2025 Confirmand Faith Statements

Baptism and the Affirmation of Baptism

When these young people were brought to the font to be baptized, their parents and sponsors were entrusted with responsibilities:

“… to live with them among God’s faithful people, bring them to word of God and the holy supper, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments, place in their hands the holy scriptures, and nurture them in faith and prayer, so that your children may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the World God made, and work for justice and peace.”

Parents then proclaimed that they would do their best to fulfill these responsibilities.

Today is another step in the life-long process of fulfilling our promises to follow Christ as these youth being confirmed take these responsibilities for themselves. They pledge to continue following Christ in their lives as they affirm their baptism.

Let us pray that they may remain in faith and turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior throughout their lives and to the last day:

Merciful god, we thank you for these sisters and brothers, whom you have made your own by water and the Word of baptism. You have called them to yourself, enlightened them with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished them in the community of faith. Uphold your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ.

Amen.

2025 Confirmand Faith Statements

Our confirmands were all asked to select a meaningful bible verse and write a personal statement of faith to be shared on their Confirmation Day. This tradition in our congregation is a rite of passage. It’s an opportunity for our students to self-reflect on their exploration of faith through the instruction they received so far in the hope and trust that God will continue to lead and guide them now and in the future.

Isabella Junalee Bistline

* Parents are Mike and Jen Bistline

* Sponsors are Jon Vick and June Vick

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

I’ve had a lot of changes in my life in the last six months. My parents got new jobs which moved our family to Des Moines. This unexpected change brought about lots of emotions. I was sad because I was leaving the town and people I’d grown up with. I was happy because it was a fresh new start. I was nervous because I was going to start at a big new school and I would have to put myself out there to find new friends. This verse helped me feel more calm knowing that God has my future in His hands. The changes were hard but when I look back at the transition, I can see where God was taking care of me with safe trips from La Porte to Des Moines. God put new friends in my life before school even started during band camp. Friends and family have been supportive and encouraging, several of them visiting our family in Des Moines or keeping touch with social media.

I’ve been going to church regularly since I was born so practicing my faith has been a natural part of growing up. I know God is my father and loves me unconditionally because he sent his only son to die for our sins. Mistakes are part of life and God will forgive our errors, no matter how big or small, because he loves us.

During my 5th grade year I went to church camp. God really seemed real to me there. Everyday we would have our own time to connect with Him by reading the Bible and studying with my friends. We sang and prayed and spent time in nature. When he seemed most real during this time was when he protected us during a big storm, while we were sleeping in tents in the middle of the night. I really missed my parents and it was really hard at first but God got me through till the end of the week.

As I grow up I will take this verse with me to remind me of what the Lord has in store for me through the many big or small changes to come. I know God is not there to punish or hurt me but to remind me that he has a future all planned out for me. Even though life can get hard sometimes, I can lean on my faith to get me through because God is there with his master plan for me, and it is something bigger than I could’ve ever imagined for myself.

Garrett Michael Hemsath

* Parents are Craig and Brynna Hemsath

* Sponsors are Braedan & Miriam Garrett

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

This verse is important to me because it shows that God is always with me. My parents have brought me to church ever since I was little. I’ve learned about Jesus through Sunday school and Bible school. Hearing about God has taught me that He is always there for me.

No matter what is going on in my life God is always there. Whatever I’m doing, God will be there. I know I can always count on Him.

This verse is important to me because it is saying that God will always be around. He is never going to let you down throughout your entire life. God is always by your side.

Finley Constance Keegan

* Parents are Neal and Katy Keegan

* Sponsors are Darcy Keegan and Matt Pipho

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

This verse reassures me that no matter where I am in life God will always be with me. Even in my worst of times he will strengthen me and help me through those times. During easier seasons in my life, God is also with me to bring me happiness and joy. He helps me in times of confusion and ignorance; God brings me knowledge and understanding in those times.

