Our daughter, Laura, will graduate from High School on June 12th. My wife and I just can’t believe this day is fast approaching! As cliché as it may sound, it seems just like yesterday that our daughter was a young girl and now she has matured into a young woman of 17 yrs. We are looking forward to celebrating her accomplishments as she begins to anticipate starting her college studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in the fall. Her graduation is a significant “life passage.”
The Passage of First Communion: Here at Alleluia there are a several significant life and faith passages that will take place in May. First Communion happens for our third graders on May 1st. After a workshop for preparation they will be joining in the full celebration of the Lord’s Supper, receiving the bread and the wine, the body and blood of Jesus. This is such an exciting time for these children!
The Passage of Confirmation: On May 15 we will celebrate the Confirmation of our 8th graders. On this day they will be entering a new stage of involvement in the church. Once confirmed they become adult “voting” members of the congregation. This is also an important opportunity for our young people to say “yes” to their baptism in Christ and “yes” to their faith in Jesus.
The Passage of Marriage: One of my pastoral duties I enjoy immensely is presiding at weddings. There are 10 wedding taking place through Alleluia’s ministry this year alone. Working with couples getting ready for their marriage is so important and so rewarding. Transitioning into a life of marriage is a wonderful time for couples as they make their life long commitment to each other.
The Passage of Baptism: Here at Alleluia we continue to have many baptisms! We are blessed with many children and also a few youth and adults who have moved into a whole new life in Christ through baptism. Baptisms are always an incredible way in which to celebrate God’s forgiveness, grace, and love for us in Jesus Christ.
Please keep our children and youth in your prayers in these days ahead as they go through grace-filled and wonderful life passages!
Pastor Durk
