May 1, 2025

This weekend was a time of celebration and commitment at Galilee, across multiple generations. On Sunday, April 27, eleven young people took an important step in their faith journey as they were confirmed into full membership at Galilee UMC. That same day, six new members were welcomed at our second worship site, the Galilee Chapel at Lansdowne Woods.

For our young people, Saturday was put aside for a Confirmation retreat. The confirmands completed their final lessons with their mentors during sessions on worship and the sacraments, ideas crucial to following Christ.

Galilee’s Confirmation Class of 2025, with mentors and families

One of the key moments of the retreat was a discussion of holy life, expressed through the metaphor of a Holy Salad. The image that stayed with many was that of cucumbers clinging to one another as they grow—just as we are meant to grow together in faith as we stay attached to the vine of Christ’s church.

We closed the retreat with dinner and worship, joined by families who had supported the confirmands throughout the year.

Sunday’s Confirmation Service brought our church together to recognize and support these young members. Each confirmand made their vows and was welcomed into the life of Galilee as adult members. Their first act as members was to serve Communion.

Pastor Mike said, “Confirmation marks the first time a baptized Christian publicly affirms their intention to live out their baptismal vows  and become professing members of the United Methodist Church. It was a great joy to share in the process with them, to hear their faith stories and their hopes. Each of them loves Galilee and our commitment to the mission of Christ as an open and inclusive faith community.”

“I feel our church is in good hands as these young people are the church today and the church tomorrow.”

An hour after Galilee confirmed these youth, six new members joined Galilee Chapel at Lansdowne Woods. We want to extend a warm welcome to Marianne Brown, Erin and Lynneanne Coyle, Bob Lowry, Gena Marks, and Audrey Tennant.

At both Galilee Church and Chapel, the congregation reflected on their own commitment to living as disciples of Christ. We celebrated being confirmed in ministry, as God continues to lead is into deeper faith and growing community.