Confirmation!

^{John Chapter 8 verses 31 and 32}

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This is Marek's confirmation verse.  Nice!  It was a weekend full of family, fun and food prep!  Marvin and Gretchen, Grandma and Grandpa, drove in from Illinois on Friday afternoon.  It was a long and difficult drive due to the insane snow that blew in Thursday.  We had a nice relaxing dinner with them Friday evening.  Saturday morning Aunt Barb flew in from Illinois and arrived in time for lunch.  We had a nice day chatting and catching up while also slicing and dicing veggies, fruit and making deli trays.  My dad and Mertie joined us Saturday afternoon and for dinner.  It was nice to have everyone together; doesn't happen too often!  

Sunday we all got up and hauled it to church - we, of course, arrived at the very last moment!  The service was nice with seven confirmands, a fancy song by the bell choir and a really cute children's sermon.  

It was a really nice gathering.  Several friends joined us at church and for the reception afterwards.  Each confirmand received their confirmation verse printed in calligraphy and framed as well as a nice metal cross to hang on the wall.  From church we headed home for lunch.  Unfortunately the weather was pretty chilly and damp, but, I guess, at least it wasn't snowing!  We had a good lunch with lots of time to hang out and talk with people.  Our family and friends were very generous with gifts and cards for Marek.  Marcus and I gifted him with a really nice stainless cross and chain as well as some cash for his long term savings account.  (Someday he will be buying a new car!)  

The passing of time in our lives is so amazing.  It seems just a few years ago that Marek was being baptized!  All those years of Vacation Bible School and Sunday school are well behind us now.  With confirmation, Marek has learned the teachings of the Lutheran church and is now a member of the church.  He took communion for the first time during this service.  

As lunch ended, kids started showing up for the promotion party.  Whew!  By then the weather was warming up and it was perfect for the bonfire and running around in the woods.  All the kids came in and ate again... and again!  By 8pm all of the kids and relatives were gone and it was time to clean up and then relax!  Whew!  The day was a success, Marek enjoyed it and felt very special all day.  We were the proud parents!