JUST A BEGINNING You will remember that on Reformation Sunday, 2015, you stood before the congregation of Church and confirmed that you truly are disciples of Jesus Christ. Confirmation is all about promises. God has promised to love you, to forgive you when you make mistakes, and to give you the keys to His heavenly kingdom. As a response, you promised to participate in the community we call Church, hear the Word of God and receive Holy Communion, to share what God has done for us by your words and actions, to imitate Jesus in serving others, and to work for peace and justice throughout the whole world. Whew! That s quite a responsibility you chose to take on. CONFIRMATION SUNDAY October 25, 2015 And so, your Confirmation Day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. This is NOT a graduation, but an initiation rite into the full participation of congregational life. You move from the baptized column to the confirmed column on our annual report. That means you now are active members, communing and contributing your time, talent, and money to support God s ministry. God has invited YOU to be partners with Him and with all of us, including your pastor. I invite you to choose 1 or 2 areas of our ministry here at Pella that will be your focus for the next several months. You might move from one ministry to another over the years as you discover new things about yourselves. The church could be a place where you experiment, knowing that when you fail, God will put you back on your feet and support you as you try again. Never think you are not important or that we don t miss you when you are not here. WE NEED YOU. GOD NEEDS YOU. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU. I congratulate you on your willingness to serve. Church Your sister in Christ, Pastor Judy Wozniak
Lauren Nicole Beenken Born: May 5, 2000 Baptized: June 18, 2000 Parents: Eric & Karen Beenken Sponsors: Teresa & Leif Anderson, Patti & Brian McGinnis Confirmation: Getting together with my group at my house, playing games, eating dinner, watching movies, going to Lambert to watch Jacalyn cheer at a basketball game! Special activity: Volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, alto saxophone, piano, reading, camping, boating, skiing, horseback riding, hanging out with friends and family. Favorite Bible verse and why: John 16:33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world. The Bible verse to me says, if you believe in God you shall not worry. There will be hard times in my life, but with God, He can show me how great it can be. I want to teach Bible School and help little kids grow in their faith in God. Faith Statement: I ve been going to Pella for 15 years now. I was baptized here by my Great Grandfather Reverend Ocee Johnson, and I was the last person he ever baptized. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins; so that I will not perish but have eternal life. I also believe that God has a plan for me and everyone else. I know that I will have tough times in life and great times, but I know that God will be with me every step of the way. Carlee Anne Strasheim Born: October 27, 2000 Baptized: July 1, 2001 Parents: Danny & LeeAnn Strasheim Sponsors: Scott Senn & Kim Netz Confirmation: Having fun nights Special activity: Dance, volleyball, & basketball Favorite Bible verse and why: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is my favorite Bible verse because Christ will give me the strength to get through anything in my life. I would like to attend church more often. Faith Statement: I have been a part of Pella since the day I was baptized. During this time I have learned a lot about the Lord and what faith means to me. I believe Christ is with me every day and gives me strength. God will be with me during the good times in my life and will help me get through the hard times.
Trev Michael Stewart Born: February 15, 2000 Baptized: December 22, 2001 Our Savior s Lutheran Church-Williston, ND Parents: Mike & Amanda Stewart Sponsors: Mark & Mari Stilwell, Demar & Melissa Hill Confirmation: Community service nights Special activity: Hunting & being in the outdoors Favorite Bible verse and why: Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. To me it says no matter what, God is always there. I want to continue LYO and to worship at Pella. Faith Statement: I believe God is a part of everything that goes on in all of our lives. He is always watching over us and will always be there when we need Him. Katelyn (Katie) May Berglund Born: March 16, 2000 Baptized: May 21, 2000 Parents: Darrel & Heidi Berglund Sponsors: Mike Jangula & Lynn Hoffman Confirmation: Having Karen Beenken as a group leader and being able to talk to her about anything. Special activity: Track & volleyball Favorite Bible verse and why: Philippians 4:6 Do not worry about anything: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God. I like this verse because I know I can trust God to be there for me through any problem. I would like to see an acapella choir. Faith Statement: I want to be confirmed because I believe in God, and I believe I can always trust in God to be right beside me whether I m happy, sad, stressed or scared. During my wonderful three years in confirmation, one thing that stood out to me, that I learned from Karen Beenken, was that through any problem I could just let go and let God.
