Confirmation Statement of RL

I have been told many things about what Jesus has done for me and for the whole world. I know that He gave his life to forgive mine and every one else’s sins. I know that He is the son of my Lord and how my life is to serve Him. But what He means to me is something I feel is very private and is only between me and Jesus. I know that He is my Savior and that I have put all of my faith in Him. I know that He has blessed me with many gifts and that I will spend my whole life serving Him. How I feel about Him is an ever-changing thing - what I feel one year might change the next. I might be needier for Him one time and feel a much stronger bond with Him. But later, I might be in a more comfortable situation and feel less dependant on Him. But no matter how I feel about Him I will always put all my faith in Him. I know that He wants me to be a good Christian and so that’s what I will do. As I said before, what and how I feel about Him is between Him and me alone and no one else, not even my family. So in conclusion, I will tell you that Jesus is above all in my life. He is my world.

In the last few years I have grown in faith because I am now more understanding of God’s grace. I have learned many things about my Lord and things He has done for me and for everyone who has ever lived on this great planet. These last past years we have been doing a lot of learning about God and what He asks of us and now that I am older I can understand God better than when I was little. But many things about Him are unclear to me and probably many other people. But still, He is the one I worship above all else in my life. Throughout my life, I will always try to be the best Christian I can possibly be. In the years before I did not think this was as big of a deal as I realize it is now. Now, because I know the word of God, I know how important it is. And following His word is only one of the few things He asks of us. So in many ways I have grown in faith and am more understanding of God’s grace. But in learning more I have also become more confused and have more questions that maybe someday I will have answers to, but now they will only lead to more questions and more confusion.

There are many reasons why I want to affirm my faith. One reason is because I want to make a promise to God and to myself that I will always be the best Christian that I can. Another reason is because with my affirmation in the church, I will know that I am finally a child under the eyes of God and have fulfilled my mother’s promise which she made to God when I was baptized. I also want to be affirmed in the Christian church because it makes me feel good that I am always going to be watched over by the Lord and that I will always have somewhere to turn to when things are down and when things are up. Confirming my faith has been a moment that I have waited for some time now because it will be nice to join all of my friends in Christian adulthood and know that I am prepared to make this step in my faith. I also wish to affirm my faith because I want to know that there are always people in this world that will help watch over me and are there to keep me safe. So that is why I would like to affirm my faith at this time.

Now that I am confirmed I plan to use my gifts, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the church. I have the gift of good leadership so I would like to try and do my best to maybe form some clubs or something of the sort. I am also very good with my hands and I think I could help a lot on some of the repairs or projects the church needs done. I also think that I would be good at fund raising and generating ideas for the up-coming year. Later on in life I would be good because I could help build houses and serve soups and make sandwiches and whatever else I could do for those less fortunate than me. I would like to have a job that helps others when I get older and I suppose that on my way to that point in life I could help many people that need extra help and attention. I know that I can use many of my God-given skills to help others in need and to better aspects of their life. I’ve thought about ways I know I can help others now, and I imagine there are ways I can help that I don’t know about yet. In the near future I can support and serve the ministry of the church. The skills I have been given can be used in many ways - good and bad - but I chose to use them in only the best ways I can and to help others and to be the best Christian I possibly can be. That is how I intend to use my skills, gifts, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the Church.

Confirmation Statement of NG

What does Jesus mean to me?

Jesus gave up his life so we could live. He is a loving person and cares for everyone. He teaches us how to be a better person and forgives us for our sins. The stories we read about him portrays Jesus as a kind, gentle and forgiving person. He is a great role model, he helps comfort us in times of need and gives us a purpose for life on earth.

How have I grown in faith and understanding of God’s grace?

I have grown to better understand how God's grace also makes us better people and helps us in time of need. For example: during difficult situations (hurricanes, earth quakes, 911, etc.) people come together to help and support each other, this is a sign of Gods grace. It can also be something small like helping a sick neighbor by making a meal for their family or helping the elderly with yard work. When I go through rough times I always think of God and ask him to help me.

Why do I wish to affirm my faith in baptism at this time?

I wish to affirm my faith because I now have a better understanding of what it means to be a child of God and a member of the church. I am old enough to understand that baptism and confirmation are ways for me to make a commitment to God and really become one of his children. To accept this responsibility means that I will be a loving, caring person that respects Gods commandments.

