Good Morning,

It is my privilege to invite you to this Sunday's Youth Service here at MLEPC. There will be a unified service at 9:00 AM led by the youth of our church. Followed by a fellowship hour in the Fellowship Hall with coffee and cake for our confirmation students and graduating seniors.

 
It is truly an honor to organize and lead the service. Nothing is more powerful or moving than witnessing our youth proclaim their faith, trust, and love for our Lord. I encourage all to come in support of our youth, especially as a church congregation who recognizes the importance of a sound faith as a teenager in today's society.

The verse above from 1 Timothy 4:12 has been an embodiment of our youth, who are hungry to show our congregation, the community, and the world of their leadership in faith. There is an abundance of attributes and characteristics that come to mind when describing our youth group. Words such as service, leaders, prayer warriors, and many more. God is moving in our youth. From student lead Bible studies, to our youth worship band, to the streets of Pittsburgh, and finally to their schools. Our youth have a deep rooted passion that stems directly from Christ.

All of the youth participating this Sunday are craving leadership within the church and most are ready for those positions. Our Youth Ministry Team has been studying "Sticky Faith: Youth Worker Edition" from the Fuller Seminary Youth Institute. The book has been an eye-opening experience for our team. One of the biggest and most crucial ideas presented is the 5:1 ratio. Normally, we think of the 5:1 ratio as 5 kids per 1 adult. Sticky faith challenges us to flip that ratio by surrounding each youth with 5 adults to love, care, and mentor them. Sadly, the statistics show that over 50% of active churched youth who aren't in this ratio will walk away from their faith in college.

 
So MLEPC, the time is here. We often hear the term, "The youth are the church of the future." Quite frankly, that is selling our youth short. They are the church of the now! This Sunday is a declaration that they are ready. But, in order to continue to grow in those roles they need loving adults to surround them, encourage them, support them, and listen to them. They need a 5:1 ratio and it begins with your support on Sunday.

I encourage you to join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM to witness the leadership, passion, and energy of our youth.

In Christ,