March is a full month for Plymouth high school youth. 

Three Sundays ago, after six weeks of study,  reflection, praying, and singing, 26 teenagers led the congregation in two worship services.  Using the same core liturgy employed each Sunday at Plymouth, the services unfolded  differently because they were led by youth.  More, they were distinct from one another; each reflecting their respective worship spaces.

In a full chapel, youth sat interspersed with the gathered community, standing to speak from a variety of places around the room. This experience refreshed the idea of liturgy being “the work of the people.” 

A procession of candle-bearing youth singing along with Allison Krauss’ version of “Down to the River to Pray” started the later Sanctuary service. When the adult choir sang their Anthem from the back of the church, it created a human-voiced version of surround-sound.

At both services prayers were prayed, three thoughtful and heartfelt reflections were shared, and communion was served.  It was good to be in church that morning. If you had a hard time hearing the Reflections, look for a printed copy in the lobby soon.

From worship we move to mission…
… the youth invite your participation in this venture, too!

In Sunday worship 23 youth and their four nearly-fearless adult companions will be blessed and commissioned before they leave to spend Holy Week at the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. During this time away the group will worship in the only United Church of Christ in the state of Arkansas,    undertake a variety of jobs on the working ranch, sleep next to newborn lambs and goats, and learn-by-doing how the earth’s resources are used by our world’s population. 

Throughout the week there will be a lot of laughter, profound questions and observations, more than a few tears, and many, many exclamations of gratitude. In our modified barn home we will mark Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, returning just in time to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with all of you.
Would you please help us get to Arkansas and back? 

If so, come to the lounge at 9:30 a.m. or after the 11:00 a.m. worship. Find the youth selling shares for $25 each. In exchange for your money, you become a Shareholder in the mission trip and receive:
An invitation to the Shareholder’s Luncheon on May 1, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

A Shareholder Report unlike any other.  This booklet full of full of  photos and reflections by the youth and leaders is a wonderful snapshot of faith-full teens learning—and living—the Gospel message.
Here’s to seeing the Good News through the eyes of our youth,

—Cory Maclay, High School Youth Minister