SuperPizzaBoy has been taking Confirmation Classes at our church since last Fall. A group of about a dozen boys his age with two adult leaders met almost every Sunday evening. They learned much about Faith, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, the history of the Church and leading a Christian life. They also played a lot of football and ate some ice cream. It was a lot of fun. I sat in with SPB to help him out so I got to see some of the dynamics. I quickly figured out that Confirmation Class was a safe place for son, so I bowed out.
So a few weeks ago we had the Confirmation Ceremony at the church. According to the United Methodist Church the Confirmation Ceremony is:
“Confirmation refers to the decision a person makes to respond to God’s grace with intentional commitment, publicly reaffirming his or her baptismal vows before the congregation.”
It was also the first time that SPB had ever worn a tie.
He didn’t like it too much
I don’t blame him. I hate them also.
I wore one in solidarity. I didn’t get a pic of me, wished I had.
So, kind of two rites of passage in one day. It might have been a little much. He got through it ok.
He felt a little better when we arrived and found out that everybody else was wearing one also. His group had a fine group of boys and two dedicated adult leaders.
There were well over a 100 kids confirmed. The minister lays his hands on each person and says a little prayer. It takes a while but this is a big deal in our church. The kids at about 12 years old are very vulnerable to the various influences in our culture. The church wants to be one of the bigger influences in these young people’s life.
(I have to tell you, something about this photo makes me tear up. He’s growing up but he has an awesome innocence about him.)
So it was over, and we are very proud of him. He got to take his tie off and we all went off out to dinner to celebrate.
I Tim 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Go check out my friend Baloney’s Perfect Pairings for more matches of photos and scripture.
I can understand the tearing up and those times continue to happen as our children move from one stage to the next in growing up! You have a beautiful son and he will always bring you joy in one form or another! Enjoy!
Sylvia
SPB really rocked the tie. He does look like a fine YOUNG MAN…not a little boy anymore. Tear up, dad. Those are good tears…the same ones I deliver (actually they are from my eye balls sweating) up when I watch my grand kids achieve their goals. Give him a pat on the back for me, will ya?
What a handsome young man! I love that your minister lays hands on each one of them.
He sure looks grown up, it is quite a milestone for him.
He looks so handsome!! Michael hasn’t worn a tie yet. After the fits he throws about belts, I can’t even imagine how much fun that would be.
I got chills with your verse today. And that last pic really caught me.
Loved it, Yogi.
He does look handsome in that tie! What a proud day. I remember going to confirmation classes the entire year I was in 6th grade (I’m Episcopalian). When it came time for my first communion, I got sick and threw up all over the church. Very embarrassing!
SPB is no more a boy but a young man – he’s an absolute equal with his peers.
May I just add that it’s wonderful that you can admit to tearing up – SPB’s a lucky lad to have such an honest father.
I think SPB does set an example, Yogi – and he looks just awesome in his yellow tie. May his innocence stay with him forever.
This is a very lovely photo essay of an important rite of passage. Very tender.
I Timothy is a great verse for young people. It is displayed in our youth building. The last half of that verse is good advice to all of us.
Congratulations to SPB. He looks great in that tie, although I’m sure he wasn’t thrilled with that part of the day.
What a handsome young man! With or without a tie. He’s very blessed to have such wonderful, caring parents.
Aw, well I’m tearing up because you’re tearing up. I hate to let me tear up alone.
He looked very nice!
I have a question…what’s up with all the Justin Bieber hair styles? That kid is driving me to drink. He needs to disappear.
What a BIG day for SPB. I’m so glad they ALL were wearing tie. PHEW!
I can certainly understand that emotion. SPB looked really lovely in his tie but I can understand the need to take it off when it was all over. I agree with Oklahoma Granny. He is very blessed to have you two as parents, but then I know you feel blessed to have him as your son.
Does anyone really like a tie?
SPB looks very handsome in his. I would like to see father and son all duded up together sometime.
I can understand the emotion at this important event. My younger son will get married in September, and I’m sure I’ll cry through the entire ceremony…just as I did when the other 2 kids married.