A thriving faith community engaged in compassionate service

Friday, May 29

Dear Friends,

Last evening it was my pleasure, and indeed my joy, to meet online with the 8 members of this year’s Confirmation Class and formally welcome them into the membership of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church.

The liturgy our Book of Common Worship provides for receiving new members by public profession of faith is simple, yet stirring, as you will hear in Sunday’s worship service. The service, adapted for the Confirmation Class, begins with, “These young people now desire to profess publicly their faith and to assume greater responsibility in the life of the church, and God’s mission in the world.”

We then turn to the questions asked of any and all who join the church by profession of faith, including, “Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love?” and “Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?” Our newest members responded with wonderfully enthusiastic affirmations as a beaming Mrs. B and Covenant Partners watched.

The Confirmands prepared this Sunday’s service, so you will have the opportunity to see them fulfilling their promise to be faithful disciples actively involved in the work of the church. Greg White and Susana Breese-Owens provide special music for this service, for which we thank them.

And, at the end of the liturgy, you will have your opportunity to welcome Michael, Danielle, Austin, Robert, Russell, Meghan, Timothy, and Megan, even if virtually, with a congregational response: “We rejoice in your choice and are thrilled to welcome you to share with us in this joyful ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, for we are all one in Christ!”

John Rutter’s lovely, “A Clare Benediction” provides the perfect blessing for our Confirmands as we say to them, “Welcome!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4amyhUC4is8

Please continue to be vigilant and sensible: wear your mask and gloves, wash your hands, and keep your distance. Stay healthy.

Grace & peace,

Pastor Skip

Click here for 5/30/2020 Virtual Worship Service

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