New Confirmation Service

I'm just finishing the final wording on the new promises for Faith Stepping Stone 7 - Confirmation.

Any suggestions?

Promise 1:
Children of the Promise, will you continue in
the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism?
Will you stay close to your Christian friends in this
place, supporting and strengthening them even as they
do the same for you? And, one day when you leave this
place to launch out on a life of your own, will you
remain in fellowship with Christ’s family and the
church that has nurtured you for as long as you live?

Promise 2:
Children of Grace, you have worshiped, listened, loved,
and learned of Christ in your homes, in your small groups,
and in this holy place. Here, in this place, you have been
nourished by God’s Word. Here, at this table, you have feasted
on the forgiveness of sins through our Lord’s Supper. Will you
continue to put yourself into these sacred spaces where God can
reach you and teach you? Will you continue to carve out ample
times and places to hear the still, small voice of God and taste in Christ’s forgiving presence from this day forward for as long as long as you live?

Promise 3:
Children of Light, you have been graced with the
knowledge of God’s amazing plan to set the world free
from sin, death, and bondage to all the dark powers!
What will you do with this good news? Will you be
bearers of the light? Will you share the grace of Christ
with a broken, hurting world? Will your words and
actions give praise and glory to God so others may taste
and see the goodness of the Lord through your loving
example every day of your life for as long as you live?

Promise 4:
Children of Humbleness, you have learned from Christ
that the greatest of all is the servant of all. Will you be a
willing servant in your family? Among your friends
and enemies alike? In your school? In this church? In a
world that demands to be served rather than serve, will
you humble yourself, put others’ needs before your
own, and serve all according to the example of Christ
from this day forth for as long as you live?

Promise 5:
Children of Peace, Jesus was called the Prince of Peace.
Yet, he met a violent death. He lived the life of a prophet,
speaking out for God; standing up against oppression and
the racism of his day; and even challenging the religious
establishment when it forgot God. In a world of hatred and
injustice, will you speak out for God even if it costs you?
Will you use your power on behalf of the powerless; your
voice for those who have no voice? Will you work for peace
and justice in your home, in your school, and in all God’s
world from this day forth for as long as you live?

Promise 6:
Will you continue to share Highs & Lows as a family
each night? Will you continue to read a verse from God’s
Word; to reflect on God’s Word as it speaks to you;
to confess and forgive; to pray for your parents’ Highs &
Lows; and to bless one another before you turn out the lights
on each day? Will this special time with your parents and
with God remain your top priority for as long as you live
under your parents’ care? If this is your intention, please
answer: “Yes, and I ask God to help and guide me.”

Comments

[Mike Blackwell]

Rich:
I really like the content of the promises as well as the other blessing services that you have put together. But I find them a little too wordy...particularly after the other things that go into the confirmation rite. I would suggest something more conscise--maximum of two sentences each.
Mike Blackwell

[Debbie Streicher]

How about in the case that a church has identified spiritual gifts and what if the expectation would be that the youth are than invited to use their gifts to help during GIFT the next year or are invited to be Jr. Guides?

Ex.:Children of Promise, will you continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism? Will you open your heart, mind, and soul to the Spirit and invite it's work in your life? Will you ask for God's guidance in using your gifts? Will you share your gifts with both older and younger ages in this church and in the world from this day forward?