Walking Together in Faith – St. Nick’s News Sept. 19, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for September 19, 2025

Dear Friends,

One of the greatest joys of being part of St. Nick’s is that we get to walk together in this life of faith—not alone, not guessing at the way forward, but with companions and friends who remind us over and over again that God has called us beloved.

Two of the most important milestones in our Episcopal tradition are baptism and confirmation.

• Baptism is where the journey begins. It is God’s first word over us: You are mine. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever. Whether we are young or old, baptism reminds us that we don’t have to earn God’s love—we receive it freely. And it roots us in the Body of Christ, connecting us with a family much larger than ourselves.

• Confirmation is the moment we respond with our own “yes.” It’s when youth and adults alike take the vows spoken at baptism and make them their own—affirming faith in Christ and receiving strength from the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by a bishop. For those coming from other Christian traditions, we also celebrate Reception into the Episcopal Church, and for those whose faith has been renewed, we offer the chance for Reaffirmation. Each is a way of saying: “Yes, Lord—I want to walk this road with you.”

This fall, we will begin preparing both youth and adults for these holy moments of belonging and blessing:

• Youth Confirmation Class – Begins Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm on Zoom and runs for 8 weeks from Sept. 28 to Nov. 16. (Makeup session: Nov. 22 from 9am -1pm at Episcopal 101 Workshop)
• Adult Confirmation Class – Begins Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7:00 pm and runs for 8 weeks from Oct. 1 to Nov. 19. (Makeup session: Nov. 22 from 9am to 1pm at Episcopal 101 Workshop)

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, we will welcome The Right Reverend Angela Cortinas, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of West Texas, who will preach, celebrate the Eucharist, and lay hands in blessing at our 9:30 am service. On that day, those who have been prepared will be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed in the Episcopal Church as members of St. Nick’s.

Friends, baptism and confirmation are holy invitations—opportunities to step more fully into the life God longs for us – a life of grace, joy, and belonging. If you or someone in your family have not yet been baptized, or if you feel ready to make your confirmation, to be received, or to reaffirm your faith, I would be honored to walk this road with you. You can reach out and text me at 214-213-0739 and we can discuss this or you can simply RSVP for the classes and workshop at revbeth@stnickshillcountry.org

These milestones are not about perfect faith or polished answers.

They’re about saying yes to a God who has already said yes to you.

They’re about anchoring your life in God and the transforming love that never lets go.

So if you feel that nudge in your heart—whether you’re young, new to church, or decades into this journey—come. Come and bring your questions, your hopes, your doubts, your faith. Come discover anew or again what it means to belong to Christ and to this community.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+