How am I and how do I intend to use my gifts, talents and abilities for the ministry of the church?

I will contribute to the church by attending activities where I can help others and give my love. Outside of church I will teach people God’s words using the knowledge I have learned from Christ the King church. For example: being a friend to someone who needs one. Respecting others and not talking about them behind their back. My best gift is too help others reconcile their differences and see the best in each other.

Confirmation Statement of KH

How have you grown in faith and understanding of God’s grace these past few years?

When I entered the congregation as a small child many years back, I was ignorant of God’s grace. To me, God was merely someone who had put trees in the ground and air in my lungs. As I continue my journey in faith I realize now that God is far more then a creator. Due to my studies in confirmation, my faith and understanding in God’s grace has taken a jump start. The book of Psalms, my favorite book of the bible, best expresses God’s grace as a loving, merciful, god who breaks us free of the sins to which we are bound. His grace expands to times of trouble whereby he sends out his light and his truth to prepare us for the journey to his holly hill/dwelling. Through God’s grace he saves us from our foes, puts confusion to those who hate us, condemns those who hate the righteous, and doesn’t condemn those who seek his refuge. The LORD’S grace hears the cries of the troubled and delivers them from their disturbances. He is a great king over all the earth in whom I take refuge. Through his grace, he gives us life and through his salvation, saves our souls.

I have learnt to fear, love, and trust God. I learnt the importance of serving God and giving thanks and praise to him on a daily basis. Foremost though, I have learnt that we should all hear his word and keep it holy, for those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

How am I and how do I intend to use my gifts, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the church?

During the last two years of my confirmation, this congregation has been extremely supportive as I proceed with my development in faith. I would like to show my gratitude by continuing to worship with this congregation. In addition to serving as an acolyte and crucifer I also hope to assist with ushering, greeting, and communion distribution during worship services. And with time, maybe be even serving as an active member of the vestry. During confirmation, my favorite activities were the ones pertaining to service projects to include work camp. Since I come from a family that has a long history of service to the ministry of the church, I am sure that through genetic disposition, I will follow in the footsteps of my family. This is why during my quest to become an active member of the church I will remain to give back to the community in forms of service projects, mentoring peers, assistance to those in need, and comfort to the elderly. Regarding the elderly, Sam, my dog who is well known to many in the neighborhood, and I plan to spend the summer visiting those senior citizens confined to nursing homes.

I believe the church’s mission “As a committed body of Christ, we will gather for worship, grow in faith, evangelize the Gospel, serve others, and care for one another in authentic community,” best describes my future role in the church community.

Why do you wish (or do not wish) to affirm you faith in baptism at this time?

As a growing Lutheran, I am becoming more aware of the importance in affirming my faith. To be totally candid I was not sure I would affirm my faith not due to lingering doubts, but more due to the incomplete understanding of Christianity. It wasn’t until I listened to Bishop Schneider’s recent sermon at our church that I learned it was okay to have doubts. Based on the encouragement of that sermon, I am now more determined than ever to accept the charges that were placed on my parents at the time of my baptism. To this end I understand my role as a Child of God in the Christian community and I am eager to learn more about God and his grace. I feel that I am ready to at this time to take the next step in my journey of faith. To show my commitment, I plan to attend high school youth groups next year to maximize my knowledge about God and the Bible.

What does Jesus mean to me?

If I could understand the trinity concept, father, son, and Holy Spirit, and if I could comprehend how Jesus suffering and dying on the cross forgives us of our sins and provides eternal life, this question would be so much easier to answer. As I grow in belief that Jesus is my true savior, I find that it requires more and more uncompromising faith regarding what I don’t understand. As everyone knows the first article of the Apostle’s Creed refers to God, the father, creator of heaven and earth. The third article of the Apostle’s Creed refers to the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life ever lasting. And of course the second article refers to Jesus Christ who is conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius pilot, was crucified die and was buried. He descended into hell, rose again ascended into heaven seated at the right hand of the father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. In a spiritual realm my faith is certainly strong enough to accept all three articles. However, since I do not totally understand the 3-in-1 concept, I see Jesus as the creator, the forgiver of sins, the provider of life everlasting, and as the unselfish person who suffered on the cross so that all of us might have a chance at eternal life. In a day to day personal realm everybody has their own interpretation of Jesus. To me he is something like a best friend. He is my crutch when I am weak. He listens when no one else will and he is always there to lend an ear. I know I can turn to him to give me strength so I may continue to fight my battles. When I am led into darkness, his light leads me out. He is reassurance to the fact I am loved. He is comfort. Someone to talk to; He is a role model. Someone to look up to; He is someone that everyone should be a little more like because he can teach us so much.

