October 2024
This month I want to take a few lines to talk a bit about faith formation/education here at Trinity and the church in general. First and foremost faith formation is life-long learning/nurturing/growing in your faith, at the heart of it…it is deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ. It is nurturing a servant heart and not “hiding” your story or life journey under a bushel.
As I see it, we make a promise to God, to our neighbor and to ourselves regarding faith formation and seeking out opportunities to grow more in our knowledge (both heart and head) in scripture, our vocation, and service to others.
Just a little review, below are these promises that are from our service of Holy Baptism (ELW pg 228) and Affirmation of Baptism (ELW pg. 235). I have made a couple of adaptations in the wording, hence to be a bit more thought provoking.
“Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God….we bring our children/grandchildren/neighbors/teenagers/guests) to be baptized.
And we make promises as parents/sponsors/congregation. Here are those promises
As you/we bring to receive the gift of baptism, you (parents/grandparents/sponsors/congregation members) are entrusted with responsibilities:
to live with the newly baptized among God's faithful people,
bring the newly baptized to the word of God and the holy supper,
teach the newly baptized the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in the newly baptized hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture the newly baptized in faith and prayer,
so that the newly baptized may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you, parents/grandparents/sponsors/People of God, promise to help, nurutre and support your children grow in the Christian faith and life?
Response: I do.
We have a couple of opportunities for children and youth to engage in faith formation at Trinity Lutheran, those being: G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) and youth group. IN ADDITION, there are a few opportunities for adults to engage in the study of scripture in a communal manner. There is a Tuesday morning group that meets after coffee at Trinity and starting October 6th (Sunday 9:00 a.m.) adults are invited to an adult study at Trinity prior to worship. This group will meet 2x a month. This is an opportunity for adults to affirm the statement: “I do” regarding promises to engage in life-long learning. All are welcome and either bring a cup of coffee or we can see about having some coffee on hand!
Pastor Carol
