Celebrating the Spirit: Reflections on Sunday Confirmations at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church

This past Sunday, Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church was filled with joy and spiritual renewal as we welcomed The Right Rev. Jennifer Reddall, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese in Arizona, to preside over our Confirmation service. It was a day marked by the blessings of faith and the strengthening of commitments to God through the Holy Spirit.

Saint Barnabas prides itself on offering this two-year Episcopal Confirmation program, a testament to our commitment to nurturing the spiritual journeys of our youth. For seventh, eighth, and ninth-graders, Confirmation represents a profound step in their relationship with Christ, providing a foundation of prayer, community, worship, and service beyond our regular Sunday worship services. The program, facilitated by our dedicated youth leaders, the Rev. Pam Bell, Quita Remick, Lyndsay Estabrooks, and under the guidance of Kate Fimbres, Director of Youth Ministries, seeks to support and sustain our youth through a period of growth and discovery.

The day’s highlight was the heartfelt testimonials from our young and adult confirmants during the family luncheon following the service. Each confirmand bravely stepped forward to share their confirmation journey, articulating how their faith in Jesus Christ has impacted their lives. These testimonials were not just words but testimonies of the transformative power of faith and community in shaping young hearts and minds.

For adults new to the Episcopal Church or seeking to reaffirm their commitment to Christ, this experience is a welcoming embrace into our communion and fellowship. This annual ceremony, accompanied by the Bishop’s laying on of hands and prayers, signifies a mature commitment to Christ and the Episcopal tradition. A seven-week preparation course, led by The Rev. Anne K. Ellsworth, offers a nurturing environment for adults to deepen their understanding of Episcopal beliefs and practices.

Our Sunday Confirmations at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church are more than just ceremonies; they are vibrant celebrations of faith, community, and personal growth. We invite all curious about Confirmation or eager to contribute as adult leaders to reach out to our church office or connect with Kate Fimbres for more information. Together, we continue our journey in abundance, wonder, and joy, guided by the spirit of love and fellowship that defines our community at Saint Barnabas.

For questions about Youth Confirmation, please get in touch with Kate Fimbres. For questions about Adult Confirmation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Rev. Anne K. Ellsworth

Below are some of the images that were captured on this day. Click the gallery below to explore the happy moments!