Reception and Reaffirmation

“…the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.”

Isaiah 43:21

In our tradition we have many ways for people to make a public confession of faith: from reciting one of the Creed to simply getting up and making our way to worship. Our call to ministry is one we’ve received at Baptism and there are various modes of response to our Baptismal covenant during our life. These modes include confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation.

In our diocese we expect people to be 15 years-old to participate in Confirmation. It is an opportunity to accept the promises made for us by parents and God-parents at our Baptism. Sometime, people want to be officially received as a full member of the Anglican Church and one way of doing so is the act of Reception. We also offer a service of Reaffirmation to give Baptized people an opportunity to reaffirm promises made long ago.

Each of these experiences are wonderful and of particular importance to the person being confirmed, received or reaffirming. But they are also moments for the whole Church to celebrate.

Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ron Cutler will be with us in worship. He is willing to receive people (who so desire) into the Anglican Church at the 10:00 a.m. services. Please be in touch with me by Wednesday, March 16 if you want to be Received. This will allow us appropriate time for preparation.

Also, if you would like to participate in the Reaffirmation, which the Bishop will also offer on Palm Sunday, simply come to the service (either the 8:00 a.m. or the 10:00 a.m. service) and come forward after those who have been received (I will indicate when).