This Sunday is very special. Bishop Shannon Johnston will visit St. Andrew's for confirmation! A bishop is like an overseer for lots of churches; it is his/her job to visit the churches, see how we're doing, support the clergy, confirm people and bless us. We have three bishops in the Diocese of Virginia and one of them visits each year.
Bishop Shannon (that's what he likes to be called) will confirm two teenagers: Marshall Jones and Kat Hone. He will also confirm several adults. When someone is baptized as a baby, their parents and godparents make promises to raise them as Christians. Confirmation is when they make the promises for themselves. Adults who have been confirmed in other denominations may also be "received" into the Episcopal Church. The bishop lays his/her hands on the person's head as a sign of God's Spirit in them.
Look for Bishop Shannon to have or wear these three things on Sunday:
- A ring with the symbol of the Diocese of Virginia. This tradition began when letters were sealed with wax, and the bishop would use the ring to stamp the wax.
- A crozier, or walking stick shaped like a shepherd's staff. This is a symbol of how the bishop takes care of the congregations.
- A pectoral cross, which is large and heavy and is worn on the chest. Bishops follow Jesus as leaders of the church.
Bishop Shannon isn't really a guest at St. Andrew's; he's more like a family member who travels a lot. His visit is an important homecoming and we will celebrate! We will also do everything we can to make him feel comfortable and welcome. Be sure to look him in the eye, smile, and say, "Hi, Bishop Shannon. My name is _____." It will be a great day to be church! Remember, worship is at 2pm. We will have the Family Service during the readings and sermon and everyone will be together for the confirmations. See you at church!