Our Bishop is coming to St. Philip's on February 17, the First Sunday in Lent, for his Annual Visitation. I agree with Bishop's Shimpfky's re-thinking of Confirmation, the purpose of which has been unclear since Baptism was recognized as full membership in the Church. The Prayerbook defines Confirmation as "the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the  laying on of hands by a bishop."  There are four orders of ministry, which stem from our baptismal promises: lay persons, bishops, priests, deacons (BCP. 855). Bishop Shimpfky describes the sacrament of Confirmation as "ordination to lay ministry." It is a mature commitment to the responsibilities of baptism and a public affirmation of one's personal understanding and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Confirmation service in the Prayerbook speaks and prays of "renewing", "sending forth", "strengthening", empowering", "sustaining", "continuing", "increasing", "being led by the Holy Spirit" in the service which God sets before each of us, daily, as baptized Christians in the world. Confirmation therefore is not an end goal, for which one studies and achieves competence. It is a beginning point or commissioning - entering into mature Christian ministry.
Since we believe that there is one  Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4, & BCP p. 299), Confirmation in the Episcopal Church is not a declaration that the Episcopal Church is the best or only center of Christian ministry. The ministry of all Christians is to represent Christ and Christ's Church (BCP p. 855). Confirmation simply means that one is ministering in and through this Church - the Episcopal Church, of which St. Philip's is a local mission congregation - at this time. Therefore, persons confirmed in another denomination are "received" into this part of Christ's Church rather than re-confirmed.
Those adults who were confirmed much earlier (as pre-teens?) have the opportunity to 'Reaffirm their Baptismal Promises' when the Bishop visits and to receive the lay

ing on of hands in blessing. It is my preference as Vicar that we not present young persons (in Middle School) for Confirmation. Our new Youth Program, led by Jenny Waggoner, and our eventual integration of the Journey to Adulthood materials, will prepare our youth for Confirmation in a much deeper and more significant way as is appropriate to this phase in their journeys.
As for you!-I call each adult member of St. Philip's (who has not been confirmed - most of our congregation) to prayerfully consider if this is the time to present yourself for Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation. You are already in position to serve God and God's people through your family, work, community and congregational service. Is it time to affirm and mark these ministries as your calling at this time by Baptism and to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit through the apostolic authority of  Christ's Church, represented by the Bishop?  I invite you to call me to make time to discuss and pray about this for you. I will be preparing adult candidates individually or in small groups, over two or three sessions, between now and March 17. Further preparation will be by your own prayer and study, continuing through Lent and Eastertide. I look forward to sharing in this discernment with you.