The Rt. Rev. Philip LaBelle will visit Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Sunday, January 18, 2026. There will only have one service at 9:30 am this morning. Bishop LaBelle will confirm, reaffirm, and receive people that morning. Please carpool, as parking will be tight.
After the worship service there will be a brunch. There is a sign-up sheet posted near the coffee table in the nave. Please volunteer for set up, food assembly and preparation, and clean up.
Following brunch will be Q & A with Bishop LaBelle. You may submit questions by emailing the Rev. Theresa Newell at tnewell@redeemer-kenmore.org. Also, you may submit questions in writing that morning, but it would be nice to give the Bishop lead time where possible.
There will be no adult or children’s education on January 18.
Bishop Philip LaBelle
The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle is the Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. The Diocese elected Bishop LaBelle on May 18, 2024. His Consecration and Ordination as bishop was on September 14, 2024.
Bishop LaBelle previously served as rector of St. Mark’s Church in Southborough, Massachusetts. During his time in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop LaBelle did the following:
- Co-led the Mission Strategy Committee.
- Served on Executive Committee and Diocesan Council
- Directed the Fresh Start program.
He co-founded Southborough Neighbors for Peace with Dr. Safdar Medina in their small town. The organization did the following:
- Hosted peace vigils.
- Began a community-wide Iftar dinner during Ramadan.
- Established an interfaith Thanksgiving service.
- Sponsored other bridge-building events.
Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served on the core team of Central Mass. Connections in Faith, an organization centered on fostering relationships and learning about other religious faiths through quarterly gatherings.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). The expectation is that those baptized at an early age or as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). The Episcopal Church considers adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop as confirmed.
The Prayer Book rite for Confirmation includes forms for Reception and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. Reception is when a bishop receives a person into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows. The baptismal covenant is the root of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation.
Baptismal Covenant
| Celebrant: | Do you believe in God the Father? |
| People: | I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. |
| Celebrant: | Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? |
| People: | I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. |
| Celebrant: | Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? |
| People: | I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. |
| Celebrant: | Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? |
| People: | I will, with God’s help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? |
| People: | I will, with God’s help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? |
| People: | I will, with God’s help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? |
| People: | I will, with God’s help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? |
| People: | I will, with God’s help. |
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.