Cornerstone June 2018

Joy in the Journey

by Tim Hurst

I was inspired when Thomas Daniel thanked the Journey Choir and Stacy Curtis for their contribution to worship. Thomas said worship is akin to laughter because it lights us up. That is the experience I have when the Journey Choir and all the children’s choirs sing in our worship services.

Our youth bring a special brightness to worship when they sing. I love seeing the commitment it takes for each person to put all they have into their songs. When I think of the world they face each day, I salute them for their courage to grow healthy and productive lives. I see each of them growing in that courage as they sing the scriptures, the affirmations, the prayers and the confessions drawn from the rich traditions of the early church.

I can hardly contain my joy as I watch them grow throughout the year. Every time our youth sing, it is an inspiring graduation ceremony for me, and I have to keep myself from jumping to my feet and cheering at the top of my lungs.

And like a graduation, each young person goes back into a challenging world. My worship is centered around prayers for each one of them—whatever age, asking for their continued courage and growth in understanding all that is available through the Holy Spirit. Their songs are a practice in making a clear statement of the hope of Christ in our lives. I thank them for sharing that hope with us.

Journey Choir is also an important part of the mission of our church. Many young people have been inspired to join a friend in the delight of being in their choir.

The choir travels to different states where they encourage Christians and young people who do not know Christ. The sincerity and courage of teens sharing themselves brings adults to tears and perks up the ears of young people in difficult situations.

Each young person has his or her own faith story. As Journey members, they have an opportunity to share it in song and to sometimes share it with our church.

Journey’s importance as leaders of worship was evident when Pastor Thomas gave us permission to show our gratitude. The roar in the church was deafening.