Michael Cooper, the son of Kim Cooper, is an eighth grader at Crossroads School. He is a brother; he's new to confirmation class, but not new to Trinity; he is a fellow believer and follower of Christ

The time that Michael and the class have spent together has been a wonderful walk. He came to confirmation class because he wanted to attend our outing to City Museum... but by some magic, maybe the Holy Spirit, he chose to continue to attend and participate in class. Michael is quiet, but always willing to share his thoughts, he is funny, independent and brave. I think it took a lot of courage to come into to a class not really knowing everyone, and not having been a part of the class for as long as some of the other kids. He has made this choice on his own, which I so admire... and he desires to become a member of Trinity... and we will be blessed to have him.

Some of his feelings and thoughts about faith are awesome: "I believe in God because faith helps me live my life happily"... "The holy spirit is all around us"... I am not afraid to show my faith"... "Trinity church has touched me since I started coming"... "My faith has changed during this time." Welcome, Michael!

Blair Klostermeier is an 8^th grader at Wydown Middle School in Clayton. She is the daughter of Catherine and Bob Klostermeier and the sister of Marin. She plays volleyball and softball. She enjoys vacations at the beach or snow skiing equally. Blair is a very thoughtful person. To find out how inventive and caring Blair is, just ask her mother about her Mother's Day gift this year. One of my favorite things about Blair is that she introduced me to Harry Potter years ago in Sunday School.

Kellie Jones, the daughter of Lori Luchtman-Jones and the sister of Noah Jones, is an eighth grader at Wydown Middle School. Before making the move to Clayton High School next September, she will have a busy summer - one which may include a trip to one of her favorites, Mound Ridge Camp, and to the Montreat National Presbyterian Youth Conference. Right away, Kellie and I discovered we had several things in common: prodigiously shedding cats; the German language; and a fling with flutes. As we got to know each other, I also discovered that Kellie is a very compassionate person who cares deeply about her family and friends. What impressed her about Confirmation Class? Kim and Mark! She really liked going to class. I join the entire congregation in welcoming Kellie and cheering her on in her faith journey.

James Kelton, the son of Ken and Emily Kelton of University City, attends eighth grade at Brittany Woods Middle School. He has really enjoyed the two-year communicants class with Kim and Mark, stressing how much fun it has been. When not thinking about confirmation class and his beliefs, James enjoys painting miniatures, which are small statuettes representing historical or fictional people and other beings. He certainly is an expert on the "Lord of the Rings" cycle! I have enjoyed the lunches and other activities that we have shared, and I wish James many blessings in his future.

Brian Min is the son of Linda Min and the grandson of Pamela and Charles Christopher. Brian is a student at St. Louis Charter School and will be attending St. University High School in the fall. He plays both indoor and outdoor soccer and additionally enjoys basketball when he is not maintaining a high grade point average. He was baptized at Trinity in 1990. His family has been involved with Trinity for many years with his grandparents being married in the church in 1960; his aunt Sharon Christopher is also a member of Trinity.

Liza Schmidt is the daughter of Sarah and Chris Schmidt, the sister of Henry and Peter. Liza is finishing up eighth grade at Wydown Middle School, where she is involved in theatre and many sports. Two of her favorite sports are soccer and basketball, which she plays outside of school as well. She devours books of all kinds and loves journaling about life. She is very artistic as well, which she incorporates into most of her writing. She looks forward to starting high school next year at Clayton High.

I have been Laura Shoemaker's advocate this year. I feel very lucky that her advocate moved away last summer so that I had the chance to get to know her. Laura and I found out quickly that we have similar interests in music and sports. She sings in the choir at Wydown Middle School, where she is in the eighth grade. She also played four sports this year - track, basketball, soccer, and field hockey. Laura and I got to know each other better by having lunch together and attending confirmation activities. She is a very articulate and introspective young woman. She has made the decision to be baptized and join Trinity and has a real depth to her faith. Laura is looking forward to being an active member of Trinity, especially the Senior Highs. She is eager to be a part of the summer mission trip next year and may go to Montreat with the youth this summer. Congratulations, Laura!

Zachary Roman, son of John and Joanne Roman, is a 14-year-old eighth grader at Brittany Woods School who will enter University City High School next fall. Zac will lay aside his jazz trumpet to concentrate on soccer, basketball and baseball. Generally an A-student, Zac enjoys math, but struggles a bit with Latin which has accounted for a few "B" grades. College is definitely in the future, but destination and major are undecided, although a small campus is preferred. The Roman family still lives in the Shaftesbury house where brothers Jeffery and Zachary were both born. Trinity Presbyterian Church has been a second home for the whole family. Completing the second and final year of the Confirmation Class is bittersweet for Zac who has enjoyed the zany antics of his classmates mixed with deep life experiences of Kim and Mark Merritt. Zac's most impressive activity of this year has been the consolidation of his own belief of God and Life. (Personal note: If I had a grandson I would be happy if he were just like Zac Roman.)

Becky Serfass is an 8^th grader at MICDS. She is daughter to Tom and Lynn Serfass, fairly new members to Trinity. Becky chose at the time of their joining to participate in confirmation class and explore her faith. Becky has been a vibrant member of the confirmation class, always willing to share her thoughts and feelings. She showed a lot of courage to join us half way through our two-year study, but watching her with the group, it feels as if she has been with us forever. Her enthusiasm and excitement to learn and discover her faith have been a joy to watch. She has felt very blessed to have found a "second home" here at Trinity and with joining, she is hoping to continue her faith exploration, along with being an active participant in the life of Trinity. In addition to becoming a member of Trinity and publicly declaring her faith, she also was baptized. Please welcome Becky as a partner in faith.

Nick Weible is the son of Ann and Greg Weible and grandson of Maxine Story. Nick will be a freshman at Pattonville Senior High in the Fall. He is an accomplished musician, playing the violin, guitar, piano, and recently joining Trinity's handbell choir. Nick's summer will be filled with many activities including a trip to France, and working-out in preparation for cross-country this Fall.