These Are Called What?

I hate to admit there's a league in our church that I know very little about. They are a bit of a mystery to me and I don't feel that I have a good point of reference with which to connect. They are a happy lot, a generous group, and they generate a loving community. They are a blessing indeed, but I can't quite figure out how they function, what makes them tick. It's my problem; I'll be the first to claim the blame. I think they are called youth??? As any good psychological study would set to prove, part of my issue probably goes back to my own childhood. I didn't have much to do with the youth at church then either. I would guess a mixture of being an introvert combined with not necessarily wanting to be there at all, didn't bode well for fond memories. I have gone to an early worship service ever since I was in high school and that's not exactly the prime setting of most teenagers. When our sons reached high school age I sent them to Synod Youth Workshop, a week-long youth retreat that is often a life-changing experience for most participants. They never met this family before!! #1 son hid in the bathroom for most of the week, and the next year #2 son felt the need to make up stories during small group time. I didn't see the point of furthering the mockery. Raising teenagers was not exactly my forte so I never engaged in impairing other family's children. I do keep tabs from afar, watch them grow, and appreciate their gifts and individuality, but recently, I've had more direct contact with these mystifying organisms. Do you know what I've found? They are pleasant, easy to talk to, and are gracious to me - even if I am like the odd aunt from the awkward side of the family. :-)

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You have entrusted our children at their baptism to the entire community of faith. Oblige us to uphold our commitment to the children, to their parents and to the congregation and actively assist in raising them, nurturing them, and loving them. Help us create an environment of curiosity, of study, of mission, and of living in relationship with each other and with the world at large. These children are only in our homes for a short while. During the time that we share, help us mentor and encourage them to be mindful of your laws, to listen for the call in their lives, to treat others fairly and with respect, and to go forth into the world in peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.