Young People to Be Proud Of
I
think that just about everyone knows what a big deal the youth soccer
leagues are in Tupelo (we have a reputation literally across the South for
being virtually rabid over soccer). Over the years I've heard a lot of talk
about it, and there are varying opinions about whether or not that kind of
intensity and level of activity are good things for youngsters. As one who
played every youth-league sport in town when I was growing up, I support
athletic competition and developing those physical abilities. I also make a
point of staying clear of parental decisions about what kids do with their
time. That's up to each household. But one thing I've been very pointed
about is my opposition to games being scheduled on Sunday mornings. For an
area that prides itself on its commitment to church-life, that just doesn't
make any sense to me at all. And no, some little on-the-field "prayer
service" doesn't take care of things. I notice that games are never
scheduled on Wednesday evenings—I wonder why that's so? Apparently, mere are
those who prioritize Wednesday over Sunday for church [how did that
happen—it's certainly not "Biblical"]. You will understand why I make no
apologies for my conviction that youth should be at their own churches on
Sunday mornings for the full schedule of worship and Christian education.
Moreover, they should not be put in the position of having to choose between
"church" and their soccer team.- But that is precisely what is happening,
and we all know what choice is usually made. That's why I'm so proud of
Patrick Langford and Sydney Weber that I could glow at night. Both had
games scheduled for 9:30 on Sunday morning last week, and they were getting
a lot of peer-pressure from their teammates about having to "show commitment
to the team" and that "soccer has to come first." hi separate instances,
both Patrick's and Sydney's un-prompted response was—in so many words—"No,
church comes first and I have a commitment there." (They were both taking
part in the service as bell-ringers and youth-choir singers.) That is some
real witness from two 10-year olds, and some mature discipleship that many
adults could note. Of course, their attitudes also say a lot about their
households. We can always use good news, and so I thought you should know
about this. [I'm sure that there are some other similar stories among us,
and I'd love to hear about them. Don't be shy: it does my heart good.]
Speaking of the youth music programs, I'm proud to see how far the
choirs and bell-ringers have advanced. This is quality achievement—skills
and knowledge that enrich a lifetime as well as our worship. And their level
of confidence is inspiring (just watch them at work, often ringing and
singing right in there with the adults). Ellen says that our young
music-leaders are not as self-conscious or as fearful as adults can be (I
think this is true about youth generally) and so they just step up with
enthusiasm and learn very quickly. How about their chanting the psalm on All
Saints' Sunday?! You won't see that just anywhere. Our young musicians are
truly making a difference here—and we'll see a lot more to come. Too often,
youth music in church is about being "cute" or panders to PR efforts. Not so
here, and another fine witness from our youngsters.
Lately, I've also been taking a lot of note of our acolytes. I worry
that acolyting can seem to be an "unimportant' job that is often taken for
granted. I want my acolytes to know how much I appreciate them. Parents, I
want you to know this, too. It is not overstating things to say that we
simply couldn't have the worship we have without them. I certainly couldn't
be the kind of worship leader I am without them. They are that important,
and I hope that we all make sure that they know it. By the way, I have no
doubt that being an acolyte had the most influence in shaping my journey
into the priesthood. It was the best Christian formation I had. Being an
acolyte was how I learned to love worship and it was how I found my place in
the parish community. I'm going to put more emphasis on those things from
now on for our young ministers. You acolytes should know that your faithful
presence Sunday-by-Sunday is a true Christian witness—a visible sign of your
faith and of the fullness of the Church's life.
To end with just a note: I've set up a meeting with our Sr. EYC and
their parents for Sunday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 at First United Methodist's
"Coffee House." We're going to talk about our vision, options, and plans for
them. I'm so proud of these youth for hanging-in-there during these times.
Getting our Sr. EYC program to where it should be is my top priority at All
Saints' right now. We will do right by them!
In
Christ,
Shannon+
