Reflections of Youth
February 1, 2009
The Cherry Grove youth group, from Battleground, Washington, share their thoughts about their church. This article was collected during a discussion at their youth/young adult group’s New Year’s Eve over-nighter, not too late at night. Pictured are (left to right top to bottom): Row 1: Grace Skinner, Luke Pritchard, Casey Trout, Taylor Leboki, Row 2: Ben Skinner, Lauralea Kinser, Kayleigh Roberts, Brenda Pritchard Row 3: Dakota Geil, Kayla Trout, Alec Trout, Ashley King, Steven Skinner, Dallas Geil Row 4: Lindley King, Nyemah Skinner.
.
.
.
From simple smiles given by older members in our church, to those who teach Sunday school, we, the youth of Cherry Grove have been encouraged and inspired in many ways by adults in the church body.
We have greatly missed a dearly loved woman in our church who has been unable to attend recently because of a hip injury. Nyemah Skinner says, “Louise is one of the best people, she smiles and gives encouragement. She shares her experiences and stories.” We love this woman for her kindness and attentiveness to us. At one of our recent visits to Louise, she shared an impromptu Bible lesson, encouraging us to “pray, pray, pray” and study the word.
Adults at Cherry Grove spend time with us as we serve others. It is easy to tell that they love working alongside us and work very hard arranging meaningful opportunities. Bob and Phyllis Burger led our service week at a small Vancouver church in need of yard maintenance and building repairs during Spring Break. Andrea Dyroff led a two-week art project for us in December.
Visit our worship services and you will see people of all ages greeting each other and talking at length. Steven Skinner says the church has been more like a family to him. Fellowship, for him, is when the family gathers in conversation. “When people ask you a question you can bring up what is going on and you can pray for each other even in a short time like our greeting time.” Agreeing, Casey Trout says, “our church is very caring. When they ask how you are doing, they really want to know.”
Both youth and young adults share a sense of care and welcome. Kayla Trout relates, “The people in the church have been really accepting. I went knowing nothing and no one looked down on me.”
People of all ages and groups in our congregation work, plan, play and worship together. Grace Skinner says: “They include youth in really important stuff and nobody is too young to do things for the church. The church has changed me as I have been involved in things. It is cool that people see things in me that I didn’t, and challenge me to reach my potential.”
Kayleigh Roberts, who serves on the Christian Education committee says, “It is pretty encouraging, adults are open to youth leading a mission trip to Africa. And if you have problems they help you.” Tom Pritchard, an elder, parent, and frequent volunteer, says “I think it is neat when I see youth involved in committees. It helps adults to understand other perspectives. It is encouraging and I am impressed that youth want to be involved.”
Noticing that cliques tend to isolate others in some churches, schools and organizations, Dakota Geil adds, “At our church there are groups (committees, small groups, groups of friends) but they all merge together and work together. Groups help each other out.” We have noticed this as the elders encourage us, share their thoughts about the direction of youth ministry, and cheer us on in our involvements as a youth group. We realize that a lot of people in our church work hard to share their lives and thoughts with us during youth group and Sunday School.
Ben Braskett has often joined the Adult Sunday School class and enjoys it. He says the teacher “is really inspiring because he knows so much and makes it sound cool and interesting. It makes me want to learn more.” He is impressed with the adults. “When they speak during open worship, they inspire us with their stories and things they’ve learned either the hard way or not. It is often helpful.”
Throughout our discussion, the youth and young adults agreed that Cherry Grove conveys a sense of family for them. Cherry Grove has been an encouragement to their growth and life. When asked what could be done better, they chimed “more parties!” It looks like the next all church movie night slated for the end of January is right on time.
Questions for Discussion:
- What would you like to say to these youth?
- What was, or is your experience growing up in relationship with a church?
- If you are an adult, how do you work at relating to the youth of your church?
- If you are are youth, how do you work at relating to the adults?
.
.
