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Articulations by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy
On June 2nd, at 9 a.m., several young people and adults will be "confirmed in the faith." That is to say, these disciples will publicly in worship, before God and Bishop, own as their own the baptismal vows entered into on their behalf by their parents and godparents when they were infants or young children (for the most part). In that act, they said, publicly, that the Christian life is the life we want for our child.
We all want the best for our children. It is reasonable that each generation hopes that the successive generation will be more secure, better educated, more prosperous and to have all the advantages in life they only aspired to. In bringing their children to the waters of baptism, to the womb of Mother Church for rebirthing, these parents and godparents hoped that their children and godchildren would become secure and assured disciples who would grow into the values of the Christian life. And yes, perhaps, would be slightly better disciples than were they.
Beginning June 9 and continuing all month, several confirmed disciples have been asked to articulate their faith. (In the Southern church tradition, we called that "testifying" but as Episcopalians, we'll call it "articulating.") The purpose is to fulfill the need we all have to strengthen each other in the Christian walk by our witness and to hear our own stories reflected in the stories of others. The point is not to hold up these disciples as super Christians (how misleading is that!) but rather to hear the testimony of our own hearts, as listeners, confirmed. ("Amens!" are optional).
Articulations. Sunday June 9, 16, 23, and 30th at 9 and 11. Cake reception on the patio following both services.
Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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