07-17-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 17, 2024
The last two weeks have known general craziness for most everyone, yet amidst the craziness of the hurricane and the power outage, we had both VBS and a Youth Mission Trip planned. Without power at the church, VBS could not happen. We were so disappointed, but we have all the material for next year’s VBS ready to go. The Youth Mission Trip had a few participants cancel because of everything happening, but we had a wonderful and hardworking group head to Texas City. Today, I want to acknowledge the three adult leaders who went on the trip. They were Jennifer Warman, Ashley Warman, and Mara Doyle. These three left for the Mission Trip from homes that were still without power and AC, but also facing the challenge of finding clothes to take with them on the trip as they had not been able to do laundry. I know the adults and the youth all returned exhausted, but it was another successful Mission Trip. For those who have not done Youth Ministry, it is hard to understand the bonding that occurs among the youth during such an experience. Watching the exhausted group giving hugs to each other last night as they said goodbye to one another communicated a lot about what had occurred. As one who gave leadership to a lot of Mission Trips over the years, I know both the physical and emotional impact it has upon the adults. Not only are you working alongside the youth, but you have the adult responsibility which can be taxing. Today, I invite you to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all the good work and relationship building that occurred on the Mission Trip, and along with that, offer some gratitude for the adults who made it happen.

Holy and Compassionate God, we celebrate this day all the good work happening among and through our youth here at Cypress Creek Christian Church. May they continue to feel good about all that was accomplished in their recent experience, and we pray a special blessing of gratitude upon the adults who gave of their time and energy for this good work. Amen.