Shanyn Ruthanne Reidle Born: November 28, 2000 Baptized: December 31, 2000 Parents: Dave & Becky Reidle Sponsors: Pat & Dale Powell, Christy Powell Confirmation: Group game nights Special activity: Drum line, swim team, Speech & Drama Favorite Bible verse and why: 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. I think you should do everything in love, even if you disagree with somebody or something they do. I would like to attend and serve as a member. Faith Statement: I have been attending Pella my whole life. I always had my faith and believe God has a plan for me. I hope to continue my journey in Christ as I become confirmed. Sean Jacob Montgomery Born: April 28, 2000 Baptized: July 5, 2000 Parents: Bob & Tina Montgomery Sponsors: Glenn & Betsy Jacobsen Confirmation: Having fun nights. Special activity: Basketball Favorite Bible verse and why: Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. My Mother used to always say God Bless you and watch over you when I would go to bed. Participate in LYO. Faith Statement: God is always there for me, and I can count on Him to help me through tough times. Praying is a way for me to ask God to be by my side.
Katrina Suzanne Meldahl Born: February 20, 2001 Helena, MT Baptized: April 22, 2001 Parents: Terry & Synneva Meldahl Sponsors: Michael & Nancy Meldahl, Elton & Lynn Stickel Confirmation: Community service Special activity: Dance, volleyball, piano, & reading Favorite Bible verse and why: Job 37:5 God s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can t even imagine the greatness of his power. I like this verse because it gives me hope. It reassures me that God has control in all things and that you have nothing to worry about. I would like to help at the services with playing piano. Faith Statement: I have been attending Pella since the day I was baptized. I have learned a lot of life lessons throughout my years of being here. With my years of coming to Sunday school, Confirmation and church, I have realized what faith really means to me. I believe that faith means to believe and trust in God, and that every day when you wake up, He will be with you. I have learned that you have to have confidence in your faith. It has helped me because it builds a stronger connection with God. He gave everyone of us a chance to believe and have faith in Him. Jace John Winter Born: September 10, 2000 Baptized: November 5, 2000 Highland Lutheran Alexander, ND Parents: John & Debra Winter Sponsors: Bob & Jamie Cross Confirmation: Getting to have fun with your friends while you learn about God. Special activity: Wrestling Favorite Bible verse and why: Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. The reason I chose that Bible verse is because it is saying if you believe in God He will provide for you. Help with the church service as needed. Faith Statement: I believe that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. Sometimes I have doubts, but I always remember that He has a plan and it ll all be worth it in the end.
Jacalyn McKenzie Wright Born: February 26, 2001 Williston, ND Baptized: December 16, 2001 First Lutheran-Williston, ND Parents: Susan & Glenn Wright Sponsors: Christi Osborn & Clint Hecker Confirmation: Getting to learn and connect with my confirmation group. Special activity: Volleyball, basketball, track & flute. Favorite Bible verse and why: John 14:27 Peace I leave you; Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. I think this means that I should turn all my troubles over to the Lord. Continue to be a member here. Faith Statement: I have grown up to praise the Lord and believe in Him and that He will be with all of us no matter what happens in life. I believe that faith means to believe and trust in the Lord and that when you wake up you will know that He is with you. I have learned that you have to have confidence in your faith. It has helped me because it builds a stronger connection with the Lord. In life when it feels like I have hit rock bottom I lose faith, but the Lord gave us the gift to have faith in Him and He gave everyone of us the gift to believe in Him. Brooke Elizabeth Franklin Born: May 13, 2000 Baptized: September 3, 2000 Parents: Brad & Nicole Franklin Sponsors: Toni New & Greg Franklin Confirmation: Being with my friends. Special activity: Volleyball, track & hockey Favorite Bible verse and why: Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, if you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes. God can help you through anything if you believe He can. I would like continue to worship God at Pella. Faith Statement: I ve been a member at Pella since I was baptized 15 years ago. I believe that God has been with me my whole life. I ve been blessed and given many opportunities and for that I can thank Him. I know that God has a path for me, just like He does for everyone. I plan to have faith and follow God for the rest of my life.