The quality, however, that separates Jesus from the average best friend is the salvation he guarantees to everyone’s soul. He is nonjudgmental but understanding. He pardons us our sins that we commit everyday. Without him our souls would be deeply burdened with the weight of all of our sins. He is always forgiving even though sometimes we think we don’t deserve it.

Confirmation Statement of KB

What does Jesus mean to me?

When I think of Jesus, I think of my faith, love, and hope. Jesus is my one and only true role model. He means the world to me. He makes me strong when I am weak. He is the reason I am here and the reason I have faith. He-died for us and that is the greatest gift in the world. I am so blessed to have role model like him, and so is the rest of the world. To me, Jesus is everything, my friends, my family, my breath, my spirit, my shoulder to cry on, and my life. He lives in me. He gives me hope when there is none to be found and gives me love when no one else is around. He means so much that I couldn't survive without him. I turn to him for a friend, a parent, a brother, a sister and he always delivers. Jesus is my escape from the world. He creates this place of complete serenity for me to escape to when I am tired of all the drama, and fights, and anger in my life. Since he is always there for me, I feel protected and happy to be here. Life without him wouldn't be the same and people without him wouldn't be the same. It means so much to me to know that there is always going to be this ray of light and hope, to know that he is always going to be there, and know that no matter what mistakes I make, he will always forgive me. Jesus makes me realize how great life is and helps me appreciate more then I already do. And without him, I wouldn't be the same, great person that I am today.

How have you grown in faith and understanding of God's grace these past few years?

My growth in faith and understanding of God's grace has changed my entire life. Faith has brought me to understand God's grace, so, in a way; his grace and my faith are connected. God's grace strengthens me and my faith. It makes me stronger than I could ever imagine. I have grown from just understanding his grace, to truthfully realizing what his grace is. I can not imagine our world without God's grace. I have grown to learn that through God's grace my life is more hopeful, loving and I am forgiven for my sins when I ask. This is what makes my life just plain great! His grace make me realize that there is always hope and to never give up on things. My faith has helped me understand that I should know that God is always with me and will keep me wherever I go. If God's grace is with me, then I will be safe. God's grace gives me hope, and hope gives me love, and love gives me life, and life gives me faith, and faith gives me God's grace. We receive grace as a gift from God. My faith has grown to the point where God's grace is beginning to make sense to me. Grace is not just a gift, it is also a blessing.

Why do I wish to affirm my faith in baptism at this time?

I want to affirm my faith in baptism at this time because I want to be closer to God and his church. To be confirmed means to strengthen, and I want to be stronger. I want to be more involved with God and his church, I want my faith to deepen. Confirmation is about receiving the Holy Spirit. Affirming my faith can be scary because it is a sign of getting older, but I choose to think of it as an opportunity to appreciate my faith, God, and his church. I also think of it as away of showing God how much I truly love him. Being confirmed will help me understand God better, but I still have a lot to learn. Even long, long after I have been confirmed, even if I am 100 years old, I will still have a lot to learn about God, and that is the exciting thing about God, you can always learn more. I want to affirm my faith so I can get closer to God, to pray with him and just talk about stuff with him, even though I do that now. I think being confirmed can help me feel more comfortable with my faith and God. Being confirmed, to me, is just what I need to have as a growing teenager, to be stronger, in my faith and mentally, and to have someone there to talk to who you know is listening.

How am I and how do I intend to use my gifts, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the church ?

I intend on using my gifts, talents, and abilities to show the rest of the world about God. By using my gifts, I feel I can influence other people to do things to be closer to God like joining a church or just talking or praying to God. There are a lot of people in the world that need help from God and someone needs to show them that God is there and he is listening, like he always has and always will. I hope by using my gift of faith that God's grace has brought upon me, I can help people turn to God for help. I plan to talk to people about joining the church and I plan to convince people that God is there, and that they can turn to Him and talk to Him at any time. I also will help serve people in need in our community like feeding the homeless, helping repair homes, cleaning up the community and helping with the Angel tree project. Using my faith to do all these things, I hope my faith will grow because of it. I also am going to aim to encourage other people, who have my same faith, to talk to other people about it too. Being confirmed can help me do these things, but I can't do it all alone, so I will get involved with the community and plan to have people talk to me about my faith and, I am hoping, my faith will grow because of that too. Life without God is no life at all, and I hope that by using my gifts and talents that 1 can help people realize who God is.

