We recently completed our midweek classes for the year. It was a busy year, and the kids learned a LOT. I always love hearing them sing the books of the Old and New Testament, and learning the liturgy and some hymns, along with Bible stories and Lutheran theology, doctrine and practice. You should all be really proud of our young people!
We celebrated our last night of classes with the younger kids trying a new version of tie dying. It was SOOO cool!
The kids worked together to help each other put cups inside of a t-shirt, and then secure them with rubber bands.
Then they used Sharpie brand markers and drew pictures/designs inside the circles.
Then, we dropped 8-10 drops of rubbing alcohol on each design.
And then we watched the design spread.
We ended the night with a game of sorting flash cards with books of the Bible. The kids had to sort them into Old and New Testament books. THEN they had to put them all in order! There was LOTS of singing going on, because almost all of them know the books of the OT and NT because of the song they’ve learned. It was great fun to watch!
Thanks to Pastor, Sandy, and Sue for all their work in teaching our kids this year!
Congratulations to Jayden, Luis, Taylor, Trey, Ethan, Georgia, CreeAnn and Kameron! God’s blessings as you continue with the life He has planned for you!
First Article of the Apostles Creed
The reason I chose the first article of the Apostles Creed topic was because I am thankful for what God has provided me in life. What this talks about is what God has given us in our daily life. In the Apostles Creed it says he gives us clothing and shoes, food and drink, land, animals, wife and children. These common things are what we have in our daily life. Without Gods help and our faith in God there is no assurance that we will receive these things. In our lives it is necessary to have some or all of these things because if we did not have food or water we would die in a short period of time. We need clothing and shoes to keep us warm. We do not necessarily need a wife and children but it does say in the Bible in the great commission to propagate and spread the Gospel, besides the help mate God gives us can and will enrich our lives. To me such things are very important and matter in my daily life. Jesus died on the cross so we could be provided with these things, as well as giving us eternal salvation.
The First Article gives us a clear message of defending us against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. This he does only out of Fatherly Divine Goodness. Without this goodness we have no merit or worthiness. Our sinful actions and ways we were born and live with everyday makes us unworthy of saving. It is our duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him. I am a sinner saved only through the blood of Jesus Christ.
The gifts and blessings God gives listed in the First Article will be valuable in years to come because when I get a wife and if we are blessed with children Jesus will be supporting me and my family with these necessities. This is just one a part of the Christian life we can only thank God for. I am happy and thankful God was has given me life and all that I have and will have in the future. I am honored to share this with my congregation, and those who have taught me what the First Article means. It has given my faith in Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit strength to recognize and appreciate what I have.
Baptism
Confirmation class of 2012
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
Baptism. It means to apply water by immersing, washing, and pouring. For most Christians it means having your sins washed away forever. You are accepted by God and he will always love you. Being baptized is a special occasion? and will likely guide you in your faith throughout your life. Three blessings are received by baptism.
The first blessing is forgiveness of sins. The truth is, everybody sins. We are by nature sinful beings and it is impossible for us to never sin. It cannot prevent us from sinning, but it forgives them so we can be right with God. We should also routinely repent or sins and thank God for what he has given to us. That is why baptism is so crucial as a Christian.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38
The second is resurrection from death and the devil. In this blessing we get the comfort of knowing that we will go to heaven and be with God there. It is very important and also a comforting thought for people to believe.
”He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption , the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:13-14
The third and final blessing is eternal salvation. It means that we will always exist with God and never perish if we believe in Him and all he stands for.
“He saved us through the the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5
Most people are baptized as babies. Why? As Christians we want to be baptized as soon as possible so we can start receiving all the wonderful blessings it gives. Babies can have faith and are included in people and need to be baptized.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” Mark 28:19
When Christians are baptized they almost always have sponsors. Sponsors are witnesses to the baptism. They pray for the person being baptized and guide them in their faith.
“Every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Matt. 18:16
Baptism indicates that we should try to not sin despite our evil nature by being sorry for our sins and repent of them with faith.
“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Eph. 4:22
The important words, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” are regularly remembered in Baptism ceremonies. They are known as the Trinitarian Invocation. It is usually said with the sign of the cross. When we say these words we are confessing and remembering before heaven and earth everything that we a have received from baptism.
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
As I explained above, baptism is important and meaningful. You truly receive some of the most important elements of the Christian faith; forgiveness of sins, resurrection from death and the devil, and eternal salvation. I hope I have represented all the things which baptism offers justly and correctly.
