Grad Recognition

Before we get into this, I want to take an couple minutes and recognize a few very important people in our family this morning. I don’t know if they are all here and i hope i have a complete list. When I read your name, if you are here, would you please stand up. That’s right, I am putting you on the spot. I am having you stand because I want you to be recognized and also because I have something I want to say to you.

Isaiah Follett

Abby Brandt

Hunter Bilyeu

Jonah Fitchett

Genny Olson

Eryn Gates

Charles Vinson (December 2023)

First of all I want to congratulate you on making it through 12 years of education. I hope in all those years you have learned a thing or two. If you haven’t learned this lesson though, allow me to further educate you. If you have ever had an older person tell you that your are lucky because things were MUCH harder when they were kids, don’t you believe a word of it! They are suffering from a failing memory at best, or they are flat out lying to you at worst!

Here is what I want to say to you. And I am not kidding around. I mean this with all sincerity. You guys and gals are my heroes. And I will tell you why. The environment in which you have been pressed into to learn is about as harsh an environment as I can imagine. Oh we had peer pressure and bullying when I was in jr high and high school as well. But one advantage we had over you is, if we were lucky enough to have a fairly stable home, we could escape all that when the school bell rang at the end of the day. you guys carry it home with you in your pocket.

If i wanted to talk about my faith in school, the worst I got was rolling eyes and a few whatever, we don’t want to hear about it. It is quite a bit rougher for you i know. I have heard the stories.

If you are planning to go on to university, I am afraid to say that will be no safe haven for you either. Not trying to scare you just letting you know I will be praying for you.

But above all else, I want to tell you how important you have been to this church family. We need you guys. I hope you all jsut forget college and stay here with us. (Probably just irritated some parents) But if you do go, I will be praying that Jesus will be central to your life in the days ahead. Believe me, you will need Him. And when you get all done with your adventures out there in the world, I hope you will remember your church family and know that we will be selfishly praying that you will come back to us and be the church leaders we will need when all us old guys are outta here. Love you guys, Congratulations.