2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we approach May, I am reminded of the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers”. It is especially true this spring as we have had many beautiful blossoms of all types of flowers. With adequate moisture and warm temperatures we have had lots of growth and beauty. Growth of vegetation is indeed beautiful, but this spring I’ve also experienced the beautiful growth of humans.
The first Sunday in May will be Confirmation Sunday and there will be 7 youth joining the church after 9 months of study. When they started the classes in September, I was disappointed in their overall knowledge of the Bible and their understanding of what a relationship with Jesus Christ meant to them. However, I discovered that they were more than willing to listen, read, learn, and grow as Christians. Their progress has been amazing, and I will firmly state that these 7 youth will be great additions to the church. I am also convinced that they will not disappear from our sight after they join the church. During the last 17 years that I’ve worked with confirmation classes, this trend of joining the church and then withdrawing is quite alarming.
Not only have these youth been faithful in their commitment to attend, but they have grown in their faith and commitment to God, each other, and the church. The beauty I have witnessed in their faith is amazing. They truly care about God and in making this world a better place. All seven have committed to go on the mission trip toWoodland Park,Colorado. They want to continue to meet regularly as a youth group during the summer. They have come up with the idea to be junior prayer partners to the youngsters in our church next year. They want to help with VBS, to work with children in the garden, to help mow the lot at the parsonage, to participate in worship services, to pick up trash along Highway 27 east of town, and to help with the food bank.
They have truly grown this year, and I am certain that they will continue to grow into beautiful, mature Christians. A special thanks goes out to the parents who have set good examples and to all of those who help with our youth. Please take a special time to express your pride in their growth, and in their commitment to serving God. We truly can be proud of these youth blooming right before our eyes.
Blessings of growth and beauty to you all,
Warren
