The Starting Line

Word From Wiese

April 22, 2026

In Boston this past Monday, thousands gathered for the running of the Boston Marathon, a race that is never entered lightly. No one wakes up one morning and simply decides to run 26.2 miles at that level. Every runner standing at the starting line has already put in multiple months of disciplined training. Early mornings, long runs, and sore muscles. Sometimes setbacks and a bunch of persistence.

This Sunday, six COS confirmands (Bre Broadwell, Jack Gundersen, Reagan Harris, Harper McCumber, Erin Gambrel, and Lizzie Cunningham) stand at a different kind of starting line.

For three years, they have trained in the faith. They’ve “worked out” weekly with Ethan Miller, Director of Youth & Family, and a team of pastors and caring adults. Learning the stories of God, serving others, stepping away on retreats, asking hard questions, and growing into their identity as disciples of Jesus. Like marathon runners preparing for race day, they have built habits, strengthened spiritual muscles, and learned what it means to keep going even when understanding doesn’t come easily.

And now comes the moment of affirmation: “Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism…?”

They will respond: “I do, and I ask God to help guide me.”

That response is exciting.

Because it signals not the finish of something, but the desire to continue their mighty efforts and really get running. With Jesus and each other.

For any marathon runner, whether in Boston or elsewhere, there will be times when the race feels exhilarating but other times grueling. So too, for our six fresh confirmands—and the rest of us who made our vows years ago—the run of discipleship will yield its highs and lows.

Sometimes our faith comes easily and the presence of God feels close. There will also be miles that are harder, where doubt creeps in, where life feels uphill, where the finish line seems far away. In those moments, discipleship looks less like triumph and more like endurance.

And that’s when community is key.

Years ago, I ran two marathons. For me, one of the coolest dimensions were all the crowds. But the crowds lined up in some places but not others. For stretches, there might be very few people where runners were alone with their thoughts…and pain. But wow, when we ran past the crowds holding signs, offering water, and shouting encouragement, what a difference!

So this Sunday, our congregation will pledge our support as “cheering crowd” for these six confirmands.

We’ll “promise to support and pray for them in their life of Christ.” We’re in it together!

For we know we accomplish much, running and cheering each other on. For our race of faith isn’t just about running. Our confirmands are lacing up their shoes with the pledge to serve:

to proclaim good news
to serve all people
to strive for justice and peace

This is not just running a race. It is a journey that blesses the world. So, this Sunday is not an ending. It is a starting line. A moment when six young disciples stand up and say, “I will keep going. I will run this race of faith, not alone, but with God’s help, and the body of Christ cheering for me.”

I look forward to this Sunday and the energy of another starting line!

And the good news is this: they do not run by their own strength alone. The same God who claimed them in baptism runs with them, strengthens them, and—when they stumble—lifts them up and sets them back on the road.

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz

Let us pray. Gracious God, we thank you for our 2026 confirmands, (Bre Broadwell, Jack Gundersen, Reagan Harris, Harper McCumber, Erin Gambrel, and Lizzie Cunningham) for their years of learning, growing, and seeking you. As they stand at this starting line, give them endurance for the long race of faith. When the road is smooth, keep them grateful. When the path is steep, keep them steady. When they grow weary, remind them they are not alone. Strengthen them to proclaim your good news, to serve with love, and to strive for your justice and peace in all the earth. Guide them, uphold them, and run beside them, all their days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

Where are you in your “race of faith” right now? What scenery are you enjoying and when do you get tired?
Who are the people that shout support for you along the race’s course? How can you thank or encourage them in return?