“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is.” — Ephesians 3:17–18
When we have a baptism in our church, we as the congregation are asked if we will nurture the person being baptized in the Christian faith and life. We respond together as a faith community with these words…
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround them with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
This past Saturday at our 3rd grade Bible presentation in the parking lot, you lived up to those vows. What made this time even more special was that people took time out of their day and made a special trip to the church to come support these 3rd graders. Receiving a Bible is a special time and a rite of passage for children growing up in a faith community. But for Jack, Olivia and Caige theirs will be even more special. After all, not every 3rd grader receives their Bible in a parking lot with horns honking.
The community of love and forgiveness this church creates is not limited to a parking lot Bible presentation. The continuous support all the youth and children here at CUMC receive allows them opportunities to serve others and to grow into being true disciples that they will carry on into their life. Jack, Olivia, Caige and all of our youth and children were, and will continue to be, embraced by your love.
Marty Drake
Dear God,
Thank you for those that support, encourage and uplift our youth. Thank you for those who know your love and want to share their faith with them. Help us to remember to continue to be in relationship with these children who will one day share the stories of their faith to the generations to come. May our youth feel the embracement of our love.
Amen