by Pat Taylor
May 19 was Celebration Sunday, a special day at St. Barnabas. We celebrate our children and youth ministries by encouraging children of all ages to lead the service. Graduates were also recognized and given a gift, along with parents whose children couldn't be present. Teachers and volunteers who helped in Sunday School classes from preschool through senior high were thanked for their efforts in shaping the faith our children and youth.
Children and youth read the lessons, and during the reading of the Psalm, the Godly Play children presented pictures they drew about the Psalm. The sermon was given by Madeline Hammons, and the youth group wrote the Prayers of the People.
Jamie and William played “Minuet No. 3” by J.S. Bach on cello for the prelude. The anthem was “Concerto in G Minor” by Vivaldi, presented by Ally on viola and William on cello. During communion, Lizzy played the anthem “Gavotte I, Suite VI in D Major” on violin.
The Youth Choir sang “I Will Give My Heart to the Lord,” by M. Patterson and arranged by Susan Hughes. They also sang the postlude, directed by Susan Hughes for the last time, “Praise the Lord” by Susan Hughes, adapted from Psalm 146 vs. 1-2. Susan is retiring from her position as Director of Youth Choir.
After the service, at the annual parish picnic, a crowd gathered around the table full of food to carry their plates outside—until the rain came. Even though it was a brief shower, activities moved to the Great Hall, where Jason Williams did a fantastic job at our annual dessert auction as the auctioneer, encouraging people to bid higher and higher to pay way too much for pies and cakes. Of course, all the money raised will help support the youth group’s mission trip.