THANK YOU!

Dear Church Family,

What a gift it was to worship together on Youth Sunday!

I want to extend a BIG thank-you to all who came, clapped, prayed, and supported our young people as they stepped into leadership and used their voices to glorify God. 

What we witnessed on Youth Sunday wasn’t just student participation—it was genuine spiritual leadership. As our youth shared their testimonies, many spoke boldly about their desire to be the change they want to see in the world. They are living out the truth of Romans 12:2 (our Rise Up, Youth! verse) and not conforming to the patterns of this world, but allowing their minds and hearts to be renewed by Christ. And while not every student led worship, know that our youth are serving in a multitude of ways—in the quiet spaces, behind the scenes, and in the daily choices they make to know, love, and follow Jesus. Their faith is growing, their courage is rising, their hope is being renewed, and their presence in our church is a gift.

Their words reflected lives in motion—faith being formed not just in what they know, but in how they choose to live. They reminded all of us what it looks like when the gospel takes root in the next generation. And in return, your presence and support reminded them that they are not alone—that they are deeply valued by the church they are helping to shape.

As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

This verse applies to all of us—and it becomes especially important when we consider the role of the Church in nurturing the gifts of the next generation.

What if our greatest calling in this season is not only to use our gifts, but to recognize and call forth the gifts in others, especially our youth?

Our students are watching, learning, and growing. They’re forming their view of what it means to be the Church, to follow Jesus, and to serve His Kingdom. When we show up for them—not just on special Sundays, but in regular, faithful presence—we remind them that they matter. That they belong.

This is the beautiful invitation we all share: to be a church that equips, encourages, and empowers—across generations. 

So again, thank you for showing up, cheering loudly, and yes—even doing the hand motions to our VBS songs (whether or not it felt a little awkward ). You made a difference. And I believe our youth did, too.

In Christ,

Brenda