“Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I continue to rejoice and give thanks for our youth and the way they led us in worship a few weeks ago. What a blessing it was to experience worship from the vantage point of our youth. I am sure that you would agree with me that they did an excellent job. They took the task seriously and were well prepared.
Youth Sunday is an important worship experience for the entire church. It is important for the youth to get an understanding of the purpose of worship and each of the worship elements. It is important that they learn to lead in worship. It is important that they recognize that each person has a role in the body of Christ and to experiment with roles that they might interest them. It is important for them to be stretched at times, even when they might be a little uncomfortable or nervous.
Youth Sunday is not only important for the youth; it is important for each one of us! It is important for us to see worship through their eyes. It is important for us to recognize our youth for the vital members of the church that they are. It is important that we learn from their experience as well. I would say that youth learning experiences are important for each member of the body. We should all be learning in this way, stretching ourselves in this way and finding our function within the body.
As I said, I continue to rejoice and give thanks for our youth and the way that they led us in worship. I now ask that you join me in praying continually for them in the week ahead. Our youth leave for Passport camp on Sunday and will be gone all next week. Youth camp is such a meaningful time in the life of our youth.
I hope that you will join me in praying for them and for the adults who will be with them. I ask that you pray for their experience. Pray that they will experience God in new ways. Pray that their relationship with God and with one another will grow. Pray for the other youth that will interact with them. Pray for all of the camp staff as they lead. Pray for our adults as they minister to the youth. Pray for safety, for traveling mercies and for grace to abound.
In the course of the next week, please commit to pray without ceasing, that the will and work of God be done in and through the lives of these youth who continue to grow in the fellowship!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Caroline