A MOMENT FOR MISSION
"And if your children keep my covenant and the laws that I will teach them, then their children too will rule on your throne forever." —Psalm 132:12, CEB
Church involvement is second nature to Katie Pendelberry.
At Penfield (New York) United Methodist Church, she and her younger sister led the "Science Gizmo" station at vacation Bible school.
"I was able to teach the kids about Jesus and his love," she recalls, "while they had a good time."
Serving as the drummer in the contemporary worship band is another role for Katie.
"To praise God through music," Katie says, "adds a new dimension to the worship. It's a good feeling when you know that the band, the congregation and you are connecting with God through music.
"Playing with the praise band has made me a better musician and given me the confidence to play in my school's jazz band. Without my church, I wouldn't be the happy, confident person I am today."
When Katie was in the ninth grade, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I was very scared and sad during that time," she remembers, "but I could always count on Sundays. Going to church gave me some comfort to hear about God's love for us."
Her church family enfolded Katie's family. "They brought us meals and prayed for us.
"Because of everyone's prayers and support and God's love," Katie continues, "my mother recovered, and my family persevered through that time, becoming stronger than ever."
Your support of United Methodist Student Day will ensure Katie Pendelberry and other promising young people find their niche and share their talents.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, we strive to teach our children well. As they go out into the world, wrap your loving arms around them and guide them. In your name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – God of all our yesterdays, our todays, and our tomorrows: we bring our hearts this morning; we bring our gifts; we bring our desires to be a part of your love revolution in this world. We long to be your lights of hope in a world filled with despair, the trumpet of victory to your people, who too often feel outnumbered and overwhelmed, and the voice of confidence to those who have already conceded defeat. Dedicate our gifts; dedicate our hearts to shaping a world with love so that Christ won't feel a stranger on his return. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who gave in love all there was to give for us. Amen. (Revelation 1:4b-8)
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
Looking forward to college, Katie Pendelberry feels prepared.
"With the education and experience I have now," she says, "I feel I am ready to choose my college and the courses to map out my future. I know I could do anything because my classes exposed me to the arts and sciences at a difficult level, while letting me develop my writing, study and life skills.
"My church—Penfield (New York) United Methodist—has also given me knowledge and experiences to go out in the world as a Christian through what I've learned in Sunday school, youth group, VBS and church music."
Church involvement, Katie says, will always be an important part of her life. Your United Methodist Student Day gifts will ensure she and other promising young people nurture their God-given talents.
"I can invite others to join me in spreading God's love and word," she says. "I look forward to my future within the church and what it may bring."