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I don't have a clear memory of when I first sang in front of my church family growing up. I was too young. What I do remember, although not in specifics, was that as I grew up I was involved in my church. I was involved at the front in music. I was involved in the background doing set up, tear down, teaching, and cleaning. One example of this is my memory of going with my father to men's breakfasts when I was in grade school. I don't remember who was in the kitchen working alongside my dad doing the cooking, but I do remember that I was given the task of setting the tables. I had a role, a place, in my church.

I think that's what I remember the most. I didn't grow up thinking it was my parent's church. It was my church, just as much as it was theirs. For all of its warts and flaws, I was included and given opportunities to serve and grow and have my own place in the family.

That is why I am so excited for this coming Sunday morning at Covenant. We are going to have around 40 children and youth acting, singing, narrating, coordinating, and helping with Just a Little Christmas - a fun, lighthearted, but clear retelling of the events of the first Christmas. I hope and pray you will use this opportunity to come and encourage our younger church family members in their service. I hope you've already been inviting your friends and family . . . and your friends' friends and family's family . . . to join you for this wonderful service.

The advent theme is Joy and very little gives me as much joy as seeing children and youth realize that they have their own place in Jesus' family . . . not just because they come with their parents or grandparents, but because Jesus loves them. This Sunday is a chance for us to celebrate and affirm what they offer as a part of our family and to learn from them as they remind us of the story of Emmanuel - God with us.

I hope to see you there!