Entrusted With A Great Treasure

   What a blessing for each of us to offer vows and gaze on as these young people stood before us on Sunday to confirm their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and move forward as those growing as disciples:

Samuel Davis Hagan

Avery Anderson McManus

Lauren Elizabeth Middleton

Malori Ann Perryman

Jackson Lee Phillips

David Bret Vinson

Taylor Lee Walsh

with Taylor Nicole Middleton being confirmed this Sunday

   I am proud of each of them, and said as much to each of them as they stood to return to their pews. There was a lot of 'holy pride' on display in the Sanctuary, wasn't there? Families were sitting in the pews. Former Sunday School teachers, youth and VBS leaders, and family friends were there, as well. Standing with me on Sunday were two grandfathers who stood over their children's children to speak the historic words of the church. If I was proud on Sunday, it is safe to say that the Reverends Dick Reese and Riley Middleton were doubly proud of what they were witnessing. 

   The New Testament includes two letters written to a young Christian named Timothy. The second letter starts with a remembrance of where Timothy came from and specifically names his mother and grandmother. It says, 

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands...Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us." (2 Timothy 1)

   This passage takes on another level of meaning this week with the news of the passing of my grandmother, Augusta Carruth. I relish in the idea that her faith lives on in us. What a week it's been: standing over my son as he joins the Church to then later standing at a funeral to speak about the life of one who meant so much to so many.

   For every one of us who stepped forward on Sunday to remember our baptism and renew our faith, may we acknowledge those who kindled a fire in us and may we guard the good treasure that has been trusted to us.

   Grace and Peace, Scott