Long ago when Bennett was just several weeks old, she was baptized at Trinity United Methodist Church wearing her great grandfather's (Clegg Walker) baptism gown. Of course, she doesn't remember any of this, but it was a very special day for us. Fast forward eleven years, and it is time for Bennett to be confirmed at our church. Since baptized infants become members of the Church, confirmation provides them an opportunity to reaffirm their promise to live their life as a person of faith. They also celebrate how God's grace has already been working in their life.
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| Dropping B off for confirmation retreat |
At TUMC, the 6th graders began their journey back in August. They were required to attend weekly meetings on Sunday evenings where they learned more about the Methodist religion, and what being a member means. They read a lot in the Bible. A couple of weeks ago, Bennett and the other confirmants attended a special retreat at Camp Glisson in Georgia. Bennett's loved all of the outdoor activities, but her favorite part was reading all of the letters that family members and several friends wrote her. The culmination of the past several months was the special service at church followed by brunch with the students and their family members. Sadly we missed this due to vacation.
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| B's roomies for the retreat |
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| Having fun ziplining, hiking and just soaking up God's creations |
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| Reading the letters from family |
However, Bennett wasn't alone. There were a few others who missed the service, so it was rescheduled for this morning. It was brief, but Rev Brian Erickson reminded them of their baptisms, and put their homemade stoles on each child. Then he gave them each a cross necklace, and asked the family members to put their hands on their child while he prayed. If there wasn't a way to reach that child, then lay your hand upon someone who has their hands on the child. Over the years, I have seen lots of pictures of TUMC confirmation services, and this was always something that looked special. It meant a lot to me to see the chain of people praying, and I'm sure Bennett felt it too. It was so nice that all of the Mizeranys were there to come support Bennett this morning (even though they are Catholic).
It was short, but meaningful and hopefully something that Bennett will remember for the rest of her life. I can only hope and pray that she continues to follow and trust God, and relies on him for everything.
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| Marcus, Emma Brooke and Bennett |
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| Part of the praying chain (the Mizeranys kept on going out deeper) |
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| Bennett and Rev Brian Erickson |
