As we approach the end of another academic year, our hearts are filled with both pride and a touch of sadness as we prepare to recognize our graduating high school seniors. As a church, we have had the privilege of witnessing their growth, both spiritually and personally, throughout their lives. We have seen God's handiwork, guiding and shaping them into the confident and capable individuals they are today.
During this time of transition, it's important for us to rally around our graduating seniors, offering them our love, support, and prayers as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. While it's natural for them to feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the unknown that lies ahead, we can take comfort in knowing that God is faithful, and His plans for them are filled with hope and promise.
It's our privilege to honor and celebrate them during our upcoming Senior Blessing Services on May 5.
One of my favorite parts of the services is hearing the seniors preach. It is a special and unique opportunity given to all of the seniors in the graduating class. This year, 6 of 12 seniors will preach while others will be greeting, singing, praying, and reading a litany.
Steve and I begin to work with the preachers twice a week after Easter. Steve brings his preaching expertise and an elevated level of respect and importance to the seniors; I bring familiarity and support—I think we make a great team! The first meetings consist of laying a foundational framework for the process of preparing and delivering a sermon. We stress that a sermon is guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit and is different from a speech they might deliver in school or work. Then, we engage the Scripture together. From there, the seniors get to work choosing a text and writing their sermons.
Once we get the words right, we work on delivering the sermons. The day before the Senior Blessing Service, Steve and I have a boot camp with the preachers in Westmoreland Chapel. We encourage them to get comfortable in the pulpit and speak into the microphone. We remind them to slow down and tell them when to pause. We tell them they are ready and leave them empowered for the next day.
This entire process is significant. We engage with Scripture. We wrestle with large rocks of faith. We reflect on the works of God. We pray for the future. The seniors put their authentic faith into words and share them with us. It is a privilege to know them and hear from them.
During our Senior Blessing Services, we will all get a chance to hear from these brave teenagers. We have the opportunity to honor all of our graduating seniors, celebrate their achievements, and commission them for the journey ahead. We will pray for God's blessings to be upon them as they step out in faith, trusting that He will continue to guide and protect them wherever they may go. Let us commit to walking alongside our seniors as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. May we be a source of strength and encouragement to them, cheering them on as they pursue their dreams and fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
I hope you’ll join us on Sunday, May 5 at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM!
