“When we make promises, we don’t make them lightly.”

A few Sundays ago I looked out from my seat on the chancel and was delighted to see one of our high school youth in the Sanctuary pews. They had gotten themselves to church on their own, on a day we didn’t even have youth group, just to attend worship.

After the service – which happened to be Child Dedication and New Member Sunday – this teenager said to me, “You know, I have to prepare myself to show up for church, because all of us here take being at church seriously. When we make promises like we did today, we don’t make them lightly. We really mean what we’re saying. We really are a community of love.”

“You know, I have to prepare myself to show up for church, because all of us here take being at church seriously. When we make promises like we did today, we don’t make them lightly. We really mean what we’re saying. We really are a community of love.”

As Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries here at First Universalist, I am constantly blessed with gorgeous glowing coals of clarity like this from our young folks, and especially from our teens. I certainly learn from them about the latest slang and fashion trends: for example, I was aghast to hear that low-rise jeans are coming back in style. But these incredible humans also generously allow me to sit with them in heartbreak and dashed hopes. To celebrate long-worked-for accomplishments and moments of utter pride. To laugh hard at jokes I wish I’d been funny enough to think of first. I am transformed, always, by the gift of being in community with them. 

This Sunday in worship, our teens are giving you a window into the creativity, wisdom, and brilliance that I and our High School Youth Group Advisors get to witness every week. Our youth are leading worship at both 9 and 11 a.m., and folks, you don’t want to miss it. They are bringing music that may never before have been played in a church, along with original poetry, stunning reflections, and a sacred ritual of their own design, all in exploration of transformation. You will leave knowing more about our youth, and more about yourself, than you did before you came. 

Our young folks know it: We really are – and are called to be – a community of love. Join them this Sunday to realize that call together.

See you Sunday,

Allison Connelly-Vetter (she/her)