Mark 9:30-37

In the Gospel Lesson before us this morning, Jesus is traveling with his

disciples from Galilee to Capernaum. He tells them once again of his

impending death and resurrection. Referring to himself as the Son of Man,

Jesus says that he will be betrayed into human hands and God will not help

him for a while. He will be killed. He will rise again and return to God. Of

course, as usual, the disciples didn't understand what he was saying and

argued among themselves about the meaning of his words.

Entering Capernaum, they went into a house, and there, as they rested, Jesus

asked his disciples to tell him what they were arguing about along the way.

In their shame, they went silent. They had been asking about who was the

greatest among them. Apparently, they thought that because he would be

leaving them there would be a power vacuum.

Jesus sat down---no doubt took a deep breath---and said:

"Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."

Then, setting a child on his lap he continued by saying: 

    "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me,

 and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me."

Today, is Confirmation Day at St. James Church.  It is, among other things, a

time to consider matters like "servanthood" and to do so within the context

of childhood.  Now, granted you won't be sitting any of these children on

your lap, as Jesus did---at least not willingly---but they are still children

just beginning their journey toward adulthood.

The fourteen 9th graders here assembled, whether they realize it or not, are

at a stage of life that is a marvelous place to be!  There isn't a single

adult here today that wouldn't trade places with you, but since science has

not yet figured out a way to turn back our biological clocks we simply

celebrate with you the incredible opportunities for growth and change that

will be yours from this day forth.

In you, today, we are "confirming" a hope for the future of this congregation

and for Christ's whole Church on earth. We are "confirming," in you, the hope

that the excitement the Church needs to move forward will not only be felt by

you but lived by you---without hesitation. The Church needs your energy and

enthusiasm.  And, believe me, St. James members and friends, THIS is a

Confirmation Class that has energy and enthusiasm that are more that

sufficient!  They also have plenty of daring, spunk and, I am pleased to add,

loyalty to and love for their church.

All too often Confirmation Day marks the beginning of the end of a child's

participation in his or her church life; If not the beginning of the

end---the beginning of a hiatus of sorts. I'm certainly not going to dwell on

that unfortunate fact of church life. . .except to say, to you who are about

to reaffirm your baptism, "Give your church a chance to demonstrate how

important Jesus Christ can be in your life and how important your service can

be in the life of Christ's Church.

Roger / Claire / Matt / Tanner / Erik / Kristin / Colby / David / Stephanie /

Eric / Erin / Katie / Karl / Justin---you are so very, very precious to

me!---and, to Pastor Gazzolo as well.  You are important to us and to your

parents and to every adult member of this congregation because you are the

future of the Christian Church on earth and thereby our future. 

You will not only continue what we have begun in "bricks & mortar," programs

and purpose, faith and faithfulness, but you will in fact provide the very

light of Christ for younger generations of believers.  You may even be called

upon to show the older generations the Way into the future that we have

prepared for you---that is more often the case than not!

Even as parents, pastors, and adult friends have struggled to be good

examples for you throughout your growing years, you must now take these

examples one step further. We are not perfect in what we say and do---nor

will you be perfect in what you say and due. 

It is our simple prayer that you will discover whatever it is you need to

move yourselves and your church one more step toward the place that Christ

calls you to be. 

You have been prepared to lead---now, each in your own way, you must begin to

lead.  St. James Youth and the order of St. John await your talented

contributions.  They will not become the organizations God in Christ would

have them be without your help!  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America---both in Lake Forest and in the Metro-Chicago Synod, throughout the

nation and the World, knows no other way to move forward than through the

gifts and contributions of its people generation to generation.  There is no

Church without God's people. YOU are the people for whom God's work here on

earth waits.

God has given us his Spirit.---a Spirit of great wisdom and understanding. 

But, the Spirit of God can manifest itself only in the activity of God's

people! What it all comes down to is what Martin Luther called "freedom of

the will."  In other words, you will do what you should do in celebration of

and thanksgiving of your Confirmation or you won't! It's as simple as that!

If you are willing to help me and Pastor Gazzolo, as well as any and all

future pastors of this congregation, you will; and, if you are not so

willing,  you won't help us.

Everything your church will call upon you to do will take time and energy

away from activities that you truly enjoy. Participation in St. James Youth

Group will take time away from good friends who either belong to other

churches or who are unchurched. Participation in The Order of St. John means

rising early Sunday morning after a late Saturday night. Sunday Church School

teaching and Nursery attending, choirs, bells and brass---all take time.  I

know you have the energy, I know you have the talent---what I do not know is

whether you have the TIME.  No, let me say that differently.  I know that you

have the time. What I do not know is whether you will be WILLING to take that

time and give of it generously during these busy years of your life!

In the months to come, some members of "Confirmation Class 2000"  will be

neither seen or heard from. And, by the way, I'm not here talking about

Kristin Eckert who has returned to us from her new home in California. I'm

talking about those who, although they remain in the community, are not seen

or heard from because they have neither the time or interest it takes to get

here and because their parents no longer insist that they be here.  When I

see them on the street, they will show respect by not running or turning

away, but the conversation will go like this. 

    "Pastor, I'm sorry I haven't been to church or to youth group

but---SOMEDAY!"

Deciding to make and take "the time" SOMEDAY is a nice thought, but "someday"

all too often never comes. Even tomorrow might be too late for those who very

much want and need your help today!

We are all on our respective "faith journeys," and although most of our

journeys are less dramatic than the one the disciples took with Jesus on the

road from Galilee to Capernaum, all "faith journeys" contribute to the future

of the Kingdom. And, frankly speaking, it makes no difference if you are

prepared to lead or follow---both, Scripture tells us, are necessary.

As Ann Gerdom's choice of sermon hymn tells us, you only need to "walk as a

child o0f the Light." Can each and every member of the Confirmation Class say

that with me:  "I want to walk like a child of the Light." 

(repeat)

Thank you! I believe you do and I expect to hear of your faithfulness for