THE VOICES OF OUR YOUTH

As Father Andrew said at the start of last week's sermon, most of the congregation does not have the privilege of seeing our kids and youth on a regular basis. They do not get to experience their wisdom and love as the teachers do. Well, this past Sunday was a wonderful exception. Thanks to our streaming and recording capabilities, hundreds of people have watched last week's 10 AM service that including youth greeting, reading, and filling the pews. The highlights for me were hearing the mature voices of Amelia Grubb and Owen Havener reading the lessons and Apollo Patton reading the Prayers of the People that were written by Judah Thomas. Hearing and feeling these prayers gave everyone a glimpse of the beauty and depth of just one of our precious youth.

A few of Judah's prayers that felt like sermons for all of us to receive and learn from include: God, we lift to you those around the world who do not have enough – enough food, enough access to health care, enough peace, enough love, enough joy; We pray for those impacted by violence – for the perpetrators and their victims and all affected by violence; for the end of racism.

This solidifies what we at St. Gregory's do our best to convey to each and every young person. That they have God's Wisdom, God's Love, God's Spirit available to them. May we adults encourage them to know this for themselves. And to be bold like Judah in declaring God's truth coming from within. Thank you, God of Love for bringing these young persons to us.

- Gena Vallee

If you have not viewed last week's service, you can watch it HERE