Congratulations To the High School Class of 2020

It finally happened in the heat of this Summer. Our Sidney High School Seniors were able to have their graduation ceremony this past Saturday morning. It was a very unusual ending to a most unusual school year. Hopefully our graduates were encouraged with this final event of their school careers after the disappointment of not being able to enjoy so many other year end activities.

As a community we want to once more congratulate our Seniors, and wish them the very best in the days to come. As a community of faith in God, we are also praying for his blessing upon them as they move forward with their lives. We pray that they will experience the promises of God’s Word through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I would probably be safe in assuming that not many, if any, of our graduated Seniors will read my words. However, I would challenge any parents, grandparents or others who are close to our graduates to share some of these encouraging promises from the Lord. In light of our nationwide uncertainties, fears, division and chaos, our young people need to hear what God says about their futures. So in these challenging days, consider sending a text, a note or a card to remind your graduate about one of these eternal truths from the Bible:

“’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Congratulations and God bless the Class of 2020!

Pastor Doug Birky

Evangelical Free Church