Cincinnati West teens lead worship service

CINCINNATI, Ohio--Cincinnati West teens led the worship service March 21. They did everything but deliver the sermon.

Myra Monnier created the bulletin complete with graphics, announcements and the worship service schedule. Cindy McCoy began with verbal announcements.

Then the worship team of Delyse Center and Annette Monnier, backed by a dozen other teens, led the congregation in praise songs. Andrew Butz opened with prayer.

Elizabeth Nouhan and Cindy McCoy gave scripture readings that showed God's love for young people.

For special music, two teens collaborated on an arrangement of "As the Deer," with Jason Brooks on the violin and Elizabeth Nouhan on the flute, backed by pastor Gene Nouhan on the acoustic guitar.

Then Alisha Curran performed a piano solo titled Pathetique by Beethoven.

Three teens gave testimonies. Kim McCoy shared how she came to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Andrew Butz shared his experience at Acquire the Fire and encouraged the congregation to be unified in Christ.

Alisha Curran explained World Vision's 30-hour famine and how our teens were moved to raise money for hunger relief.

Many in the congregation were in tears throughout the service but especially as they heard the testimonies.

Mr. Nouhan gave a sermon titled "God Wants a Relationship With Our Youths." The worship team led a final song, and Courtney Lockard gave the benediction. Danita Camper helped organize the refreshments that followed.

Some said the service was the most powerful they had ever witnessed. Mr. Nouhan summed up the feeling when he said: "God was not only present with us today, it felt as though he had brushed up against us. There was something truly special about the service. Everyone sensed it." Mike and Mindy Lockard.