23 students learn about UM membership at Victoria rally

Twenty-three middle school students prepared last month at Cathedral Oaks Retreat Center near Weimar to confirm their commitment to Christ.
The youngsters—from Columbus, Ganado, Lolita, Louise, Port Comfort, Schulenburg, Seguin and Shiner—took part in the April 2-3 Victoria District Confirmation Rally.
Confirmation involves study and preparation for full membership in a local congregation. Youngsters baptized as infants confirm that they accept Christ as savior in front of their home congregations and pledge to support their local churches by their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
Rally participants heard personal witnesses and took part in activities designed to illustrate about how United Methodists live out their discipleship.
R.C. Waddle, St. Paul UMC, Columbus, talked about the importance of worship.
Bill Holladay, Port Comfort UMC, explained the importance of prayer. He led the young people through a prayer time using meditation and prayer stations in the Cathedral Oaks chapel.
Candace Wilson and Judith Johnson, First UMC, Seguin, directed activities on how to use personal resources, talents and abilities to serve Christ and the church.
Youngsters planted four live oak trees as an example of hands-on service. Floyd Holt, First UMC, Seguin, supervised that activity.
Kathleen Shott, Port Comfort UMC, and Pastor Glenna Kelley, First UMC, Ganado, and Louise UMC, led music throughout the rally.
More than 100 sponsors and mentors attended an April 3 lunch to honor the confirmation candidates.
At a closing worship service, the Rev. Bernie Sandberg, Victoria District superintendent, prayed for each confirmand individually and gave each youngster a wooden cross from the Holy Land. The cross was a gift from Bishop Joel N. Martinez.
The Rev. Ron Shott, pastor of Port Comfort and Lolita UMCs, coordinated rally activities.