Confirmations - June 12 - Marin
(At the sound of the singing bowl, the people gather around the edges of the spiral.)
Opening Song: “Open My Heart”
Bishop Marc welcomes everyone.
Opening Acclamation
Bishop: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Bishop: There is one Body and one Spirit;
People: There is one hope in God's call to us;
Bishop: One Savior, one Faith, one Baptism;
People: One God, Creator of all.
Bishop: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us pray.
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and moves, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Priest: We acknowledge that this land is the traditional territory of the Coast Miwok and Graton Rancheria peoples. Their presence is imbued in the lands and waters surrounding us. May we nurture our relationship with our Native neighbors, and the shared responsibilities to their homelands where we all reside today.
Blessing of Water
(The Bishop blesses the water in the center of the spiral first, saying)
Bishop: May God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Bishop: We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Creator, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(At the following words, the Bishop touches the water)
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Universe Walk
Bell
Reader 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through the Word, and without the Word not one thing came into being. What has come into being in the Word was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Reader 1 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 2.
Bell
Reader 2: Fourteen billion years ago,from that place that was no-place, from that time that was no-time, God calls forth the cosmos in a silent blaze of inconceivable brilliance. It contains all the light, energy, and potential for everything that will ever come to be.
Reader 1 walks the spiral until coming to the first knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 2 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 3.
Bell
Reader 3: Eight and a half billion years later,our Grandmother Star becomes a supernova. She gives up her life in an explosion that gives rise to our Star, what we call the Sun. The sun and a great disk of matter emerge. All the members of our solar system.
Reader 2 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 3 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 4.
Bell
Reader 4: For the next three hundred million years, Earth sweeps up solar system debris, swelling in size. Some of the outer layers of the molten Earth splash out into orbit, creating the moon.
Reader 3 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 4 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 5.
Bell
Reader 5: Over the next six hundred million years, as Earth's surface quiets and cools, an atmosphere begins to form. The first rains fall upon the Earth.
Reader 4 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 5 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 6.
Bell
Reader 6: Four billion years ago, oceans are born and bring forth the wonder of life – simple cells. Earth comes alive.
Reader 5 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 6 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 7.
Bell
Reader 7: Five hundred million years ago, the first animals and plants move out of the waters onto the dry land, separating themselves from the creatures that remained in the waters of the oceans.
Reader 6 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 7 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 8.
Bell
Reader 8: Four hundred twenty-five million years ago plants develop wood cells and learn to stand upright, stretching towards the sun, first living along the shores of oceans and rivers, and then covering the earth.
Reader 7 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 8 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 9.
Bell
Reader 9: Two hundred million years ago, the continents shift, crack, and drift apart. Separate oceans are formed. Creation on earth expands and moves apart.
Reader 8 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 9 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 10.
Bell
Reader 10: Six hundred and fifty thousand years ago, the plates that form the San Andreas fault began their dance. shifting and sliding, squeezing and stretching, slipping and spreading they created the San Francisco Bay.
Reader 9 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 10 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 11.
Bell
Reader 11: One hundred and forty thousand years ago, modern Homo Sapiens emerge in the unfolding life process. Through humans, the universe realizes its capacity for conscious self-awareness.
Reader 10 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 11 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 12.
Bell
Reader 12: Twenty-six hundred years ago, the stories that would later become the oldest part of the Bible are first written down by people seeking God.
Reader 11 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 12 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 13.
Bell
Reader 13: Two thousand years ago, a woman named Mary gives birth to a child, Jesus, called Emmanuel, “God with us.” His struggle to embody, teach, and share God's love inspires followers who later became known as Christians.
Reader 12 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 13 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 14.
Bell
Reader 14: Four hundred and forty-two years ago, Sir Francis Drake and the crew of the Golden Hinde mark their landing near this place with the first Anglican worship service on the north American continent. The arrival of more colonizers driven by selfish interests desire to dominate the land and claim ownership for a foreign nation.
Reader 13 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 13 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 15.
Bell
Reader 15: Two hundred and fifty-two years ago, missionaries from Spain, led by Junípero Serra, began to make their way up the coast of California planting outposts that would become some of our largest cities. These missions contribute to the devastation of the traditional way of life for the people who had been living on this land for thousands of years.
Reader 14 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 15 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 16.
