#ExtravagantGenerosity - Caught in the Act
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -II Timothy 4:7
As Associate Pastor for Youth, I spend the majority of my time with youth and their families, and the extravagant generosity I witness here at JCPC falls into two categories: adults who are generous with their time, talents, and treasures to the youth ministry and as an example to them... and the youth themselves, learning from these examples and living into God's call for their lives. It's an example of the latter I'd like to share with you today.
It's exciting to serve people who are generous and hardworking and for us to serve alongside each other. Youth group is two hours each week during the school year. Committing to be there weekly is a big deal and hard priority for our youth and families. Then there are youth like Natalie Siegman. Natalie and her family are deeply committed to this family of faith, but recently, Natalie has gone above and beyond, answering yes to the call of many needs.
This year, Natalie was asked to serve as youth representative to the session. This is a vital role she plays for us as a church and to her peers. She also served as a member of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, which took countless meetings, hours, lots of prayer, and significant contributions in time and energy to an important process. And all the while, Natalie has been a faithful member of the youth group on Sunday nights, helped to lead music and practice for that, served on Youth Team, gone on mission trip and retreats, and served as an example to her peers and us adults at JCPC.
Natalie's service reminds us all that when we have busy lives, we can choose to tell people how busy we are, or we can choose to ask God to help us remain faithful and serve with energy and enthusiasm as we run the race, relying on God's strength, rather than our own. Ask her about how she serves. You'll get a story, and probably a smile. And I promise you'll be inspired to serve too.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me to be generous with my time. Help me to choose the ministries that serve those who need energy and enthusiasm and fresh ideas. When I become discouraged, help me to offer my gifts in love to serve in joy. Amen.
