Minute for Mission: Young Adult Volunteer Commissioning Sunday

August 27, 2017

Today, several congregations close to Stony Point Conference Center, many from the Hudson River Presbytery, will host the 2017-18 YAV class for Commissioning Sunday. This day acts as a reminder to both the Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) and our church that we “do not go alone” in God’s mission.

YAVs have gathered these past few days for a week of orientation before embarking on their year of service. Representatives from local congregations commit to picking up a group of YAVs at Stony Point, transporting the YAVs to their worship service, commissioning the volunteers during the service, hosting a meal and returning the group later that day. This acts as a nice retreat for the YAVs after an intense week of training and a beautiful example of hospitality — something they will continue to experience throughout their year at 22 sites in the United States and around the world. Each congregation gains unique insight into a young adult’s call to service and the amazing opportunities available during a YAV year. This past Thursday, a representative from each church was also invited to attend worship with the entire YAV group during their nightly vespers.

The Young Adult Volunteer program is encouraged by each faith-community’s willingness to honor our church’s commitment to baptism by walking alongside these young adults through their entire faith journey.

Blake A. Collins, Associate for Recruitment & Relationships, Young Adult Volunteers of the PC(USA)

Today’s Focus:  Young Adult Volunteer Commissioning Sunday

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Anne Marie Mazzone, BOP                                                                           
Tim McCallister, PMA             

Let us pray:

God of invitation and hospitality, we are grateful for the Young Adult Volunteers about to embark on a transformational year of service in places where your Spirit is already at work. We thank you for the willingness of your church to support these young adults along their journey, in both new communities and familiar. May the relationships made today be blessed, may the stories shared be honored and may the communion be holy. Amen.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, August 27, 2017, the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading Exodus 1:8-2:10
Psalm 124:1-8
Second Reading Romans 12:1-8
Gospel Matthew 16:13-20