Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

Now that Jesus has risen from the dead . . . . are we done?

I have always loved being a part of the process of Confirmation in the churches where I have served. Confirmation is the process when we gather youth (middle or high school) to challenge them to define for themselves what they believe. Bill Wannamaker and I just completed a six session Pre-Confirmation Class where we reviewed the whole story of The Bible and helped our youth memorize the key language of our faith. They memorized all the books of the Bible (I have a great song to help is you want help doing this too!), the 10 Commandments, the Greatest Commandment, The Lord’s Prayer, and more! They worked hard and listened even harder. But Bill and I told them that all this work is only the BEGINNING! We intend to come back to these same youth next January and begin the process of Confirmation. Then, we will ask them what THEY BELIEVE about God, and whether Jesus has any say in their lives about how they make decisions and treat themselves or others. So, to decide if they believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior of their lives and hearts, they must first know what Jesus taught. THEN, we can ask if they believe what Jesus said. So, Confirmation is only the beginning of living into maturity in Christ. Confirmation is a beginning, not a graduation.

Easter also is a beginning, not an ending. Once death is no longer an existential threat for us – because of eternal life in Christ – how will we spend our lives? Now that Sin and evil do not get the final word on who we are, what is worth investing our lives in? What is ultimately important to us? What will be the final word on our lives? Love? Generosity? Compassion? Justice? How will we spend ourselves, now that God has set us free? These are all EASTER questions.

So, I invite you to come and continue to walk in the way of Jesus with us. This Sunday – April 12th – is Service Sunday. We will highlight just a few of the service ministries that happen through FLPC. You are going to want to hear these stories, because in them you are going to catch a glimpse of what is true, eternal, and worth spending your life on. In a world that seems intent on burning itself down, come with us and help light fires of love, compassion, generosity and justice. You do get to decide whose side you are on. I want to be found on the Lord’s side. You?