During the month of July, we have seen God at work in, through, and among our young people at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
A few weeks ago, a team of teenagers and adults spent a week learning and serving together in Williamsburg and Richmond. They heard stories of pain and hope; they learned about injustice and reflected on how they are called to join in God’s work of justice. They served at food pantries and a community farm. They prayed together, learned together, and played together.
This week, we are in the middle of Messy Church Summer Camp – we welcome children each evening. Through play, stories, shared meals, songs, and more, we are telling the story of a God who longs to be connected to us – and the gift of being connected in love to God and each other. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
These opportunities for God to work in the lives of young people are a reminder that young people are not just the church of the future – young people are the church of the present. (Just like older people are not the church of the past – older people are also the church of the present.) God is at work in, through, and among all of us, at whatever stage we are in on life’s journey. God is calling all of us to join in God’s work, to grow in faith, to learn from others, and to serve others. All of us, even children and youth, can be called upon to be leaders. All of us, at whatever age, are called to join in God’s work.
And that truth – that all of us are invited to do God’s work together – is also part of the truth that has been revealed through both our youth mission team and our Messy Church Summer Camp. All these opportunities are possible due to the amazing willingness of people of all ages to step up and join in God’s work alongside these young people. Adult leaders went on our mission trip. Adults have taught classes, led groups, served food, played games, and more at Messy Church Camp. Each week at Williamsburg UMC, people have the opportunity to build relationships across generations that help enable all of us to grow in faith together. It’s such a joy to see the amazing adults who give so much of themselves to walk alongside young people in and through the life of this church.
God is at work amongst us – forming us in faith and calling us into the work of love – no matter who we are, no matter where we come from, and no matter what age we happen to be. It’s a joy to be part of a church where people of all ages and stages of life get to take the journey of faith together!
-Pastor Brian