Christ functions in so many roles in my life. First, I firmly believe that God is the creator of the universe and all things good. My knowledge of Christ the creator was strengthened as I learned about him through the Holy Bible, my Holy Baptism and Communion. Christ shows himself in a parental role: he shows me love, forgiveness and kindness. God made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his own son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. This is evident during Holy Communion. “Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me”. He then took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and shared it with them, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. We resight this every time before we go up for communion. The bread we get is a sign of his body and the wine is a sign of his blood. When we hold out our hands to receive the bread and wine, we are reminded how much Jesus really sacrificed for us. God also functions as a leader; he teaches me and guides me every day. Christ is a protector. I know he helps people in need and shows mercy to those who need it. Christ is a creator, a protector, a father, a leader and our guide.

The church represents so much to me. When I was baptized, I became a child of God, I was washed away of my original sins and was reborn as his child. The church is also where I get to worship God, take communion, and pray. I come to this church to give thanks to God, to learn more about him and to praise him. I have daily conversations with God through prayer; I pray to him in hard times, happy times, and stressful times. I pray so I can give God thanks and talk to him about my worries and successes. The church is the building where I celebrate God each Sabbath. The church is also part of me I carry in my heart to have a daily close relationship with God.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. This verse is a testament to my faith and the large role that God has in my life. The church has introduced me to Christ and has strengthened my bond with Christ. On the day of my Confirmation, I celebrate my continued bond with Christ. He is my father, my leader, my guide and my protector.

Fletcher Gregory Keegan

* Parents are Neal and Katy Keegan

* Sponsors are Lindsay Pipho and Kevin Keegan

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

To begin, I chose this verse because it reminds me that having faith in the Lord is important. Trusting is not something that we can do halfway. Trust is an all-or-nothing concept. This verse reminds me that I’m all in with the Lord, completely. These words remind me that if I give myself completely to God, he will guide me. He will show me the way. Beginning my journey with God during my baptism and continuing my journey with God through Confirmation are large milestones in my faith journey. I also show faith and serve the Lord with all the small things I do each day. Through acts big and small, I continually show my trust in God.

God is so many things to me. God is the Lord of my entire self. He is my faith leader. God is my protector.

There are so many ways in which the church strengthens my relationship with God. I was introduced to God through my baptism. My baptism was when I was welcomed into the church community. I continued my relationship with God through Holy Communion. God forgives my sins. I strengthen my personal relationship with God through frequent prayer. It is important to give glory to God, not only through big acts, but through small acts of prayer daily. Today, I am excited to celebrate my Confirmation. This is another big step in my faith journey.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” Thank you, God, for showing me the right way. Thank you for allowing me to form a relationship with you through the church. Thank you for this day to celebrate my Confirmation with my family and my church.

Jewel Christine Paine

* Parents are Brandon Paine and Vanessa Bechthold

* Sponsors are Valecia Zahorik and Chad Kelley

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

I chose this verse because God tells the Israelites not to be intimidated, even if the enemy looks stronger. The promise that God will be with you and will not fail you or abandon you emphasizes that they re not alone. This is about God’s lasting presence and loyalty, even in uncertain or dangerous times.

I believe God has a plan and a purpose for everyone he creates. I believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth to save us. Through his death and resurrection, we are forgiven for our sins. I believe the Holy Spirit lives in me, helping me to grow in faith, make good choices, and feel God’s presence. My faith helps me love others even when it’s hard and gives me hope for the future.

I want to keep learning, trusting, and serving God in everything I do. I know my faith journey will have ups and downs, but I believe God will always be with me. He will guide me to do the right thing and forgive the people who don’t do the right thing. I know that everything happens for a reason because God has a plan for everyone. This is why I am a Christian.

Alayna Christine Rohrbach

* Parents are Victor and Leah Rohrbach

* Sponsor is Micah Monroe

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

This verse has helped me a lot in life. I chose it because God always does things to us that we might not understand in the moment, but they will later come to make sense to us.