Bell
Reader 16: One hundred and seventy-two years ago, gold is discovered in California. Overcome by greed, we became disconnected from God’s creation in the exploitation of the land for our own benefit. The poisons from the mining process continue to pollute the San Francisco Bay.
Reader 15 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 16 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 17.
Bell
Reader 17: Seventy-Six Years Ago, harnessing the power of the atom, scientists created the first nuclear explosion, a discovery which has the potential to eradicate all life on earth but also has the potential to bring peace.
Reader 16 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 17 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 18.
Bell
Reader 18: Fifty-five years ago, after spending 28 years of retirement in this pasture, being loved and cared for by Anthony Connell and the good people of this neighborhood, and serving as a reminder of our common commitment to care for all the creatures of the earth, Blackie, the beloved horse, died and was buried here.
Reader 17 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Reader 18 walks to the center of the spiral, takes a small bowl, fills it with water, then waits for Reader 19.
Bell
Reader 19: TODAY, the Story of the Universe is being told as our Sacred Story. The Flaring Forth continues at this moment. Today, all humans can know the story of our origin, Our shared story with all creation living in this sacred Universe.
Reader 18 walks the spiral until coming to the next knot, where they will place their bowl of water, then return to the outside of the spiral.
Bell
Bishop: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us pray.
Creating and life-giving God, you have placed us in communities of people and in connection with all of life. Help us to be aware of your presence in the natural world around us, and to commit ourselves to caring for all of life on this fragile earth, our island home. Let us love and support one another in the shared work of caring for the environment, that others in generations to come may always see your handiwork in the sky, land, and water. In the name of the one through whom all things came into being, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Bell
Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
Bishop: The Candidates for confirmation will now be presented.
Presenters: I present these persons for Confirmation.
(we will go around the circle, congregation by congregation to present. Please do not name each person, just say “these persons/this person”)
Bishop: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
Candidates: I do.
Bishop: Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidates: I do and with God's grace I will follow him as my Savior.
Bishop: As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement and as people who live the Way of Love, we long to grow loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God, each other, and God’s Creation. In this urgent moment, we have come forward to make a faithful pledge to protect and renew this good Earth and all who call it home. We trust that the body of Christ acting together will always accomplish more than any one could alone.
Group: As followers of Jesus and as lovers of God and of all that God has created, we present ourselves to you. We ask for God‘s blessing on our commitment to sustain and renew the earth and all who call it home.
Bishop: Will you share your stories of love and concern for the Earth and link with others who care about protecting the sacred web of life?
Group: We will.
Bishop: Will you stand with those most vulnerable to the harmful effects of environmental degradation and climate change – women, children, poor people and communities of color, refugees, migrants?
Group: We will.
Bishop: Will you change your habits and choices in order to live more simply, humbly and gently on the Earth?
Group: We will.
Bishop: Will you who witness these promises do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ, pray for your companions on the Jesus Way, and discover ways that you can also engage in new behaviors that help the whole creation to flourish?
People: We will.
Bishop: Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Bishop: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Bishop: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Bishop: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God's help.
Bishop: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God's help.
Bishop: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God's help.
Bishop: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God's help.
Bishop: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of the Earth and of every human being?
People: I will, with God's help.
Bishop: Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ.
Intercessor: Deliver them, O God, from the way of sin and death.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People: God, hear our prayer.
Bishop: Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these your servants the covenant you have made with them at their Baptism. Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Confirmation
(The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says)
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N. with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life. Amen.
or this
Defend, O Lord, your servant N. with your heavenly grace, that they may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until they come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
For Reception
N., we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.
For Reaffirmation
N., may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.
For Care of Creation Blessing
N., may the Holy Spirit, guide you to make right decisions, not only for yourself but for the whole ecosystem and show you the way to form more loving, liberating, life-giving relationship with your Creator, with your neighbors and with the earth God made and loves. Amen.
The Bishop concludes with this prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, in the beginning you made all things and wove them together in interdependence and community. You have called us to tend and care for your creation and all the life within it. Give us wisdom, courage, reverence, strength, and delight in the ministry of Creation Care. And let your loving hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop: The peace of God be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Song: “Peace Before Us”
Bishop: Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Comfort the afflicted. Be patient with all but make no peace with oppression. Love and serve all that is holy, and the blessing of God, the Source of Life, Incarnate Word, and Spirit of Love, be among you and remain with you, today and always. Amen
Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Alleluia. Alleluia.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Song: “Another Word/All Shall Be Well”