Emmanuel Is Growing A Younger Church

Hello Church,

It's happening before our eyes... we are growing younger...

Over the past several weeks we have watched young people participate more in the life of Emmanuel.  The Children's Message is back as part of worship and we had 10? kids younger than 12 in worship.... most of which went to Children's Church..... thanks to Amanda Forsee... a relatively younger person who decided to take on the challenge.

And if you haven't noticed, our praise band ministry is younger with the addition of Mckenzie Uhl.  Add Hope and Morgan and Russ's higher age category is brought down a few notches.  And don't forget Owen Boone is helping with the slide show.

And don't forget the refurbished youth group.  For 3 weeks now we have had a consistent group of 8 meet on Sunday evenings.... led by a young Morgan, a relatively young Kevin, and ... well... Chad (who is still younger than Russ).

Another note is that the Youth group is deciding to take on the challenge of a Christmas program to be held on December 22nd.  More details to come very soon.....

What do we take from this?  It isn't just kids getting more involved.  It is the blessing of having relatively young leaders step forward and take charge.

I can't overstate the opportunity to grow from this.  We need to be ecstatic at what is happening and take full advantage.  So many 'kid-friendly' churches are seen as the big kind that have big budgets and numerous paid staff with off-the-chart facilities.  This doesn't have to be so.  Spread the word.  Emmanuel is growing younger.   

We need to look for and invite those who could fit into a church that is growing younger.  We need to continue to allow, teach and guide young people into leadership and encourage them to keep learning and growing.  We need to celebrate youth in a Church that too often dreams of young families.... but only dreams.

It's happening.  Emmanuel is growing younger.  What are we going to do about it?  We need to share the news and invite, invite, invite.  We are growing younger and growing up.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe