What a blessing it was this past Sunday as we honored three very fine young men and three wonderful families. Congratulations to Zac Clevinger, Josh Garcia, and Eli Van Kuren as you graduate from high school. There were several special moments for me Sunday. Seeing the faith and love in Ernie, Jeff, and Daryl as they took part in our worship assembly on this special day for their families was such an inspiration. And hearing these three young men address their church family and thank you for all you have done for them and for all mean to them was such an encouragement.

Please never underestimate the influence you have in the lives of our young people. You may think they are not noticing and taking in everything that they see in us, but they do. This is part of the reason God established the church—so that our faith and love and service can be an example to our children. And by “our” children, I mean all the children that are ever associated with our church family. They can hear it in the Bible classes from wonderful teachers, they hear it from David and Kiera and our other wonderful youth workers, but it is such a powerful thing when they see it lived out in front of them by each of you. As you model the Christian faith before them in the time we have them, they learn what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. And they will never forget it. Thanks to all who made Sunday such a very special day.

I hope and pray that you are planning to be in the worship assembly this coming Sunday. Our shepherds will share with our church family some of the response to the feedback they have received over these past several months. I know that you will keep them in your prayers as they lead our worship assembly. Please know that you are welcome at any time to talk to any of our shepherds! They are available in the back of the auditorium and in the lobby after each sermon. But they also want us to share with them at any time we have special needs or have something we want to bring to them. And please don’t limit your conversations with the elders to things you don’t like or concerns you might have!! It is good to share those things, but it is also okay to share with them when you see something you really appreciate or someone or some activity or ministry that you feel is doing so much to help you and others. Be prayerful for our shepherds this week, and be here on Sunday.