Thank You, Northside
There are countless reasons to be thankful for a church family like Northside’s. One of the unexpected challenges of youth ministry is that it can sometimes create a sense of distance from the larger adult congregation. I know great things are happening, and I know meaningful and scriptural classes are being taught, but I’m rarely able to participate because my focus is (and should be) on our teens. This year, we decided to bridge that gap by inviting our adult members to partner with the youth group for our annual Christmas service project. I expected some participation, but I never could have imagined the overwhelming response we are receiving. In previous years, our youth group adopted a single family for Christmas; but because of your generosity, we are now on track to bless three families. What an incredible example for our young men and women of the “one body with many parts” described in 1 Corinthians 12. I’m so thankful for the way this congregation loves so generously and serves so readily. When our teens see your actions of love and kindness, it increases the probability of their becoming a working part of the body themselves.
Meeting the needs of others can be overwhelming at times, but with faith and sacrifice, we can participate in God’s work through love and charity, and He will bring blessings to all involved. It reminds me of the day Jesus fed the five thousand. The disciples came to Jesus overwhelmed and worried that the crowds were hungry and the resources were too few. Their solution was simple: send the people away. But Jesus commanded them in Matthew 14:16 saying, “You give them something to eat.” Instead of turning away those in need, Jesus invited His followers to meet their needs. With five loaves and two fish, Jesus performed a compassionate miracle, and his closest followers had the privilege of participating. Everyone was fed until they were full, and in the end, there were 12 baskets overflowing with leftovers.
Our teens are witnessing that same kind of example through you. When they see adults stepping up to love families in our community, giving generously, and serving without hesitation, they’re learning what it looks like to follow Jesus in real, meaningful ways. They’re seeing faith in action, and that has an eternal impact that Ginny and I will be forever grateful for. Thank you for showing them what it means to love like Christ. Your Christlike example is shaping the next generation. We love our Northside family. Happy Thanksgiving!