This Sunday we will celebrate the young people in this year's confirmation class. They have met with Judy P., mentors and me for 15 hours of discussion, reflection and learning. They have all completed five "experiences", from serving communion to singing with the choir to attending another church. We have wondered together about who God is, and what happens after we die, and how to tell if a church is truly welcoming.
I didn't give these young people a lot of answers - because are there answers to the great questions of this moment: How to live with compassion in the midst of hatred? How to find peace in the midst of chaos? How to trust in a benevolent universe in the midst of violence? How to choose love when so many are sowing division?
And that's what we will reflect upon this Sunday: love. Because that is what it all boils down to. Whether the issue is dropping bombs on Iran or holding children in ICE facilities or cutting health benefits or affirming LGBTQ folks or delivering cookies to a neighbor or standing by a struggling friend. Are we loving our neighbors? Are we living with compassion? Are we doing what Jesus asked of us? That's what being the church is about.
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate our nine confirmands and orient our hearts and minds on the ways of love!
