Tonight the fam and I made a quick trip over to Bellville, TX to be present for “Senior Night” at the Methodist church. Bellville was my first appointment out of seminary (and newly married). I was associate pastor there, charged to work with youth ministry (with a lay part-time youth and education director), evangelism, and then share pastoral care, preaching, teaching…general pastor stuff. We had a great two and a half years there and made many friends whom we love and who love us.
The special thing about this group of kids is that they were in the first confirmation class I lead in Bellville. Of course, I was thinking and saying all the sorts of things that people who are getting old (you know, 33 year olds with a couple of kids under 2): they’re taller, their voices are deeper, the guys actually have something to shave now, they look grown up…
We enjoyed seeing them lead in worship and listen as adults who have worked with them shared Scripture, prayers, and their love for them.
It is a great gift to return places and be greeted with hugs and smiles…always a special place in our hearts for these kids, adults, and the whole church.
Guy M Williams 