Just a few weeks ago, I was installed and ordained as a youth elder in our church… which seems kind of odd… youth…elder, … oxymoron. Although they don’t seem to go together, I know that our church values the contributions that each of us can make to help fulfill the Great Ends of the Church—regardless of our age or experiences. St. Stephen makes it possible for youth to participate in so many different ways in the life of our church. In worship, we are encouraged to provide leadership as acolytes, as singers in the choir, and as liturgists. In mission, we participate in St Stephen’s work with Room in the Inn, the Samaritan House, at Casa House (Catholic Charities), Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services (Christmas Presents for families) and especially in our week-long summer mission trip. In Christian Education, we provide leadership in the Vacation Bible School, Summer Music Camp, Christmas on the Hill and other special events. And, because we know that the bills have to be paid, we sponsor fund-raisers such as the Annual Garage Sale and Youth Mission Trip Stock Sale to support our mission efforts. Beth Fultz really knows how to connect resources with needs, and our youth are ready resources.
So I guess it is fitting that the youth of our church also plan to participate in the first capital campaign since the building of this sanctuary building in 1969. Because the youth have had experience in our mission work with replacing roofs, and experiencing the discomfort of summers without air conditioning, we understand the importance of this challenge for our own church. As adventurous as Beth is, I think she plans to draw the line on our climbing the roof of this building to replace the falling slate. So we will participate the same way others are in this campaign. As a group we have decided to dedicate 25% of the left over funds from the 2011 Summer Mission Trip to Chicago, to the roof campaign. It totaled $ 750 . We are going to repeat this pledge again at the end of our mission trip for 2012 and 2013.
It is one way we can honor—and say thank you– for the commitments our parents, grandparents and grandparents have made to provide a place for us; and it is another way we can make a difference… To the Glory of God.
Thank you. Craig Burton, Youth Elder