Reformation Sunday

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM/
CONFIRMATION RITE

Reformation Sunday has been designated, since 1973, the day when Gethsemane youth are invited to affirm their baptism in the Rite of Confirmation. Reformation Sunday is celebrated by the  Lutheran/Reformation community as the Sunday to focus “on the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ-the good news– that makes us free!” The Reformation community prays for the Holy Spirit to continue uniting the church catholic in proclamation and witness for all the world to hear of the grace of God. In the blessed sacrament of “Holy Baptism, the people of God are made one body;” giving thanks for Dr. Martin Luther and all the reformers past and present.

Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scripture, Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria.

The Lutheran tradition rejoices in the gift of music. Reformation Sunday, 2015 will highlight special music offered by David Spicer, playing on the Gethsemane Memorial Pipe Organ in honor of his granddaughter Alyssa Makay Woodley, a member of the 2015 confirmation class, and all the 2015 confirmands; The Gethsemane Sanctuary Choir, directed by Michael Harrison; Bellissimo, directed by JoAnn Gerbig and invited instrumentalists along with Gethsemane organist Sheryl Johnson Evans, Lee Schnelle and Dar Joy Krenek with a vocal duet, will bring inspiration through musical offerings.

Pastor Charles Wilfong, a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and grandfather to confirmand Heidi Gabriela Lundquist and Pastor Song of Thailand will participate in the confirmand blessing.

Gethsemane youth, having completed two years of study/participation in Gethsemane Lutheran confirmation ministry will affirm their baptism Sunday, October 25:

  • Summer Grace Browning-December 9, 2001
  • Henrick Mark Hoff-February 19, 2012,
  • Amanda Grace Holmstrom-May 13, 2001
  • Jody Kay Johnson-October 29, 2000
  • Heidi Gabriela Lundquist-December 24, 2000
  • Robert Stickley Mount-February 25, 2001
  • Dillon Ta Sareerat-September 30, 2001
  • Devin Dauangdy Saythongkham-April 20, 2014
  • Justin Matthew Snowden-April 29, 2001
  • Alyssa Makay Woodley-October 28, 2001.

Confirmation mentors Kathi Allen, Brenda Brown, Renita Feller, Steve Greinert, Kathy Jurgens, Colleen Krasinski, Belinda Malin, Ken Malin, Ken Schulz, Cal Streeter and Johnny Walker present confirmands. Family members present a candle, symbolic of confirmands baptismal candle. Continuing a Gethsemane tradition of four decades, the confirmands introduce family members during the 9:30 a.m. SCS Hour. These baptized Christians claim their family faith heritage by affirming their gratitude for the nurturing they have received on their faith journey since baptism.

Congratulations parents, grandparents, and extended family for encouraging the Gethsemane Lutheran 2015 Confirmation Class to live their baptismal birthright.