Confirm, dear Lord, your servant: Lauren, Katie, Shanyn, Jace, Jacalyn, Brooke, Katrina, Sean, Trev and Carlee with your heavenly grace, that he/she will continue to be your servant, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until he/ she enters your eternal kingdom. The pastor marks the confirmand with holy oil in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. P. Heavenly Father, we pray for your servants, Lauren, Katie, Shanyn, Jace, Jacalyn, Brooke, Katrina, Sean, Trev and Carlee, upon whom we have now laid our hands and anointed them, following the example of the apostles, to assure them by this sign of your favor toward them. May your hand always be over them. Let your Holy Spirit always be with them. Lead them to know and to follow your words and then embrace them into eternal life. AMEN THE COMMISSION P. Those who are baptized are called to worship and serve God. Will you continue to follow the teachings of Jesus through fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of the bread in Holy Communion? C. I will. P. Will you continue to resist evil, but when you do fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? C. I will. P. Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God through Jesus Christ? C. I will. P. Will you serve Jesus through all people, loving your neighbor as yourself? C. I will. THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION (Affirmation of Faith) Karen Beenken presents: Lauren Beenken, Katie Berglund, Shanyn Reidle, Jace Winter and Jacalyn Wright. Synneva Meldahl presents: Brooke Franklin, Katrina Meldahl, Sean Montgomery, Trev Stewart and Carlee Strasheim. Pastor Judy meets the confirmands at the font. P. Have you been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? C. I have. Pastor leads the confirmands to the altar. The confirmands stand around the altar, surrounded by those who are supporting their decision to affirm their Christian faith. P. Are you ready with your own mouth and your own heart to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ? C. I am. Pastor asks those supporting the confirmands: Have Lauren, Katie, Shanyn, Jace, Jacalyn, Brooke, Katrina, Sean, Trev and Carlee been carefully prepared in their understanding of God s grace and love through our Savior Jesus Christ? Are they ready to affirm the promises God made to them at Baptism love, forgiveness, and eternal life? Are they ready to take on more responsibility for their faith through worship, study, and service? Parents and other supporters: I believe they are.. The Rite of Confirmation is ended and the congregation may applaud.
THE BIG DECISION P. In Baptism, God calls us from darkness into his marvelous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with Him. Do you reject evil and all rebellion against God? C. I do. P. Do you hate the sin that separates you from God and neighbor? C. I do. P. Do you turn to Jesus Christ who is your Lord and Savior? C. I do. Pastor turns to the congregation and says: You have heard our sisters and brothers Lauren, Katie, Shanyn, Jace, Jacalyn, Brooke, Katrina, Sean, Trev and Carlee respond to the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ who called them at Baptism to be partners with God in His ministry. Will you support them in this calling? C. We will. P. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I ask you now to profess together with these candidates the faith of the whole Christian Church in the words of the Apostles Creed. Everyone says the creed together. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN. THE CONFIRMATION P. Our help is in the name of the Lord. C. Who made heaven and earth. P. Blessed be the name of the Lord. C. Now and forever. AMEN P. Almighty and everlasting God, whose Son Jesus Christ was crucified and rose again to break the power of sin and death: we give you thanks and praise for the gift of your Holy Spirit, by whom your servants receive new life today. Grant that in the power of your Holy Spirit, these children of God will continue to grow in faith. Make their spiritual gifts aware to them and to all of us. Grant them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and inward strength, the spirit of knowledge and godly living, and fill them with the spirit of reverence and love for You. (Please be seated) Each confirmand is called up separately to read his/her faith statement and then kneel at the foot of the altar. Family and friends may join the confirmand and lay their hands on the confirmand as the pastor prays: P. Lauren, Katie, Shanyn, Jace, Jacalyn, Brooke, Katrina, Sean, Trev and Carlee God has called you by name at Baptism and made you His own child.