1

Covenant Connections

Forever Changing, Always Chosen

Mar 10, 2022

A few weeks ago, the Presbytery Youth Council met in the Foothills Presbytery Office with Joan Jones and the Rev. Jacob Kennedy from Fort Hill Presbyterian Church. They met to discuss the upcoming “Mini-Montreat” retreat, and what the theme “Forever Changing, Always Chosen” meant to each person. As the discussion went on, many of us students had many thoughts. However, one thing kept coming up. PLANTS! We kept thinking about how God is at work in the midst of the change, and that is no more clearly seen than through plants. Suddenly, it all came together. We needed to have a large pot, and people would plant the seeds. Then throughout the weekend, growth began to take place.

We watched as not only change began to take place with the seeds that were planted on Friday night, but we also watched as Youth were changed. Youth were greeted each session with the reminder that you are forever changing, but you are also always chosen. Isn’t that great good news to hear? For Youth who are dealing with pressure, who are overwhelmed by the changing aspects of our world, and wondering what the next day will bring them. The consistent refrain of you are always chosen, named, and claimed brings all the knowledge of God’s unending and unchanging love. So what does this mean to you?

To all those reading this blog, the Youth of the Presbytery Youth Council want to remind you, that you are forever changing, always chosen. You have changed a lot this year, but God has been with you every step of the way. God, from the beginning, has made a covenant with you, to love and hold you in the midst of every moment. Remember that, and know that it’s true. If you ever forget about your roots, that God is with you. Know that roots are there, and know that new things are sprouting. Those sprouts with a little bit of tending to the soil bring about buds, proof that something new is happening. Then with God at work, whatever is becoming will become full bloom. That something new, and beautiful is growing and that you are forever changing, always chosen. Amen.


The article was written by Rev. Jacob Kennedy, Associate Pastor for Youth and Mission at Fort Hill Presbyterian in Clemson, SC, along with leaders from the Foothills Presbytery Youth Council.