On the morning of 7.15 we had the privilege of participating in the sacrament of Confirmation of another member to our congregation! Retha Duckett was confirmed by Val Brennan and Jami Smith.
“In the sacrament of confirmation, elders place their hands on the head of the new disciple, and one elder offers a special prayer. The prayer of confirmation seeks God’s blessing to help new members grow in their covenant and generously share their giftedness in support of the church’s mission. The commitment made through baptism and confirmation is active “discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:2d). Confirmation helps weave people into the fabric of community—both congregation and worldwide church—so they can grow in discipleship.” – Community of Christ Sacraments
Jami Smith also shared that a confirmation is a two part process. First, the individual reaches out and says ‘Yes, I want to be part of that organization. I want to participate, I want that mission to be my mission.’ The second part is the organization’s responsibility and that is ‘confirm;’ to welcome them it, to invite, and to include. This means weaving the individual in to be an integral member of the community; to be a greater part of the a congregation; and to truly live out the church’s mission on a daily basis.