by Will DeLair

It is hard to believe that I have been living in Georgia as long as I have. It did not take long for “y’all” to enter my vocabulary and for grits to appear the first time at breakfast. It is not uncommon for a Northerner to head south and return with stories of Southern Hospitality. I can happily report that I have had the same encounter.

From my first day at First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro I have felt very welcomed into the community. I have been warmly welcomed to join tables as we share meals together. I have been warmly welcomed into Tuesday night Bible Study where we share thoughts and feelings on difficult texts. I have been warmly welcomed into Sunday school classes, even when I do not quite fit the age requirements. Most importantly, I have been warmly welcomed to worship as a community.

Having a particular focus on our youth and young adult population, it is with great enthusiasm that I meet with Rev. Sue looking to the future, setting goals, and making plans. Our calendars are scribbled with plans of adventures at Calvin Center, mission projects, ideas about stewardship of our artistic gifts, and perhaps partnering with the Presbyterian Men and other church organizations.

As we make these plans and watch them develop into reality, it is my chance to return the hospitality that I have experienced here. Please know you are warmly welcomed in the development of our youth and young adult programming. Whether it is sharing your talents, passions, and/or gifts, you are warmly welcomed. If you feel called to be present as a chaperone and a listening ear on our youth outings, you are warmly welcomed. We warmly welcome you to share your visions and great ideas. More than any others, we warmly welcome you to pray for the development of our youth & young adult programming. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6