On Sunday, May 19th the Christian Community of Chapel Hill-Durham will be holding a very special event: The Sacrament of Confirmation of 8 young people. The confirmands and their families will be coming from Hillsborough, NC; Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Florida; Atlanta,Georgia; and Washington, DC. Please join us for this very special occasion.

Confirmation takes place at the age of 14, as a rite of passage bringing Christ’s light and strength to human beings as they are blessed and burdened by puberty’s gifts and begin to seek their own path into life. The young people approaching Confirmation are being welcomed into the world of adulthood. They are told that they are on the threshold from one period of life to the next. They are introduced to Christ as the One who will lead them through the joys and sorrows of life. They receive the Holy Spirit in a blessing and the laying on of hands. Then they are “released” into the community but also into life.

The first deed that they do in their new life is to attend the Consecration of the Human Being, the adult service, and receive Holy Communion. This is to invite them into a new phase of life, in which they have more freedom but one which will allow them to experience themselves as evolving spiritual beings in an earthly life. The journey from young adulthood to full adulthood is a long and crucial one. We acknowledge this and work to strengthen and encourage them along the way.

Three Christian Community priests will be present on this important occasion: Rev. Oliver Steinrueck, who will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation; Rev. Carol Kelly, who has led the confirmands in Washington, Chapel Hill, and Gainesville; and Rev. Emma Heirman who has prepared the confirmands in Atlanta and Austin.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will begin at 10:30 am. Children are allowed to attend the first part of the ceremony which will last about 20 minutes. Then there will be a brief pause, during which the priest will change vestments in preparation for the Consecration. At this time the children under 12 will be ushered out (child care will be provided) while the rest of the congregation remains seated for the second part of the service.

The service will begin 10:30 AM – (please note that there will be no story time or Children’s Service)

Following the Confirmation, at approximately 12:00, there will be a Festive Meal for all attendees, and then a Reception between 1:00 and 2:00PM. All are warmly invited to attend.

For more information contact Buddy Smiley by email at lsmiley7542@gmail.com or call him at 919-951-4353.