There have been many times where I was confused about what God was doing and why he was putting me through such hard things. I wondered why he would ever want me to go through one of the worst things imaginable. I wondered that for a while. But I eventually realized he has a purpose for it, even if I don’t know what the purpose is right now. Knowing this verse helps me remember that God has a plan for me, and everything will come together just how it’s supposed to in the end. I know God would never do things to purposely hurt me for no reason but do things to make me stronger and lead me in the right direction.

God is a big part of my life. He’s the person I can always go to. Having God in my life has helped me through more things than you can imagine. Having him helps me not worry as much in life because I know everything that happens is for a reason. Even if things seem horrible in the moment, God will lead me through it and make it worth it in the end. I can always trust him to do what’s right for me and make my life turn out just how it’s supposed to.

Prayer is also a big part of my life. I pray all the time no matter the circumstance. I pray for myself and others. I pray that God will keep me and others safe through anything that happens in life. I pray that God leads me in the right direction in every situation. I pray for those struggling in life and for those who have not yet found Christ. I most importantly pray to thank God for everything he’s done for me. He’s put the most amazing people in my life who have done the unimaginable for me when I needed it most. He’s given me a life so great I couldn’t ask for a better one. I always remember to thank him for the amazing things he’s given me.

Olivia Marie Schildroth

* Parents are Jason and Beth Schildroth

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

This verse is important to me because it shows that God will lead me to the right decision during life. I can trust the Lord when I am in doubt because he will lead me in the right direction. God’s promises will guide me through my life.

When I think of God, I think about how he is the creator of all things and that he loves every person deeply. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to bring us a new life. I trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and seek to follow him each day.

I believe that the Bible is God’s word and the basis of truth and faith. The Bible helps me understand who God is and who I am. The Bible teaches us God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. I desire to grow more in faith as I get older and to love God and others.

When I think of church, I think about the body of Christ. It is important to go to church because you learn more about the Holy Spirit and how to grow in worship. Church is a place to serve God, alongside other believers in Christ. Church is a place for prayer and teaching.

Madilyn Mae Schmitz

* Parents are Ted and Angie Schmitz

* Sponsors are Jeremy Scarbough and Gina Parker

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

To me, this means that when you love and ack now lodge Good as our loud, he will save us and love us. He will always he there when we need him most.

To me, God is someone we can turn to whenever we need someone to talk to. If we ever feel alone or lost, God will be there for us and to guide us through our struggles. God will always love us. To show God that we love him and that we will always honor him, we do things like praying and coming to church. Going to church is important because it is a place to connect with God. Going to church helps us grow closer to God.

Becoming closer to God means that I can also become closer to Jesus. I can build a personal relationship with him by faith, prayer, and daily devotion. Praying allows me to speak with Jesus and let him guide me. He teaches us about love and forgiveness, I can read about his teachings in the bible and help me understand his ways. I can find peace by worshiping Jesus and letting him guide me through life.

Through God and Jesus, we can all learn to love and forgive. They will teach us the importance of faith and that their plans for us will always be good. We can find peace through them and will lead us wherever we are meant to go in our lives. I will continue my journey in faith, and I will continue to grow closer to God and Jesus. They are the examples that we will be led by.

Linkyn Loryn Vaughn

* Parents are Brice and Karissa Vaughn

* Sponsors are Brook Sulik and Ryan Toussaint

MY FAITH STATEMENT:

I chose Joshua 1:9 because it helps me remember to be confident in myself and my decisions. By reading this verse it will help me to not be afraid or discouraged as I go through life, because God is always with me. This verse also encourages me to face challenges without fear. When I feel overwhelmed or uncertain I will think of this verse.

My baptism marked a new beginning that I can trust in God’s presence and that he will be with me wherever I go. It was a public declaration that I now belong to Christ and the start of a lifelong relationship with God.

Since I have received my first holy communion it has been a way to continue my faith journey connected to Jesus to remember His sacrifice. Communion is a sacred reminder that Christ is with me.

By prayer I can talk to God and grow closer to Him each day. This will help me to be determined and confident and not afraid or discouraged. With baptism, communion, and prayer I know I will always have God’s presence, and He will give me the courage to live out my faith and to choose faith over fear.