A couple of Wednesday's ago our board met and we heard a worthwhile presentation on installing solar panels on a portion of our church roof. The presenter was from a company that has done a number of United Church installations and what he showed us seems "doable" and an excellent proposition both ecologically and financially. The groundwork for this was done by Ryan, the vice-chair of our board who is in his early thirties.
Later another thirty-something member, Adam, outlined the plans to install wi-fi throughout the St. Paul's structure, which will help in a number of ways, including making our Sunday School curriculum more versatile.
The lone teen on the board, Jonathan, shared his decision to explore a vocation in ministry, which everyone applauded. All this was recorded by the secretary of the board, Janet, who is in her late twenties and extremely capable.
I am heartened by the involvement of these younger adults. Their lives are very full but they are finding time to put their faith into constructive action in the decision-making of our congregation.
We have been blessed by strong lay leadership during the years I have been at St. Paul's and our current chair is a gem who apparently enjoys the job so much he has done it twice while I have been here. He is the first to agree that it is essential to bring another generation into leadership roles. They bring fresh eyes, fresh skills, fresh energy into our community and we are the better for it. We also have a number of people in their forties within our committees and the board and they are rather frisky as well! There is an old expression that youth is wasted on the young, but it must have been coined by an oldie who didn't appreciate change.
Any comments on what needs to happen with the "changing of the guard?" Do you see St. Paul's as a congregation that makes room for the energy of youth? Can we do better in this regard? Hey, it is Pentecost Sunday this coming weekend.
6 comments:
Time to fade into the background!
According to this outline of young people I have just managed to place myself in the young category. It's a tight squeeze, but I'm still in there. I love church! I'm young!Who knew?
Haha I love being mentioned online! The best thing the church has going for it is that it is a place for community where a lot of youth and teens have none. It fills a void that schools often leave and for many, such as myself, becomes a place to find the community that we crave as humans. Some like going into the court side of things, some dont. What's more important than that is the other church activities that require volunteerism. Some just can't stomach the courts (fair enough), but through volunteerism we can keep people involved and that is awesome.
Light the fire, and blow the wind of Pentecost, the kids are doing the service on Sunday, look out, it will be inspiring!!
just have to say-No fading into the background, Jan..going out with a blaze of glory, more like it (long may it burn) but so wonderful when the generations can appreciate and encourage each others strengths.
Any truly healthy congregation is in constant transition, honouring elders and involved "youngers." We would be a mess without the wisdom of those who have been around for a while, and at a loss without those who bring new energy and ideas.
Thanks all.
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