith. 

The Baptismal Covenant

Celebrant      Do you believe in God the Father?

People           I believe in God, the Father almighty,

                      creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant      Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People           I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

                     He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

                     and born of the Virgin Mary.

                     He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

                     was crucified, died, and was buried.

                     He descended to the dead.

                     On the third day he rose again.

                     He ascended into heaven,

                     and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

                     He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant     Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People          I believe in the Holy Spirit,

                    the holy catholic Church,

                    the communion of saints,

                    the forgiveness of sins,

                    the resurrection of the body,

                    and the life everlasting.

Celebrant     Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and 

                    fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the 

                    prayers?

People         I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant    Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever 

                    you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People         I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant   Will you proclaim by word and example the Good

                   News of God in Christ?

People        I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant  Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving

                  your neighbor as yourself?

People       I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant   Will you strive for justice and peace among all 

                  people, and respect the dignity of every human 

                  being?

People       I will, with God’s help.

(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304-305)

Next Sunday (28 September), we will be exploring the importance of this Oath of Confirmation.

In the meantime, check out this funny video about confirmation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPR41_lFSQU

Peace,

David

Summer is Almost Here!

We have finished our spring class schedule, and most of you are off to a great start with your confirmation projects!  I will be sharing your projects on this blog as the summer proceeds.

Please do sign up (if you have not already) to share your project with the congregation on Sunday during one of the "Ministry Minutes".

Good luck with your various finals and I pray you end the term strong.

Peace,

David

Greetings Confirmands and Families,

This Sunday (12 May) will be our last class before the summer break, so it is very important for you to attend!

We are also asking that your confirmation mentors attend if possible.  During class we will discuss the role of the mentor, and the mentors will have the chance to meet alone to ask questions.  If you need any help in selecting a mentor, please feel free to ask your confirmation leaders for suggestions. 

If you have selected a mentor, please provide thier name and contact infromation onthe following form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ffRHdLzDN1EqA_ZqwRwaa3bCWUOsMiL14z1e5G_8A7A/viewform

While the mentors meet, the confirmands will be charged with writing out and discussing their confirmation project plans for the summer.  Don't worry if you are still brainstorming!  We will be there to help you get a plan of action together for the summer.

We look forward to seeing everyone Sunday - Mother's Day!

Peace,

David

Second Confirmation Class (with an Updated Schedule)

We had a great "get to know each other" class today!  For those of you who were not able to be there, kindly fill out this brief survey so your leaders can get to know you better (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uwWSqMQuu4F0aka6KnP6OTZ5ZZf6uy-GNaCEexEVGqk/viewform).

The schedule for our remaining spring classes is as follows:

28 April - Discussion of Confirmation Projects (we will have some special guests to share their experiences from last year).

5 May  - No confirmation class (Cinco de Mayo and Senior Celebration - Viva!)

12 May - Class with Confirmands and Mentors present - LAST CLASS BEFORE SUMMER


When you have decided on a mentor for confirmation, please send their name and contact information to me (dribble@trinity.edu).  We will invite them to the class on 12 May for a discussion of their roles in your confirmation.

See you next week!

Peace,
David, Allison, and Mike

Welcome!

Welcome to St. Mark's Confirmation Class of 2014!  This blog/website is to keep us all informed of the schedule and provide some fun along the way.



Peace,
David