On the Feast of Christ the King, the parish celebrated the confirmation and reception of seven new members into the life of St. Clement’s. The Rt. Rev. Margaret Chen, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Ohio, presided at the service and preached a powerful homily on the meaning of covenant and belonging.
The seven candidates — three confirmands and four received from other traditions — completed Canon Marsh’s Inquirers‘ Class, a sixteen-week course of study covering Scripture, the creeds, the sacraments, the history of the Anglican tradition, and the spiritual life of prayer and service.
„This is one of the great joys of parish life,“ said Canon Marsh. „To walk alongside people as they ask the deepest questions — Who is God? What does it mean to follow Christ? How do I belong to this community? — and to watch the Spirit work in their lives.“
A reception followed in Clement Hall, where the new members were welcomed with characteristic parish warmth: home-baked goods, strong coffee, and a great deal of laughter.