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Youth Day, Congrats to our Grads, Words of Wisdom (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/9)

Today was Youth Day! And our youth did an amazing job leading the worship service today. Middle Schooler Julian Njoloma spoke on Judgement from Matthew 7:1-6 and High Schooler Jadyah Dancy spoke on Depend on God's Plan from Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; Jeremiah 29:11; and Proverbs 3:5-6. 

We had one of our largest graduating classes in years. Today, we recognized the following who graduated from High School:

  1. Quincy Amekuedi Jr. 
  2. Zaeden Carranza 
  3. Jadyah Dancy ]
  4. Noah Exum 
  5. Darish Jacobs 
  6. Shaun Johnson 
  7. Madison Moore 
  8. Ashton Oliver 
  9. Bianca Redd 
  10. Caleb Spooney 
  11. Nevaen Sykes 

 

Our J.Allen Lewis Scholarship recipients this year are: 

  • 2nd Place winner ($500): Shaun Jachir Johnson 
  • 1st Place winner ($1,000): Jadyah Dancy 


 

My words of wisdom to the graduates was based on our May's Pastoral Prayer theme of "Graduate Your Faith". Today's topic is "Advance Your Christian Model" from Romans 12:9–21 (ESV): 

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

As you head off to college, you will see, encounter, and even be tempted by things that are sinful so you must abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good. Hold fast to what is right, hold fast to what you've been taught by your parents and this church. Do not be slothful in zeal – with your newfound freedom and independence, don't slack off in your studies. But also be fervent in spirit and serve the Lord. It's easier to not stay connected to your faith when your parents are not always on you. So stay zealous for your faith by praying, reading your Bible, and attending a church (or at a minimum watching our services online). Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to God. You may encounter those who will do you wrong (like a roommate) or oppose you because of your Christian faith. Do not get back at them but bless them by praying for them and leave the rest to God. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Do not allow any evil or wickedness snuff out your light. Keep trusting in Jesus. Be good, do good, and don't allow anyone to change who God made you to be. And if school ever becomes too overwhelming, do not harm yourself, COME HOME. 

We also recently one who came forward last Sunday:  Elise Roberts (age 14), who trusted Christ as her Personal Savior and is a Candidate for Baptism.

This year's VBS is June 19 – 23. VBS is not just for kids! VBS has something for the entire family. Registration is open. Members can signup on Realm or you can register at the VBS table in the lobby. Volunteers are also need.

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