Yesterday, we wove together the story of Solomon’s temple, the celebration of Reformation Sunday, and the Confirmation ritual for three of our young members. Each element individually reflects God’s call to build communities that welcome, transform, and serve beyond themselves. Combined, these moments remind us that God’s presence cannot be confined—whether in a temple, a tradition, or a single moment of faith.
On Sunday, this community will gather around three of our young members and celebrate as they affirm the baptismal promises God made to them long ago. As they are confirmed, the congregation too will reaffirm its promise to support of them in their lives of faith. As is the case again this year, we conduct this ritual on Reformation Sunday, remembering our Lutheran heritage for embodying a church that is always being made new.
Even when we can’t see the full outcome of our efforts, God is working through us, extending promises that reach beyond our lifetime. To align our lives with this divine legacy, we can practice three key actions…
After spending 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. He didn’t use his position to secure power for himself or his allies. Instead, he focused on reconciliation, knowing that the work of healing a nation couldn’t be achieved in his lifetime.