A recent article in Christian Century cited a statistic that said maintain their faith after they graduate high school, they need to have had significant relationships with five faithful adults.  The mid-high youth at Pilgrimage are fortunate to

to count Janet Derby as one of their five.  Here’s Janet’s PUCC Daily Devotion from this morning. 

.  (There’s a great accompanying picture, but I can’t seem to get pictures to upload onto this blog.  I’ll keep working on it!)

2 Thess. 1:3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Reflection by Janet Derby

This may be the easiest Scripture passage I have had in a while. After seeing the youth excitedly prepare and able lead worship last week, how could I not give thanks to God for those young people? Not only that, but in Sunday school after that service, we discussed them taking the lead in our family Christmas Eve service. Some of them have participated in that service for many years, some a few times, and some not at all. They shared remembrances of past Christmas Eves and came up with new ideas of how to present the story. As we talked, they moved from wanting to just contribute their own small piece to recognizing the value of a continuing tradition of full participation. It was an amazing experience to watch the ideas flow and be accepted by each other. I give thanks to God for Athena, Danielle, Devin, Mariah, Sylvia, and Taylor. (I am sorry I only have a picture with some of them in it.)

Prayer

God of All, thank you for young people whose faith continues to grow and who care for each other so beautifully. Help us to be aware of how much they can show us. Amen.