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Jesus has acknowledged the presence of children in the community to this day. However, at times, the church has failed to recognize the importance and contributions of children in its mission. What I love the most about Larchmont Avenue Church is that our young folks are integral community members. This is in keeping with the Gospel message, and today that reality is alive and thriving at our church.
You have most likely heard me emphasize that this is an energetic group! They range in age, abilities, and families. As a whole, they can play every sport that ever existed, solve a Rubik's cube in under two minutes, and speak multiple languages. There are artists, athletes, actors, and academics in the group. Those with photographic memories and some with audiographic memories. They are neurodiverse and creative. They fill the building with noise, energy, and life! They are the NOW of the church; full and present members of the Body of Christ.
There is a formula to church growth, to building the Body of Christ, to loving our neighbors, and I believe that one part of that success formula is to nurture children, youth, and families. I believe that it is our mission to equip these emerging young people to lead boldly and prophetically using every tool at their disposal.
In my second Confirmation class, I asked this year’s confirmands to share what gifts they bring to our shared space. The list was long. One brought love. Another came with energy. One brought the gift of listening. Another said empathy. And there were many more. Although our youth share the same faith as us older generations, the ways they communicate it will look radically different. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have lived through different domestic and global events that have shaped the way they see the world. While some will never understand it, technology, social media, social justice movements, and sustainability are of utmost importance to these generations and are important mediums to exercise and express their faith. By nurturing and supporting today’s youth, we can empower the next generation and build a more just world for those to come.
I hope you will join us this Sunday as our youth lead us in worship and we celebrate our 9 confirmands. I promise you will leave inspired and hopeful (and you might even get the urge to sign up to be a youth group volunteer!
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