Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (A Prayer of Self-Dedication, Book of Common Prayer, page 832.)
Things I will never forget
By Kate Gottleib, graduating High School Senior Presented during the Sermon of the Trinity Youth Senior Sunday Celebration, June 14, 2009 Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown, CT
Things I will never forget Written on the pages of my mind Permanent and Eternal As the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John Written in words, Written in thoughts In emotions, in laughter, in pain BUT Most of all, written in Love.
Things I will never forget Obvious as the plumes of incense Drifting and caressing fingers interlocked In prayer.
People and places; friendly faces Wisdom lowered into my palm in Sermons past by Pastor Kathie as gently as She hands me the Body of Christ, The Bread of Heaven.
Our Journey, Our Pilgrimage, From Lambs to Lions to Kindergarten Coloring To Senior Sunday. 12 years and thousands of miles On our young feet Thousands of miles to adulthood Past Christmas pageants, and lock-ins, and music
Bowling trips, Rite 13, cookouts, Confirmation, visits to the Diocese Thousands of Miles to The Grand Tetons; The Throne of God From whose tallest spire HE Sits, swathed in fluffy white clouds And streaming golden sunlight.
Youth Group, Fundraisers with upraised fists Blessings of the Animals, and U2charists Parades and Relay for Life FOR LIFE A lifetime of things I will never forget.
Things I will never forget Subtle as the Peace passed through clasped hands and eyes. Light spilled to the floor; water color paints splashed By the angels of artists passed
A secret and dark And often surprising sorrow That simmers from within on Maundy Thursday.
The tranquil flood waters that haunt The pews and congregation after The torrent dumped from the masters in the Choir loft
Friendships Manifested in hallway smiles And well-spent whiles Through changed styles And haircuts?
Things as subtle as the knowledge I took away from the vestry EVERY MONTH Disguised as confusion and oblivion Finances and property and stewardship and ______________________ Once words papered to the bulletin Now faces and mentors and Friends…
Deacons and Pastors Come and gone And stayed. Teachers to my youth, and founders to my life
And now, friends As I go forth, bearing theses gifts HE So freely bestowed upon me Doing the work HE Has intended for me to do
I will never forget The things Written in love, Written on my heart, Written on my soul, Written by All of you.
Sermons by teens posted on myfaithmylife.org are selected for the purpose of sharing faith stories. They are recommended by the teens themselves or their youth mentors. It is an honor to provide a place for the voice of teens to be heard and supported. All sermons are posted with the permission of the writer, and if under the age of 18, the permission of their parents and/or guardians. If you have a sermon to share, e-mail Jenifer Gamber.