Youth Sunday
God Is Our Hope For Every Day
Today (January 25), I was exhilarated by my church’s worship service. At least eighteen youths (teenagers) held separate parts in leading the congregation in their worship of God. More young people (a total of 25) assisted through their singing songs in praise of the Lord. Two teens gave a reflective skit of the Lord’s Prayer. Through their words we were reminded that the Lord’s Prayer is not to be said by rote. Instead we must be aware of what is being said to our Lord and Creator and the meaning of the words we utter.
Two youths gave their testimonies of what being a Christian meant to them. To me it was very gratifying to hear their talk. It deeply illustrated that not all our young people are going to hell in a hand basket. While we only heard from two youths I feel certain that the whole group had similar stories to tell us.
Two young men sang solo songs, “I Will Lift My Eyes” and “Give Me Your Eyes.” While I feel certain they were nervous, both of those young men sang their song with feeling and as though they were praying to God for Him to allow each of them to see as Jesus would have us see. I pray their prayers are answered.
Finally, one of the youth leaders, Melinda Saunders made her closing remarks. Though she said that she had not intended to give her testimony, because of the level of service the youths of Azalea Baptist Church had just conducted she did give her testimony. She informed us what lead her into leading young people to learn about and worship the Lord. The service our youths gave to us proved Melinda’s leadership. But Melinda is not alone with the young people; Archie Parks, Brian Barnes and Tammy Jewel are working with her to work wonders with our youth. They all have well served the Lord.
The theme for our service was: God is Our Hope for Every Day. That theme was achieved with great success.
Kingdom Advance by John Upton
A Place at the Table
by John V. Upton, Executive Director, BGAV and VBMB
It was to be a quick visit just before lunch with a home-bound church member named Mrs. Hannah. As I sat in a rose-colored armchair, Mrs. Hannah announced, “You’ll be staying for lunch.” I listed all the things I had to do, trying to excuse myself, but she insisted, “You are too busy. Everyone has to eat. I’ll get the table ready.”
That was that.
“Please don’t go to any trouble,” I insisted. Of course, out came the ancient linen tablecloth. The ritual of preparation had begun. Undisturbed by my chatter, she placed the crystal glasses – rich Irish cut glass, a gift of her wedding day. The china was a pattern of over 60 years of marriage.
“You’ll have to stop talking for now. I’m going in the kitchen for a few minutes; just make yourself at home,” she said, “and don’t follow me into the kitchen. I don’t like people staring at me when I’m cooking gravy.”
“Some small meal,” I thought to myself.
I settled back in the rose-colored chair as she disappeared into the holy of holies to concoct the meal. I could smell the biscuits rising to a golden brown, the ham sizzling in the pan; hear ice cubes tinkling in the glasses. While I waited, a quick glance at the living room spoke volumes about her life. There were the browning pictures of “Mr. Hannah,” as she called him, and a tattered old Bible resting on the coffee table, not for show, but obviously used daily.
Soon Mrs. Hannah burst forth from the kitchen with dishes steaming like incense and announced, “Come to the table.” I sat in a large oak chair with arms. “Mr. Hannah’s chair,” she said. “Give thanks, John.” I did. After a few wonderful mouthfuls and a few inane comments by me about how good everything was, she said to me, “Pastor, perhaps you forgot how difficult it is to eat alone. I never feel alone in my home, except at mealtimes. Mr. Hannah said when we invited company for dinner, which we did often, ‘the Lord never intended us to eat by ourselves.’”
There is a table in most Baptist churches. It is called the communion table, a place where all are welcome in the name of Christ. It is where – in the presence of Christ – we commune as his family. At this table we are reminded that Christ died to make us brothers and sisters. That is why at New Year’s many churches celebrate the new year with a communion service. At this table we open ourselves to be kin with all who are kin to Him – at our local church, here in Virginia, and all over the world. Indeed, “the Lord never intended us to eat by ourselves.”
Happy New Year Virginia Baptists!
Used with permission.