Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. I Timothy 4:12
DO WE HAVE AWESOME KIDS AT ALDERSGATE? The answer is a resounding YES! And this past Sunday morning, they took us on an amazing journey into what it means to be a “Jesus follower.” If you missed it, I am truly sorry because they raised the roof with their praise music, spoke from their hearts about their experiences on their mission trip, and reached into the souls of their listeners with a message that is timeless: follow Jesus and you will always have a friend at your side.
The youth praise band opened the service with a crowd-pleaser that rocked the sanctuary with its beautiful message of the resurrection. The one line I jotted down because it really grabbed me was “Now I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in.” Doesn’t that sum up our relationship with Jesus? We find ourselves mired in the daily
grind of life, or we let ourselves sink so far into the pit of despair that we can’t see a way up from the bottom, and then along comes Jesus. He offers us a way out and a way up. No matter how rough the ride, He’ll be right there beside us, meeting us where we are and taking us where He wants us to be. He wants us to be “all in” with Him.
Our youth praise band has been gifted with an amazing amount of talent, and it spills forth so joyfully that you can’t help but be blessed.
After communion in the 11:11 service, a number of the kids who had gone on the mission trip to West Virginia shared their favorite moments and lessons learned about people who may not have experienced their same lifestyle. They worshipped through their music, worked with children, and learned a lot about praying with people who had a need for Jesus in their lives. The experience gave them new confidence to talk with others about their faith. They also made discoveries about each other as they ministered in the community they visited. There was fun on the river and soul searching in their evening worship circle. Hearing them speak from their hearts brought tears to my eyes.
It was also third-grade Bible Sunday, and the service ended with the presentation of a Bible to one very sweet young man. Several other Bibles were received by third graders at the 9:45 service.
It was a beautiful morning, and everyone I spoke with felt their spirits were truly lifted by the message they had received in music and words. Thank you so much, kids, for sharing your gifts, your memories, your lessons. We were truly blessed by all that you offered to us, and please know that your church is always there to support you as a group and as individuals.
Following are the lyrics to a couple of verses of Lost In Your Love, written by Brandon Lake and Sarah Elizabeth Reeves, Bethel Music
Sung by Brandon Lake (You can find the full song on YouTube)
Our youth praise band performed it beautifully as they sang it from their hearts.
Chorus:
I’m going all in, in over my head, I’m not scared to get drenched in your love.
Wherever You go, God I will follow. I’m not scared to get lost in your love.
I don’t have to see where this road ends, just as long as my hand’s in Your hand.
Here is where I want to stay, Held within Your sweet embrace.
Could we ever ask for more?
