But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:8-9)

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.
During worship on September 9th, seven young people will affirm the faith that began when their parents brought them to the font. They will stand before friends, family, and other believers, confessing their faith in the on True God. They will publicly announce their intention to ‘run the race’ of faith.
Affirmation of Baptism is a commissioning rite. These young people are being commissioned to go forth into the world as disciples. They are commissioned as adult workers with us in the Gospel. They are take on new responsibilities, continue to grow, and to remain in communion with the church.
Commissioning has a long tradition. Joshua was commissioned to lead the Israelites after Moses. Kings and prophets throughout the Old Testament were commissioned to lead. The disciples were commissioned to heal the sick and drive out unclean spirits. The apostles, like Paul and Silas, were commissioned to continue the mission of the church. Bishops, priests, deacons, and evangelists have been commissioned throughout the history of the church to use their God-given talents to further the Gospel. Each of us is commissioned to follow Christ and proclaim Him to the world.
We are workers together. God gathers us to do His Will here on earth. He calls us and enlightens us with His gifts to make Himself known to a hostile world. None of us works alone. None of us worships alone. None of us runs the race alone. Being commissioned means to work ‘with.’ Our mission is to bring others into the mission – to commission the world in the name of Christ – baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We affirm our own baptism along with the confirmands. We too confess our faith in Jesus Christ the Lord.
The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,
Pastor Carla

I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. (1 Corinthians 9:23-24)