In his thought-provoking keynote address at the Collegiate Ministries Lunch held on July 6 during the 219th General Assembly (2010), the Rev. Stephen Hayner, president of Columbia Theological Seminary, told his audience that young adults are motivated people who can change the world, and that young adulthood is a time of exploration and discernment. "It's one of the most energetic, imaginative, critical times in all of our lives," he said.

This summer has already proven Hayner's perceptive statements about youth and young adults to be true in the life of our denomination.

After having experienced an engaged GA focusing much of its creative energy and dialogue around youth and young adults as well as hearing transformational stories from among the thousands of young people who attend six weeks of youth conferences at Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina, I headed off to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, where 5,000 high school-aged Presbyterians from the PC(USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches gathered from July 20-24 for a life-changing experience of dynamic worship, music, prayer, Bible study and community building.

The theme of the 2010 Youth Triennium was taken from the Book of Esther - For Such a Time as This. And what a time it was indeed for 5,000 who came - youth, returning college students who came to help, over 170 adult small group leaders and scores of other adult and young adult volunteers. Kids waited to get into the prayer room and flocked into worship. No one there seemed bothered by the weather as kids did crafts at tables and played games on the grass of the lawn, signed letters to heads of state for the end of using children as soldiers, wrote postcards to orphaned children, put words on a prayer wall, sang and read poetry at the outdoor open mike and just strolled around in clusters with new friends and friends from back home. Dressed in their bold, teal-colored Triennium T-shirts, they made for a beautiful and powerful vision. On Friday night, worship led by the Rev. Graham Baird, pastor of a thriving new church development - now a large congregation - in Paso Robles, Calif., encouraged those gathered to be bold with their lives and to take risks for the sake of the gospel. "All the people who followed Jesus were great risk takers," Baird said. Tony Campolo followed Baird's message on Saturday with a strong message to follow Christ's example in vocation and life. To learn more about these outstanding speakers and the whole amazing experience, visit the website  .

Presbyterians Today's special issue and guidebook - "Welcome to the Presbyterian Church!" - is a wonderful introduction and overview of all things Presbyterian. Packed with facts, stories, pictures, charts, links and a lot more valuable information, this inviting, easy-to-read guide gives readers a fast, reliable way to learn about what Presbyterians believe...and what we don't believe!

We hope that many other churches and middle governing bodies will want to order a supply of this special issue for a wide variety of potential uses, including new member training, welcome kits, visitor packets, confirmation classes, youth groups, adult Sunday school, elder/deacon/officer training, evangelism & outreach, marriage preparation and so many more.

It is my prayer that in our collective call to teach and to lead, that we all keep learning and sharing for the sake of Jesus Christ!

Minister of Music and Youth

1st Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw is accepting applications and resumes for a position of "Minister of Music and Youth."

This part-time position will be responsible for:   

Directing the music program of Choir, worship musicians, contemporary music team, elementary music.

Coordinating and Planning the programs for the Elementary, Middle School, and High School Youth groups and volunteers.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Able to work well with people of all ages.

Enjoys teaching and has a passion for music and worship.

Two years related experience or equivalent.

Has a developed faith life that includes prayer, study of Scripture, and gathering with others to discuss the life of faith and service.

Must be a member of a Christian church

Interested persons may apply by sending an email or letter to: Athorburn65@gmail.com or
1st Presbyterian Church
Attn: Minister of Music and Youth
120 Pine Street
Paw Paw, MI 49079