The Confirmation class visited Bridge of Peace Church, Camden on their fall “Discovery Day” and brought fixings for a Turkey dinner. Discovery Days help youth to experience that “the church” is larger than just this congregation. The following is a copy of the letter that was sent to Pastor Giselle Coutinho:
Our Confirmation class had a meaningful and also fun time coming to your youth group on 11/18. Thank you very much for inviting and hosting us!
I sensed that our youth were excited, but also felt somewhat awkward, and didn’t really know what to expect in coming to your youth group or visiting Camden.
Here are some of their thoughts on the evening we shared:
Griffin: “One thing that surprised me was that all of the food there was made by either our church or theirs and it was all extremely good.” His dad commented “ Griffin had a great time.”
Matthew: “I learned tonight I should be much more thankful for all that I have…”
Sydney: “I learned that we tore down a wall by going there. What surprised me was that Jesus’ great, great, (etc) grandma was a prostitute. A difference between us was the time it takes to get confirmed – for them it is longer.”
Julia: “It’s good to make new friends.” Her mom commented “She enjoyed it.”
Emily: “I was surprised how nice and welcoming the youth at Bridge of Peace were. I don’t think a church in Moorestown would be as welcoming.”
Parents who participated:
Lori: “Thank you for last night. It was nice to see the youth interacting so well.
Kathy: “I learned that our kids are much more willing to share and be open to strange and new experiences than we often give them credit for…and that I’m getting old (because I taught most of these Confirmands as 1st and 2nd graders!). Thank you for sharing this experience with our kids.”
We thank God for Bridge of Peace, for being so welcoming to us, and for all that you teach us.
On behalf of St. Matthew,
Pastor Ingrid F. Wengert