Hope

I have to admit, I've been concerned this last week about our denomination. Not so much the direction that it's going, but that something major is being left out of future plans. Early in the week, I wondered if I'm where I need to be. Then I remembered that although I haven't worked in the church all that long, I did work in the education field long enough to learn that the pendulum swings every few years. So, I concluded that in a few years, the area I feel is being neglected will suddenly become highly important. What I have to do is continue to be a voice for balance in all aspects of discipleship.

Today, however, my hope for the future of the Church got a huge shot in the arm. The youth of our church led both worship services. They did an awesome job! And I'm not just saying that as the proud mama of the person who delivered 1/3 of the sermon. I've developed pretty high standards for worship over the last few years, and our youth did an outstanding job of using their gifts and talents to offer quality, heart felt worship. Several provided music both through their instruments and their voices. Three young ladies did an excellent children's message using a puzzle to show the importance of all of us doing our part to create the big kingdom picture God would have us work toward. Three of the youth worked together to speak to our hearts about our call to care for the hungry. One of our youth members is serving on the National Teen Board for Souper Bowl of Caring, so they chose this as the theme of the service. All in all, it was an inspiring morning.

So, if we can figure out how to keep these kids connected to the church, I have great hope.