That was the question 10-year-old Carly asked after helping host our Junior High Crossfire Youth at her home church – La Veta UMC. Our group had cleaned up the yards of two of the church's older members in addition to the work they did for the US Forestry Service at a scenic look-out point and for a mountain recreation park nearby. People in the area would stop by, ask questions, take pictures and most of all, thank our youth for the work they were doing for others in the community. In a short period of time, the youth of FUMC Plano became known as the group that makes a difference for others in this area. Their witness reflects what the writer said to the early believers:
“ As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly.”
This is the heart of the gospel – to love one another and love others in service. In a jaded world, this kind of selflessness stands out. When asked on a couple of occasions what our church's vision statement is, our youth shouted back, "Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community!" I could not have been more proud and Carly could not have been more intrigued.
So, when Carly asked, "Can I come do that too?" the answer was of course, “YES!” She and her grandmother joined our Junior High Crossfire Youth for an afternoon of painting and bead-stringing as part of our work on the mountain with creation and creativity – seeing the image of God in everything and everyone and celebrating that.
Where is God calling YOU to join in?
See you Sunday in worship and in mission,
