This past Sunday evening our “Seekers” (young adult) group had a hand in our worship assembly. Specifically, Luke Vance presented the sermon and had an excellent message taken from the story of Philemon, Onesimus and Paul. As he began his sermon Luke expressed heartfelt appreciation for our older members and the examples and mentors they are to our young people. I want to give a hearty amen to those comments. Those of our members who are older share by your words and deeds the love and Word of Christ.

You also share a great deal of encouragement by your very presence. You see you give those who are younger a positive indication that life can be lived faithfully. At times it seems to be a daunting task to look ahead to years of living to please God in a world and culture that seem to move away from God and His will. Yet when our young adults see older members who have persevered in the faith, it gives them the assurance that just as He has been there for you throughout your lives, our good Lord will be there for them throughout their lives.

And though our Senior Christians would be the first to admit they have not lived perfect, sinless lives along the way, you have lived faithfully, and are committed to “finishing strong.” And you encourage the rest of us to do the same. Again, thank you for that example of faithfulness.

I want to invite all of us to be especially conscious of a few opportunities that will be going on this weekend.

• There will be an Easter Egg Hunt and Luncheon this Sunday at Hathaway Park for all families with young children, hosted by the Keen/Palmer shepherd group. Invite a family to attend our worship assembly and this fun time at the park afterward with you.
• Sunday night will be our quarterly Singing Night. We averaged right at 200 in attendance at our Shepherd Group meetings. Is there any reason why we can’t have that same 200 number this Sunday night? Can you imagine the incredible singing in the Family Center with that many in attendance? Can you imagine the memory that experience will make for your children in connecting them to Jesus and His church? I hope that all our Shepherd Group leaders are urging your group members to be a part of this. This will be one of the most inspirational hours you will spend this year!
• Sunday is Easter Sunday. If you are reading this article before Sunday via email, then there is still time to make a call or two and invite someone to be with you at South Fork this Sunday. The lesson will be from Ephesians 4:1 which calls on each of us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” But how can we be worthy? Only because of Christ Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. Many people would like to go somewhere to church Sunday, but do not have a regular church home and would be open to an invitation from you.
• If you are reading this article Sunday in our assembly, invite someone to come back with you this evening for our Singing Night! What a great way to introduce them to our South Fork family—by joining with us in an evening of joyful, encouraging songs of praise to our great God!