March 7, 2007

“Thanks Kids”

Last Saturday was a great day for me. I hosted the Bishop’s Confirmation Rally and we had around 400 youth plus over 100 pastors and other adult leaders present. It was a fun day, and the youth were so enthusiastic, passionate, inquisitive, and eager. The numbers were double what we had last year, and I hope that event can keep growing and growing. We ordered over $1,500 worth of pizza to feed all of them!

The date for next year is already set for Saturday, March 1st, so plan on sending or bringing your youth to join me.

I believe it is good for our youth to see that they are part of a large and enthusiastic movement called The United Methodist Church. Some of the youth were present from large churches, but many were from smaller churches and the youth seemed excited to see so many other youth involved in the faith process of confirmation.

One part of the day is especially meaningful to me, and that is when the kids ask me questions. Some are written on cards, and others are just offered spontaneously. Their questions give me a chance to know what is on their minds. This year’s questions included a great variety. Some were serious (“Will you pray for cancer to be stopped?” and “Do you believe that the Bible can be taken literally”). Others were curious about me (“What does a bishop do?” and “How did you get to be a bishop?” and even “Do you like Twinkies?”). Many of their questions dealt with tough faith issues (“Do you believe that there are mortal sins?” and “What does God think about drinking and smoking?” and “If someone is saved, are they always saved?”). Several of the kids asked questions about the “Imagine Indiana” process and what merging to make a new conference would mean for youth ministry. There were lots of questions, lots of eager faces, and lots of young Christians trying to learn about following Jesus.

We closed the day, as we always do, by sharing Holy Communion together, and it is always fun for me to see how enthusiastically the kids come forward to receive the elements of communion. Adults tend to come slowly, perhaps thoughtfully, or maybe self-consciously. Not junior high kids! They almost run down the aisle at the invitation to come and receive Holy Communion. Maybe we adults can learn from their enthusiasm.

All I know is that being with those hundreds of young Christians really encourages me and reminds me of the joy of our faith and the future of our United Methodist Church. So, I just want to say, “Thanks kids!”

from Bishop Michael J. Coyner

Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"

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