In Good Hands

As I reflect on the past week in ministry, it has been a full.  Full tilt and full of God's good fruit.  I witnessed a very successful Vacation Bible School at Covenant last week.  We had 31 children ages 3-10 participate in the a week of learning about Jesus' ministry.  This epic effort had the extraordinary leadership of 19 adults and 17 youth all involved in the planning, preparation, and participation in the actual week's events.   Two of my favorite quotes from children for the week.  "It's all FUN!" and "Hey, do you wanna look at the Bible with me?"  It was so good to see the children making new friends with one another and also forming relationships with the adult and teen leadership.  It was good to see people from different walks of life engaging in the work of the church with such joy! I believe THIS is what God had in mind when he created the world and called it GOOD!

The week before VBS we sent middle high youth off to Massanetta. The theme was "Gone Fishin'" and interestingly enough there were some scriptural overlaps between the conference and VBS.  What a blessing to hear youth tell me, "It was awesome!" And to see them pour there bodies and souls into ministering to the children even though many of them were tired from their conference the week before. We all know that our teenagers have so many other places they could be in the summer time.  But they chose to be here at Covenant spending time honing leadership skills and forming bonds with other people.  All while hearing and teaching the good news of the gospel!  I believe THIS is what God had in mind when he created the world and called it GOOD!

One night last week I was blessed to have dinner with Mary, our youth director, and several of the youth advisors.  As there will be a changing of the guard with Mary's retirement at the end of July, it was important to hear from the advisors about their experiences with the youth program.  What are the beautiful, wonderful strengths of this ministry that we need to sustain and build upon, and what are the things that perhaps we need to let go of in order to make room for new opportunities.  Much affirmation was given and I believe a commitment to continue to teach our teens how to become disciples of Christ in the world.  We need to have retreats, we need to have fun fellowship, we need to have dedicated time for study, we need to keep doing community outreach.  I believe THIS is what God had in mind when he created the world and called it GOOD!

On Sunday afternoon, I participated in a deeply meaningful ordination service for The Rev. Carol Ferguson at Salem Presbyterian.  Carol and I connected when she became an inquirer in the process for ordination, instantly bonding over our shared experiences of attending an all female college.  I served as Carol's liaison with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry for her entire process (5 years). What a joy to watch her blossom and find confidence in her calling!  She will be an incredible minister.  She was showered with love from many congregations. She managed to be ordained, have her parents involved in her service, and then lead a wonderfully poignant prayer over the Communion Table.  This is something I was absolutely unable to do for fear of blubbering all over the elements at my own ordination.  My dear friend, it is I who admire You!  The best of Presbyterian witness and worship happened in that service.  I believe THIS is what God hand in mind when he created the world and called it GOOD!

We're in GOOD hands, after all, we are all in GOD'S hands.