Love Our Youth!

Our congregation continues to be blessed with our vibrant children and youth program. Natalie and Jennifer have led the children's choir again this year, and the children enrich our worship with their singing and their very presence. Kate and so many youth leaders like the ***, the *** and the *** keep our youth busy and growing in their faith.

Yesterday's Youth Sunday inspired me with the themes of Kids Under Construction and Shine for Christ. I was reminded of the song by Billy Joe Shaver (Texas outlaw country singer and songwriter) in which he sings: "I'm just an old chunk of coal, but I'll be a diamond someday." This is perhaps one of the best summaries of our doctrine of sanctification that I have ever heard. We are all under construction, adults and kids alike. And the Spirit of the Risen Lord works within us to strengthen us and guide us along the way.

There are many ways in which we as a congregation can be grateful for our youth program. One way is to express your apprecation to Kate and the other youth leaders who work behind the scenes in loving them and providing an anchor for them.

Another way is to support Camp Wyoming by donating to their annual fund--or to their 50th Anniversary Celebration fund. Make sure your children and grandchildren and their neighbors and school friends are signed up to particapate in this great camp.

Another way is to continue to express an interest in the youth, spend time with them, ask them questions and discover the many talents, gifts and ideas they have. Invite them to church on Sundays! Christianity is nothing if it is not a relationship!

Children and youth are a great gift to all of us. They remind us that we are all a work in progress, but God can use us, even in our incompleteness, to shine the light of Christ with love, compassion and grace each and every day.

Brightly, David

Click Here to Listen

listen to my sermon from Confirmation Sunday April 18, 2010; based on Luke 10, the story of the good samaritan. as I say in the sermon, the text and the title were picked by the confirmation students.

Moving to, and moved by the Music

Daily activity that's moderately vigorous.
Appropriate food portions.
These basic guidelines for optimal physical health are no secret. So why don't I get with the program?
I've been thinking more about this since reading health information related to body mass index (Ugh!), portion sizes, and daily activity guidelines for cardiac health.
When considering the triad of ingredients for successful skill performance-knowledge, skill and attitude-my behavior breaks down along skill lines. How do I incorporate an hour of physical activity into my life? What may have to change?
And what about my spiritual health? My daily behaviors that strengthen my faith? My prayer and service skills?
Nike's catch phrase, "Just do it" comes to mind, because getting bogged down with questions and details does me no good. Sometimes music helps where exercise is concerned. It's more motivating to complete an activity program with accompaniment. Music can also help me keep a thankful, service oriented attitude.
Here is one of my favorite tunes, "Edelweiss" with a new twist on the words. Whenever this tune runs through my mind, I hear these words instead of the original lyrics...and I think about how blessed I am.

Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ
Every morning you greet me,
Soft and wise, clean and bright,
You look happy to meet me.

Blessings they flow may they bloom and grow,
Bloom and grow forever,
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ,
Bless my homeland forever.

Amen and thank you Lord for all of your blessings!