Home Pastor's Column
Dear Members & Friends of St. John's Lutheran Church:
 
 
The recent passing of Al Bradly, a former teacher at St. John's and admired youth director set me thinking about the place of youth in our congregation. We do NOT have youth events, parties, retreats or other activities such as we had two generations ago. The pool of young people is not as large as was once the case. Yet, I can think of young people who participate in our church that may be examples for others, and especially my encourge our members to welcome more like them. One young man, high school age, attends with his family and is a regular in the adult Bible class. He helps to usher and most would agree that his is among the best dressed and most helpful people around. Another young woman,  also of high school age, assists with Sunday School, and sometimes sings a solo during our worship. These young people are active and involved because their parents are regular in worship. Futhermore, they have an inter-generational experience because they are not segregated from the adults. They are not having as much "fun" as youth in some other setting, but I suspect they may be having valuable experiences as they relate to other adults and as they worship with their families.
 
 
I point these thing NOT to justify our doing nothing in this area, but simply to identify the blessings that God has given our congergation. If we do not value our blessings, some times we lose them. Such young people, and their families, need acceptance and encouragment as individuals. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt.6:33).
 
 
Your Pastor in Chirst,

Rev. Dr. Richard Zeile