Call Stories

6.7.2026

Confirmation Sunday

Texts: Hosea 5:15–6:6 • Psalm 50:7–15 • Romans 4:13–25 • Matthew 9:9–13

Beloved of God, grace and steadfast love be with you on this day that God has made.

Many of you have seen the invitation in Grace Notes to share a Call Story—an invitation for all members, associate members, and friends of Pointe of Grace.

We all know the difference between a faith statement and a faith story.

A faith statement tells what we believe. In the Lutheran tradition, we have three historic creeds—Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian—written in seasons when the Church needed to clearly confess the faith of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A faith story, however, is personal. It’s the story of how we’ve experienced the Triune God in our own lives as we grow to be more Christ‑like.

And what is a call story that I’ve invited you to share through our weekly newsletter?

A call story tells the way we say “yes” to participating in God’s mission in the world—our “yes” to being representatives of God’s steadfast love and justice, our “yes” to being ambassadors of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, and our “yes” to being bearers of the Spirit’s fruit for the sake of those who live with us, serve with us, struggle with us, and walk alongside us.

Our readings today remind us that call stories are woven throughout Scripture—each one expressing a unique “yes” in a particular context.

Hosea’s call story rises out of heartbreak and national unfaithfulness. His “yes” is a courageous call for the people to return to trust and covenant love—choosing God again even as everything around them is falling apart.

The Psalmist’s call story emerges from a community under great stress. Their “yes” becomes a collective prayer in worship—an act of turning back, relying on God together, and remembering who they are as God’s people.

Abraham’s call story is a long obedience in the same direction. His “yes” grows over time—through doubt, waiting, promise, and trust. Paul lifts him up as a model for us: faith that strengthens as we keep walking with God.

Matthew’s call story begins in a place of shame and public judgment. His “yes” is born when Jesus sees him—not as others label him, but as one called, forgiven, and sent with purpose.

Each of these stories from Scripture has its own way of saying “yes” to God’s call.

And the same is true for us. Each of us has a unique way of saying “yes” to God.

Our “yes” is shaped by our own context, our own season, our own struggles, and the grace we need from God.

And this is the good news for us: God keeps shaping our “yes” with grace that never runs out.

In this season of collecting our Call Stories, we get to see how our stories unfold—not in a single moment, but across seasons, transitions, and contexts. God calls us again and again, and our “yes” grows with us.

In a moment, we will listen to Henry and Marleen share their call stories. I invite you to receive their words with gratitude and curiosity. And as you read the Call Stories of their sponsors—Laura and Pastor Coe—in our Grace Notes newsletter this Sunday and next, I encourage you to reflect on your own and share your yes to God.

There is no right or wrong call story.

There is only the faithful way of telling how God meets us in our “yes”.

Closing Prayer (after their sharing)

Let us pray.

Gracious God, we thank you for the call you place on every life and for the stories shared today. We praise you for the faith you kindle in Henry and Marleen as they listen for your voice and offer their “yes.”

Give them courage for the journey ahead. Surround them with encouraging companions and fill them with joy as they follow Christ.

By your Spirit, guide their steps, steady their hearts, and remind them they are held in your unfailing love. Shape our lives too, that in this season of Call Stories we may hear your call clearly and respond with a faithful “yes.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.