DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR DAVE MAY 10, 2023

This past Sunday was Youth Sunday. They led the worship services from start to finish. The youth praise band opened by invoking the Holy Spirit’s presence with us. The youth handbells rang out about how good Christian friends rejoice and sing together. Tracy and Wesley presented a trombone/piano duet that revealed Tracy’s keyboard talent that I keep telling her she’s been hiding under a bushel basket. Mark Smith recognized seven senior acolytes who have served in the sanctuary services for many years. And the youth recognized twenty-one adult leaders who devote so much of their time and energy pouring into the hearts and lives of these growing disciples. They also shared in serving Holy Communion as we closed our worship services.

The heart of the services was when we recognized our graduating seniors. There were seven different seniors who shared brief messages. They all talked about how much the youth group and the church has meant to them over the years. I am so impressed with these young adults’ maturity, their sincerity, their sense of humor, and their composure, just like I was when I watched this service online last year as we were anticipating coming to serve here at Signal Crest.

Each of their messages was as unique as they are and reflected who they are, at least as I have gotten to know them. But there were also a couple of common themes and threads woven throughout them that I’d like to highlight: consistency and connection.

Keller Williamson introduced the word consistency in her reflections. She talked about how the church has always been there for her, all the way from her baptism to her high school graduation. Later, Britton Williams described growing up with Keller, one of her best friends, from their preschool days together at the church. Ethan Bullock, Christopher Romero, and Tucker Luna also talked about growing up in the church and how it has been a consistent presence in their lives. I’m sure their parents had a lot to do with this sense of consistency, making it a priority whether at preschool, Sunday school, Bible school, worship, or youth.

They also talked about the strong sense of support and connection they have experienced. Several of them described the support they received when they were going through a tough time, especially from their leaders and mentors. Ethan talked about how Nick Moore helped him understand how God could use even an atheist friend to provide comfort and support. Britton talked about Drew showed up when she had knee surgery. Annabelle Adams talked about how her small group leaders Trisha Ellis and Allison Evans supported her and her family through some tough times. Olivia Sisk described how she came to the youth group a couple of years ago feeling somewhat lost and disconnected, but she found such a warm welcome and a bond that supported her when some friends were in a bad car accident. And Christopher talked about how the church steps up when folks experience adversity, both in the congregation and throughout the community, through the firewood ministry and other outreach ministries.

A consistent presence in our young people’s lives, and a point of connection to others through our commitment to Christ. That’s what this church has been for these young adults. Let’s all continue to do all we can to ensure that Signal Crest continues to be that consistent presence and point of connection for generations yet to come.