Confirmation Statement of JZ

What does Jesus mean to me?

Jesus to me is like the Colorado River. Most rivers only form valleys but the Colorado formed the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s 8 or 9 natural wonders. It is truly magnificent just like Jesus. Jesus formed our Christian faith and always puts you in a better mood for the rest of that day when you hear His word, it leaves you in a good mood just like what happens to you when you go and see the Grand Canyon. One of the best things that Jesus did was teach His word. He would go up to a rock and teach to hundreds or thousands of people. I don’t know about you but to me, teaching to a couple of people is hard; imagine teaching to hundreds or thousands of people. Also, many people think Jesus was a perfect man, but to me he wasn’t. For example, people were using the Temple as a marketplace and selling things in it. When Jesus found out about this he stomped in the room and flipped all of the tables over with all the money that the people were collecting. After that he yelled at the people, “Why are you turning my father’s house into a marketplace!” All the people just stood quiet as a mouse and left the building after that. This shows me that I don’t have to be perfect to be a good Christian. Jesus had many people that followed him and he sent them to places to tell other people about His word and about what he does. These people were called the 12 disciples. One of the other things that Jesus was good at was performing miracles. Some examples are when he fed the 5,000 out of two fish and five loafs of bread and when he walked on water and got Peter to walk on water too until he questioned his faith. I believe I can do miraculous things by following and believing in Jesus. These are a couple reasons of what Jesus means to me.

How have I grown in faith and understanding of God’s grace these past few years?

I have grown in faith these past few years by learning more about the Christian history and some of the events that occurred in there like the Stoning of Steven, the 95 Thesis of the Catholic Church by Martin Luther, and much more. I have also grown by reading the Bible more often and getting to know Jesus’ word better. I have prayed more in my time and as a result I have felt God’s presence with me more often than usual for certain things. I feel like a much stronger Christian now that I know more about the history and this is an example of how I have grown in faith over the past couple of years. I used to think that church was boring because all you do was just sit there, but now I think different. Now, I think church is a time when you have God forgive your sins, get Holy Communion, and get more familiar with Jesus’ word and the Bible from the First and Second Readings and the Holy Gospel. Also, in Confirmation, I have got to know the meanings of some of the verses are in the Bible. One of my favorite ones is James 1:19-22. These verses say, “ 19 you must understand this my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. The main idea of this is that most people want to speak during a conversation, but everyone should listen to the other person carefully. You should do this because you can only learn when you listen. Also, do not let your anger come out quickly. By slowing down angry thoughts, you may prevent behavior that is not Christian-like. The teachings and Bible study that I have listened to and understood have given me the foundation for Christian behavior.

Why do I wish to affirm your faith in baptism at this time?

I wish to affirm my faith in baptism at this time because I feel like I have a better understanding about the Christian faith and what it is about. At baptism my godparents and parents spoke for me. While they wished and hoped I would become a good Christian it was up to me to decide if I were going to be a good Christian or not in my life. Also, I was baptized in an Episcopal Church and moved to California and then finally to Virginia. With each of these moves I have come to meet different examples of Christians and their faith. I have seen how faith has allowed these people to become friends and examples for me. It has showed me what people can do with Christ in their life and with Christ providing guidance in their lives. Having Christ in my life will help me be a better brother, son and person. It is at this point where I want to reaffirm my Christian faith in baptism.

How am I and how do I intend to use my gifts, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the church?

