Youth affirm baptism at First Lutheran Church

On Sunday, May 19, the people of First Lutheran Church celebrated with 13 young people as they confirmed their faith in Jesus and said "yes" to the God who said "yes" to them in Holy Baptism.

This milestone day was the culmination of three years of learning, service and Christian fellowship through the church's LiFT! Confirmation Program. Areas of study included Martin Luther and the Reformation, the Apostle Paul and the early church, Lutheran theology, and a deep dive into the teachings and life of Jesus.

Throughout their confirmation journey they wrestled with issues of faith, asking important questions about God, life and the church. They also participated in many service projects that blessed people near and far.

At their confirmation service, each confirmand publicly confessed their faith in the words of the Apostle's Creed. They proclaimed their intent to live among God's faithful people, to carve out sacred space to hear God's word and receive Holy Communion, to proclaim the Good News of Jesus through their words and actions, to serve all people following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in our world.

Each confirmand was then surrounded and blessed by their families and loved ones, as together they prayed:

"Father in heaven, for Jesus's sake, stir up in these young people the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Confirm their faith, guide their life, empower them in their serving, give them patience in suffering and bring them to everlasting life. "