The snow may not have melted here in
I travel to churches throughout the Iowa Conference UCC. I spend most of that time talking with the adult leaders who run Christian education and youth programs. Our conversations tend to focus on the struggles – the lack of time and other resources they have for their ministries.
Because they are immersed in the day-to-day difficulties of running these programs, they don’t see what I see.
These are lay people, often parents, who are so determined that children have a place in church that they resurrect Sunday School and youth groups and plan summer mission trips and local service projects. They give up vacation and free time, and probably sleep, to make sure that lessons are planned, supplies are purchased and snacks are prepared.
These people are not often pastors or paid staff. They are regular people who want to make sure that young people learn to live a life of faith. I’m in awe of their efforts, which happen between full-time jobs, parenting and a variety of other personal and professional obligations.
Why do they do this? The simple answer is because they love God and the church and they want to see that exist for future generations. A leadership team at Immanuel Reformed UCC in
Pretty amazing, huh?
For all you youth leaders out there, I want to say this: Thank you, thank you, thank you for the ways you serve our church and young people each and every day. You are amazing creations of God who are living out your call to serve the church in ways that often go unnoticed. But, I notice you. You help remind me that “spring” is right around the corner.
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