I realize that any gifts and talents that I have are gifts from God. It is up to me to make the best use of these gifts. One way that I will use these talents is by providing service to the church. Early on, it was listening in Sunday school and paying attention in church was how I used my talents. As time has passed, my opportunities to serve the church have grown. I now am an acolyte and crucifer that adds to the church service. I feel the most important part is how I use my faith to interact with other people. I try to make my Sunday school experience one where my insight and comments add to the overall experience. Sometimes others feel it is not cool to think about the Bible. I try to show my friends through my actions that you can be a fun person while reading the Bible. Actions really do speak louder than words. Hopefully my participation sparks interests in others. One of the biggest ways I have used my talents is when we went down to the homeless shelter and served some food to the women there. By giving just my time and my patience, I felt that these women saw that men like me can be gentle and caring. The best use of my talent is by being this example for those around me. I try to set this example to my family and to those around me. In this way, I feel the church and the pastors can always count on me to help out in any way I can. Serving the church is an important part in being a good Christian. You cannot be a good Christian by keeping thoughts, words, and deeds to yourself. You must share your talents and there is no better way to share my talents than with the church.

Confirmation Statement of JM

Jesus means the world to me. I know that Jesus sacrificed his life for me. I have learned about Jesus since going to Sunday School at Christ the King since I was 4 years old. I am so lucky to have been in a faith-based school since kindergarten, where I have learned more about the Bible and Jesus’ teaching. I know I can count on Jesus to hear my prayers and help me make good decisions.

When I was in kindergarten and my dad died quite suddenly, I know it was Jesus that helped me through such a difficult time. I was so little I didn’t really understand what had happened, but as I grew older, I knew that Jesus was there, helping me through. And Jesus is still helping me, especially when I feel that it is difficult to not have me dad around. Jesus reminds me that faith is always the answer.

The movie “The Passion of the Christ” really had a special meaning to me. I saw how much Jesus suffered but at the same time, how he was able to change the world. While I had certainly read the bible and stories of Jesus, the movie really influenced how much I now appreciate Jesus and his teachings and sacrifice. I know that Jesus lives within me and will continue to influence my life in the most positive way.

I have been taught that God’s grace is: God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense. I have learned over the last few years that this definition must be expanded to show that God’s grace is unconditional. Grace is given to all of us by God. We are able to know the gift of grace by Jesus’ death and resurrection. A recent Sunday School lesson had meaning to me relating to this question: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2: 8).

I would have to say that the gift of grace is the best gift I have ever received. My faith has grown and I have a better understanding of God’s grace through the Confirmation Classes, and supported also by lessons at Sunday School. Studying the bible has really helped my faith grow. At school, I learn about many religions, even though there is a focus on Episcopalian. So it is very helpful to have learned the basics of the Lutheran faith at Confirmation classes and Sunday School.

Through our confirmation class, I feel I was very fortunate to have participated in Work Camp last summer in Lancaster, PA. With a team of other Christians, I helped paint the exterior of a home for an elderly man whose wife has Alzheimer’s. The week of camp was an amazing affirmation of my faith. We prayed together at lunch and had wonderful fellowship at the end of the day, singing and telling stories. I could see that so many youth were as positively impacted as I was by this experience.

I wish to affirm my faith in baptism as I am confirmed. I learned in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” I know that the gifts and benefits of baptism (as discussed in The Lutheran Handbook, p. 214) include: forgiveness of sins, redemption from death and the devil, and eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the Word and promise of God.” Through the teaching in Confirmation Class, I now realize that baptism is not just a one-time ritual for infants, but rather a lifelong process of being a servant of Christ. By affirming my baptism, I am saying that I accept God in my life and will strive to live a life of faith.

I plan to use my gifts, talents and abilities for the ministry of the church. In High School, I have a community service requirement which I would like to fulfill doing God’s work, hopefully mentoring younger students less fortunate than I am. I really like environmental issues and hope I can be a good steward of God’s earth. I will continue to participate in community service opportunities to pick up trash along the highway. I would hope that my life is an example to other youth. I will be changing schools in the fall to a school without a religious focus. I feel there will be opportunities to discuss my faith and beliefs with other students. By becoming a member of the congregation of Christ the King, I know I will be giving money as well as being aware of service opportunities.

Confirmation Statement of GD

What does Jesus mean to me?

This is a very hard question to answer because of the simple reason that Jesus, like God, and because he is God, is too amazing of a being to put into words. He has undying and unending love and compassion for all the world, and I don’t think there is really any way to describe him using the English language except by just calling him by his name, Jesus our Savior. It is so hard for us to truly grasp what changes Jesus had to undergo to save our world. As humans, we can not understand how Jesus is 100% of our holy Lord God and yet is also 100% human. It is unimaginable what Jesus went through to save every individual on earth from eternal darkness. This is why it is so hard to try and grasp to the fullest extent what Jesus means to me.

