One of the great joys of being the pastor at Northside is journeying with our young people as they participate in the confirmation process. This year, I am so grateful to be learning together with Emmy Bender, Maggie Hancock, Avery Jones, Paavo Kaldro-Bridge, and Megan McCoy. These seventh graders are bright, keenly interested in exploring what their faith in Jesus Christ means, understanding the Bible, Christian ethics and history, and even a little theology (more than a little!).

Their enthusiasm and energy in learning is inspiring to me. I wish it were contagious! My wish for all of us, especially those of us who are a little farther down the road than these young folks, is that we would engage in study and exploration more than we presently do. I’d like to see everyone in our church involved in Sunday School or formal Bible study. Think about it . . . when was the last time you read a good book about the Christian faith, or tried a new spiritual discipline, or talked with others about how to live in this world as a follower of Jesus Christ?

If you are doing any of these things, I’d love to hear about it. Send me the name of the best book you have read lately about Christian faith. Tell me what faith groups you are participating in. Share a meaningful spiritual discipline you use. I’d like to post a “recommended” reading list and some “helps” for Christian living on the bulletin board and on the web site, and help steer folks to energetic pursuit of their journey of faith. Let’s inspire each other!