
Approximately a month ago, the youth staff gathered on a Sunday evening to surprise our seniors with a special gift. While adhering to social distancing guidelines, we secretly visited every First Baptist high school, college, and graduate school graduate. They received a note from the staff, a Frederick Buechner book, balloons, and high school graduates received a yard sign. When they awoke, they were able to experience just how much their church cared for them. Although they were unable to be present for graduate Sunday several weeks later, they were recognized in worship by name. 2020 is seeing a class of graduates go off into the world who have undergone a great deal of stress over the past several months. As they go, we hope they will remember this quote from the theologian, preacher, and author Fred Craddock, “Live simply, love generously, speak truthfully, serve faithfully, leave everything else to God. Go in peace.”
—Will Raybon