On the eve of Palm Sunday, there was a confirmation banquet at church. As usual, we had great fun, great food and great people!
the deco, made by the Sunday School kids!
Agnes with Judy, Jessica and Fiona
the wonderful meals prepared by very dedicated church members
exchanging gifts with his mentors, Perry and Judy
And then came the confirmation service on Palm Sunday... that's about 2 weeks ago!
the mentors presenting the confirmands to the minister
Kevin reading his letter to the congregation
Kevin being confirmed
Their first act as new members of the Church - serving communion
The most special part of the entire confirmation experience had to be the gifts - each and every one of them was very personal and meaningful to him in their own way, and reflects where Kevin is now in his journey.
A mobile, made by the Sunday school kids - the yacht reminds Kevin of the sailing experience. Indeed, getting confirmed is like sailing a big yacht: setting out into the unknown while the Spirit blows us wherever He wishes, to explore strange new lands, face the storms; it's all an adventure with God! In the midst of all the change that is going on in our lives right now (friendships, vocation, sprituality, theology, among a host of other things), the anchor is a symbol of stability - one that can only be found in God. As for the crab... well, maybe Kevin's just full of crap! :p
The cup (yes, we got to keep the communion cup we used to serve the Church members!) has become a very poignant symbol for Kevin in recent years... Here's why, if you want to know...
A flower and a card from all the teachers for confirmation classes - they've all really done a great job! And of course, one of them was Agnes! 'May your faith reach astronomical heights!' - Anil
Having seen Bibles of all shapes and sizes in bookstores (and having owned quite a few of them), Kevin was very much delighted to receive one which he had never seen before! It comes in Kevin's favourite translation, the NRSV, apparently the most accurate and scholarly one. And, instead of the the usual 'Words of Christ in red', this one has all passages pertaining to the environment and creation care highlighted in green! Since childhood, Kevin has always been a nature lover. In recent years, environmental stewardship and creation care are some of the areas in which he has incorporated into his own faith - a by-product of major theological shifts occurring in the last 5 years of Kevin's life. Brian McLaren and N. T. Wright are two authors who have played the most influential roles in setting him off on this journey that would change him forever. And both of them are contributors of some of the articles in this Bible!
Last but not least, is a scrapbook journal that Judy and Perry made for Kevin, detailing his entire journey - from our first visit to the church, church events, and through the entire confirmation process. It was really beautiful, and it comes in eucalyptus green for that Aussie touch!
On the last page of the journal, was something that deeply moved him, inspired him, and encouraged him all at once:
The church you attending now is so lovely!
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