Olympia youths:
our present,
not just our futureOLYMPIA, Washington—The young people took over the worship service in Olympia June 30.
Jon Rowlands, with his team of teens and pre-teens, set up the hall and assisted Ben Pope, sound room engineer, in preparing the sound equipment.
Ashley Anderson opened the service with several prayer requests. Karina Robinson and Beverly Pope led the congregation in worship, with LeeAnna Pope providing sign language accompaniment. Claudi Wolford, senior ministry leader, gave a scripture reading.
Karina shared a personal testimony of her calling. Beverly Pope asked and discussed the question, "What if there was no sin in the world?" Jason Anderson performed a vocal and guitar special music. Then Steve Johnson, youth ministry leader, spoke about the joy of serving youths, and the awe of watching what God does in the lives of the children.
Steve and his wife, Amy, handed out certificates of appreciation to those involved in the Olympia youth ministry. Then, each of the children in both preschool and COOL Kids (Children Of Our Lord) received participation awards, and all of the teens in the Young Faithful group also received certificates, with an award for graduating senior, Jon Rowlands.
"Our youths are not just our future, they can also be our present," Mr. Johnson said.
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