In an effort to help our senior’s graduate well, we have started a new tradition this year.  I think that it was a great time, and well worth the time and effort invested in making it happen.  Last night I just got back from spending a weekend with 9 of our seniors and 4 other long term leaders that have invested in these students lives.  It was  an awesome time to just relax, talk, remember, reminisce, look forward, be in nature, study God’s word, and wrap up their years in our Youth Ministry.

This is a special senior class who has seen several transitions, between three youth pastors, a building program, and all kinds of other countless things, I am impressed with their resilience and their maturity to see things in a Godly perspective.  I have truly learned something from each one of them, and I look forward to seeing what God will do through this unique graduating class.

The game plan for this weekend getaway was to spend time and allow for conversations to happen, both naturally and planned.  It happened!  We talked about all kinds of things.  From demon possession to roomates… (not sure if they go hand in hand, or if it was just a coincidence!)  Saturday was our big day out… We went to the beautiful Hickory Run State Park, and hiked a 4 mile trail…  At key locations on our hike we would stop along the way and read through James individually and journal what we were learning and what God was teaching us…

I loved it.  I was thrilled that we took the leap of faith to add this to an already busy summer calendar and make it a priority to help our Seniors transition well.  I got this idea from a friend in ministry over in Lancaster.  So thankful for guys like this who encourage and spark creativity in me and my ministry…

Here are two pictures from our trip…

As you can see, it was beautiful!  It makes me excited to go with next years Senior Class!  Do me a favor, let’s pray for our Seniors today…  Let’s make that our focus.

Pray:

1. That they would find a church body to get involved in by their college/university

2. That they would develop strong christian friends

3. That their relationship with the Lord would grow

4. That they would excel in their school work

5. That God would use them in the lives of the students they find themselves surrounded by

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone…  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:1,3-4

Let’s do our part!

~Peter