Elizabeth's Confirmation

Elizabeth was confirmed on Sunday.  Confirmation is not a sacrament in the Lutheran church.  Lutherans state that a sacrament must impart God's grace, use some visible means (water, bread and wine), be connected with God's Word and be commanded by Christ.  Baptism and Communion are the two sacraments we celebrate in the Lutheran church.

Confirmation is a man-made rite, but it is a very important step in one's life of faith.  Two years of studying the Bible and doctrine culminate when the confirmand publicly vows before God and the church that he or she will follow Jesus at all costs.  Jesus said, "Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 10:32-33) In our family, just because one of our children has completed confirmation study, does not automatically mean that the child should be confirmed.

Matt and I had many conversations with Elizabeth to discern whether or not she was ready to take this important step.  She was.  Last Wednesday, Elizabeth was interviewed by an elder of the church.  She was asked questions about the Scriptures, doctrine and her personal faith.  Then she and the other confirmands gave their testimonies of faith before our Pastor, the elders of the church and the families of the confirmands.

On Sunday, Elizabeth and the other confirmands (14 of them!) stood before the congregation and were asked some very serious questions.  Here are a couple of those questons:  "Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death?" to which the confirmands answered, "I do, by the grace of God."

"Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church [universal] and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?"  To which the confirmands answered, "I do, by the grace of God." *

Then each confirmand knelt down while Pastor prayed over them.  At this time, families were allowed to come to the front of the church and be present with their loved one as the prayer was said.  Each confirmand had chosen a life verse near the end of his or her two years of study.  These verses were read during this time.  Elizabeth chose the verse Matt and I picked out for her on her 13th birthday--"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."  Isaiah 30:21.

Elizabeth's four grandparents, her godparents (Uncle Trevor and Aunt Jessica), her great aunt and uncle, her cousins, aunt and her immediate family came forward to lay hands on her as the prayer was said and her verse was read.  I don't think I would have been capable of holding back the tears even if I hadn't been pregnant.

After the church service and the cake reception, we all headed to our house for a party.  We had a nice lunch.  For dessert, we ate a beautiful (and delicious) cake made from scratch by Grace.  She spent about four hours making the frosting decorating it.  Grandma Dianne also contributed her famous shortbread.  We were finally able to have a little time to slow down after an incredibly busy week and to enjoy our guests and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth received some very thoughtful gifts.  One special gift was made by her godmother, Aunt Jessica.  She drew a picture and wrote Elizabeth's verse alongside the drawing.  All this, despite the fact that she currently cannot see well due to Guillian Barre syndrome (Miller Fisher variant).

Grandma Dianne and Grandpa Bob gave Elizabeth a family heirloom of an 1886 edition of Luther's Small Catechism.  Grandpa Tom and Grandma Jane gave her a silver cross necklace.  Grace made an embroidered handkerchief for her sister.  Matt and I  gave her the book God's Promises for Your Every Need.  My Grandma and Grandpa gave me a copy of the same book for my confirmation.  Elizabeth also received a lovely scarf from Uncle Keith and Aunt Leanna.

In addition to all this, Elizabeth's Mommy was blessed as well.  I had my concerns about pulling off a party at the end of a very busy week, especially with Matt and Paul gone on a Boy Scout camp out until late Saturday night.  My friend Peggy provided flowers from her yard since I didn't have much of anything blooming in mine.  My sister-in-law offered her help numerous times.  She also provided a ton of prayer support.  Matt's parents helped with set-up, made and picked up food and helped serve the lunch.  My parents and aunt and uncle brought food as well.  Elizabeth's cousin, Raphaella, took over her acolyte duties for the Sunday service.  I would be remiss if  I didn't give credit to the Lord, who provided beautiful weather for the occasion and showered both Elizabeth and her family with His grace on a very special day.

*Questions taken from the Lutheran Service Book.