With Excitement
Wow.
Last night was one of the most moving events I’ve taken part in over my 11 years as Pastor of Canonsburg UP Church. It was the culmination of our years-long Confirmation class, where 8 high school students, mostly Freshmen and Sophomores, read through the Gospel of Mark, various sections of the psalms, proverbs, prophets and the journey of the Exodus and of Creation (which we connected God’s plan for the consumption of all things, outlined in Revelation) – plus the Apostles’ Creed, other creeds, the question of membership and the outline of discipleship (following after Jesus).
But last night was not about them learning, it was about them sharing. And honestly, it was about us as adults – parents, deacons, elders, pastor and staff – learning from these students, about what God has been doing in their lives for the past 14+ years. And it was stunning.
Each of the Confirmands had a different method, a different style and a very different story. Most of them were born into the CUPC family, but some came a little later. Some attended pre-school with at UP With Kids, most had connections with Vacation Bible School and Sonshine Station and Pine Springs Camp. Some simply read their story, others used pasteboards to display pictures. Some drew maps and other images, while some used technology to construct slideshows. They were all, beautiful. They showed the absolutely beautiful work God was doing in them – a sneak peek of even greater beauty to come!
One image, from our final student, was emblematic of each of their stories. It was from a telling of the Christmas story from a decade ago. There they were, in the iconic “star” costume… sitting atop the shoulders of a High Schooler. It was adorable, but it was really, so much more.
First, they were sitting on the back of someone else. Just like each of their faith journeys, there were people in their lives – family, friends, church leaders – who set a foundation, who helped them connect to God, learn and grow.
Second, they were shining, and impacting those around them. There were tears in the eyes of many last night – and not just “ooh, there’s my little Johnny” tears. There were tears from the assembled adults for these students’ stories, their bravery, their intensity, well beyond just their parents. They were a beacon of God’s goodness and grace shining for all of us.
We need this. WE, as a church, need the hunger and fire and bravery of our children, our youth, our young adults, to point us to God, to connect us to Jesus in a powerful way. Sure “isn’t she cute” is nice – but encountering Jesus is about so much more than that. And so we need to listen to them, make room for them, and be transformed by God through them.
And, they need us too. They need us to provide a foundation, a safe and steady place, an opportunity to share their stories and their gifts. They need our wisdom, our assurance, our encouragement. They need us to be the supportive parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles that are there for them no matter what – exemplifying the same characteristics of Christ, for us.
Next Sunday, May 18, will be Student Sunday – we’ll be led in worship by our children and youth. And I’m hopeful that some of what we heard last night will be shared. And I know there’ll be even more, because God’s been at work in the lives of so many children and youth in our church. Last night was just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s see what else God’s been doing – let’s make room for them to share it – however they can!
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus – just like our youth!
Pastor Don