Youth Sunday - March, 2006
What does it take to motivate teenagers to willingly get out of bed on
Sunday morning week after week? It takes something significant, something
of substance, something of value.
That something is the meeting of hearts, minds, and spirits that has been Leigh Rochelle-Woodley’s gift to the youth of this church throughout the past year. She
has earned the acceptance and trust of the youth. She has
connected with them in profound ways. She has been their spiritual guide.
What does it take
to connect with youth? It takes an
authentic person, committed to seeking
spiritual truth, open to the evolving
views of young minds. It takes someone
who can listen intensely and love
immensely. Leigh has been all of these
things, and more, this past year.
The many activities of the youth
reached a climax during their mission
trip to the Native Americans at Ganado
AZ. The success of such a major
project takes the dedicated leadership
of a few individuals, and equally the
faithful support of an entire congregation. A few years ago the youth spent a
week working on the Heifer Farm. An
important pattern has been established,
in which successive generations of
youth are getting the opportunity to
experience significant first-hand
mission work.
It is an important part of a complete Christian Education
curriculum, in which we prepare each
new generation to join with us in
carrying out Christ’s work in the
world. | 