I am going to try to show the major roles he is currently playing in my life: a teacher and friend. Jesus is always inside of me. He guides me to do what is right and helps me understand the difference between right and wrong. Whenever I veer off the path of good, or when I am going through hardships, Jesus is the hope inside the world that everything is meant to happen for a reason and will be all right. I think that James 1:2-4 puts this into the best words. “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” This is a very hopeful passage that I can always look to in times of need. Like I said, Jesus is also a friend to me. I have the assurance that he is always listening and will be compassionate toward me whenever I pray to him. I know that he is always focusing his attention toward me with enough patience to last for eternity and always has and will understand why and what I pray to him about. It is very comforting to know that Jesus is such a loving Lord and Savior to all of us.

How have I grown in your faith and understanding of God’s grace these past few years?

Over the past few years, I have grown spiritually and in my knowledge of God. I’ll start with prayer because I’ve realized just how important it is in a relationship with God. I pray because I have faith, not because others do it, and not because my parents want me to do it. I pray because I believe that God will help me in times of need and I pray because I am so thankful for everything I have. Prayer keeps me focused. It helps me remember why I am here, and helps me to worship the Lord. Prayer is so special because I can pray about worries, things I am thankful for, things I need help with during the day, and things I am sorry for. Prayer is something that gets me through the day and I always remember to pray every morning before school. Praying is one of our great gifts from God, and I feel nobody should take it for granted.

These two years in Confirmation have furthered my understanding of God and the Holy Trinity. I know that God is always with us and is closer than we think. He is one with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is inside of each and every one of us working through us every day. He left us the Bible to guide and lead us, the Ten Commandments to show us right from wrong, the Apostles Creed, the Lords Prayer, and most importantly his Son’s life to help us be able to live with the hope that we may one day join him in Heaven. One of the things I have learned about Jesus and God that has given me joy is their grace. I have realized that without grace we would be lost. It is the fact that God helps us and makes sacrifices for us without us being worthy of it that makes God so loving. If God based everything on the deeds we did, I know I would have a pretty tough life. Every day I ask the Lord to guide and help me, and I know he always will. This is how I have grown through my years in Confirmation.

Why do I wish to affirm my faith today?

Words, words, words. Up to this point, I’ve talked about Jesus and how my faith has grown into what it is today. Even though I still am not positive about how I feel about Jesus, or where my faith will lead me, I was still able to write without problem. But this question has really made me think very hard. I’ve realized that this talk does not mean much to me. I mean, I’m fine with talking, but I don’t see what it achieves. I believe that sometimes words can be false. They can deceive and can create artificial meaning. But actions - actions show a person. They help show what a person believes in.

I do not feel that by standing up here, I am achieving anything lasting and concrete. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about how to pray. He said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret; and your father who sees you in secret will reward you.” I think that that applies to many things. Standing in front of everybody and confirming my faith is productive when, by my confirming my faith, someone else is helped. Truthfully, I would rather sit in my room and confirm my faith to Jesus in private so that only he and God can hear me.

How do I intend to use my gift, talents, and abilities for the ministry of the church?

I feel that by becoming a member of the church I can help with many things. I enjoy helping the church with various activities from the Angel Tree Project every year to when the church makes baloney sandwiches for the needy. I will continue my role in the bell choir, and will try to further the musical program. I am an umpire in the Great Falls Little League. When I get my paycheck, I often give ten percent of it to the church. I think that tithing money to the church is a huge part of being a member. When I am a member, I can also vote on church decisions. That is a great privilege and I would love to be able to do so. I always come to church every Sunday and will continue to even after I am confirmed.

When I was in Kindergarten, I had a friend who was not a Christian. Every once in a while, I would bring in things from Sunday School or tell her about Bible stories. At the end of the year, I felt that I had done a pretty good job helping her understand Jesus and the Bible. She had also started to believe a bit in what I was saying to her. I know you’re all thinking “they were just little kids,” but the more people we can share the word of God with, the more we can spread Christianity throughout the world. I feel that not only can I help the church, but that as a member, the church can help me spread the words of the Lord. If I become a member of the church, I can help the whole community further understand our living Lord. These are the things I hope to help the church with as a member.