This Sunday, May 22^nd, we will be honoring the young adults ( whether we as parents like thinking about them as that ? that is what they are! ) who will graduate from high school this year. There are four: Mary Beth Allen, Haley Frings, Sarah Nan Gillis, and Bentley Staggers. They are four good, solid people who have an opportunity to make a difference in the world. Partly, because they are uniquely gifted and talented as individuals. But, maybe, mostly because you and other people of God have helped them, prayed for them, nurtured and grown them, and given them guidance and direction. The influence of the church and the church's people on the lives of those connected to the church is immeasurable. Wherever Mary Beth, Haley, Sarah Nan, and Bentley study, live, or work, the church here and beyond will continue to be part and parcel of their lives.

We talk often about the demands that are made of us at baptisms. We read about Jesus' deep connection with children. We pledge our love and support to the babies and to the parents. We hold our freshly baptized babies up and walk them around in the congregation so that they can see and be seen ? be introduced to their new family. All of those pieces of worship are meant to teach us about how intimately we are connected to each other and to God through Jesus' life and the presence of God's Spirit.

And, those moments are also meant to prepare us for days like this Sunday ? when we say to our babies who have become children and then youth and now young adults we are proud of you, proud for you, and aware that God's gifts upon you are being realized. We should remember their baptisms and our own. We should see in their growth and maturation a more fulfilled piece of the puzzle that we and God co - create.

Maybe we should take a look around the congregation and find Alexander Barnes. One day soon, he will be sealed into God's family through baptism. Maybe we should take a look around and see the wonderful circle of children at Children's Time and take an accounting of what is our highest priority. For one day, they too, will grow, almost imperceptibly, into young adults, and we will once again have the chance to look and see what a difference the church has made. That's pretty important stuff. A pretty high calling. And worth every minute, every prayer, every dollar, every tear, every trip, every laugh that is put into the job of growing and nurturing disciples. As your pastor, I am honored to serve among you and grateful for your work. But this year, as a parent, I just want to say, " Thank You! "

Keep up the good and rewarding work!

Grace and peace,

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