Kiss The Son
We at Good Shepherd are committed to helping people toward the Gifts which Christ provides within His Church. People visit here - sometimes for years - before they desire to receive all that Christ intends for them. When they do, by the working of the Holy Spirit, they begin instruction with the pastor, and at the end of that time, they are baptized (if they have not been) and are confirmed and admitted to the Lord's Supper. We invite all people to come and learn more about the Faith which Christ entrusted to the saints.
Q: Who may attend Kiss the Son?
Anyone may attend, both adults and children. We have had mature first graders who have been instructed and confirmed in the Christian Faith. Typically, if parents are responsible and children are able and willing to participate in the life of Faith, they are ready to be instructed by the pastor. If children attend, parents attend with them, as instruction in the home by parents is of primary importance. Youth and adults may also attend Kiss the Son. You may attend if you desire to join our fellowship, or if you are only curious. You may attend if you have already joined our fellowship and would simply like to review the Faith, improve upon your spiritual disciplines or encourage and support others as they learn the wonders and mysteries of living from God's Promises and Gifts in Jesus.
Q: How long does this last and what committment does this take?
Our first meeting is Sunday, August 17 at noon. We'll eat pizza and get to know each other a bit. Pastor Sawyer will explain the over all plan and schedule and answer any questions you may have. Those who desire to commit themselves to the full course will be received into what we call the catechumenate on Sunday, August 24. At that time, the catechumenate (a word that simply means that one has entered into a specific period of instruction in the catechism, or fundamentals of the Faith) will commit themselves to some very basic things. First, to weekly attendance in the Sunday Divine Liturgy and Bible Class with the Pastor. Second, to weekly attendance at the Kiss the Son sessions, which will meet on Sundays at 1:15 (unless otherwise scheduled). Third, to daily prayer and meditation on God's Word and the primary texts of Luther's Small Catechism. Fourth, to additional times with God's saints around His Word, especially to the catechetical (teaching/instruction) services during Advent and Lent, as well as to other special times and feasts, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. Fifth, to a life of holiness and an increasing desire to do well, bear abundant fruit, and live in faith toward God and fervent love toward others, as strengthened and enlivened by God's Word and Holy Sacraments.
Q: WOW! Are you crazy? What if I can't do that?
First, no one HAS to commit to all of that to attend Kiss the Son. If you are just curious, please come. No committment is necessary. Come and listen. Come and learn. Kiss the Son is for those who simply wonder what the Christian Faith as expressed amongst Lutherans is all about, as well as for those who desire to join our fellowship. So, come, even if you AREN'T sure you want to join. Second, NONE of us, in and of ourselves, are able to live the life that God desires for us. We therefore live by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, from His forgiveness. We live as the baptized, believing and absolved people of God. At the same time, we do not grow weary in well doing, but die to sin daily and live to God in Christ Jesus. That takes discipline. It takes God's Spirit. It takes God's Service to us in Christ Jesus. Toward that, Kiss the Son provides a structured way of approaching the Life of Faith. We are learning not only the FACTS of the Faith, but we are learning to take our refuge in Christ Jesus. God's love is having its way with us, and so we are growing in both faith and love. Be patient with yourself. You may only just be beginning this wonderful life in Christ Jesus. Don't be over-whelmed. Nothing more will be placed on you than you are ready to receive. Not all desire to join the Catechumenate. Some simply come to learn a little bit here or there. Also, remember that this isn't a brief course of study which is soon over and forgotten. It is part of the life-long learning which God intends for His disciples. Along the way, He will teach you to trust in His Promises. He will provide for you through your pastor and others. He is bringing you to the ongoing repentance by which you live continually from His forgiveness in Jesus. At the end of our study, you will learn the joys of private confession and absolution, hearing your pastor forgive you your sins and then admit you to the wonders and joys of living from the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus.
Q: How many weeks does it last?
Pizza is on Aug. 17. Enrollment into the catechumenate will be at the Sunday morning services (8 or 10:30 a.m.) on Aug. 24. Classes will begin at 1:15 on Sunday, Aug. 24. We'll begin with the study of Commandments 1-3. Basically, with a few exceptions for holidays, we will meet weekly at the same time until our study is complete. We are preparing those who desire admission to the Lord's Table, which will take place at the Vigil of Easter, on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. Holy Week will involve the joyous confession of the catechumenate on Monday April 6, Tuesday April 7, and Wednesday April 8. The Catechumenate will attend the Maundy Thursday service and participate in the foot-washing, a symbolic representation of the way in which we live from the Ministry of Christ, Who washes us with His forgiveness in individual absoution. Catechumens will attend Good Friday service on April 10 and then be admitted to the Supper at the Vigil on April 11. Approximately 25 classes in total, with Sunday worship and Bible class and special services included. It is truly an emersion in the Christian life of faith.
Kiss the Son is the Study of Christ's Faith for those who are interested in learning more about what it means to be Lutheran, and for those desiring to join our fellowship at this altar. It is for those who have already joined and would like to know more and grow deeper. If you come and later decide you would like to join the catechumenate, that opportunity will be provided. You may attend Kiss the Son many times. As you do, you will learn the life of prayer and worship. We set the teaching of God's Word amidst the Service of Prayer and Preaching, so that you will learn the life of Christian Worship with your fellow saints.