For our 2023 ministry report, we interviewed several members from our congregation to share their stories. If you have not viewed that yet, you may do so here. We hope you enjoyed these insights into different ministries here at LMPC. Due to space, we had to keep answers short, so please enjoy more now from Liam, a high school student, about his LMPC youth ministry experience.

“LMPC youth group has become a home to me. Over my four years, one of the only constants has been that every Sunday night I would go up to youth group and be able to relax and take a break from the world. Coming from Pennsylvania at my old youth group we never sang, and the greatest thing to me about the youth group here is the singing. Whenever Tolson stands up and everyone gets quiet I just get a little excited because the sense of community and family when we are all singing is otherworldly. Not to mention there is no embarrassment. It doesn’t matter that I can’t sing, I still can sing loud and not feel embarrassed. With everyone singing together, it sounds awesome. 

God has really helped me learn to be okay with my mistakes and my failures. I remember hearing from Josh about how failure does not define you but actually helps you, although it took me a long time to understand that, those words eventually took hold, helping me learn humility and the ability to acknowledge my own failure and grow from it. 

My favorite event of the year was 100% Ponderosa. To be able to hear from seniors, people I looked up to and frankly wanted to be like, and here they come to us vulnerable and honest was one of the most beautiful things. Hearing from them changed my perspective and really helped me grow in my faith. Not to mention, it was great to be in a community where we were all committed to not using our phones but rather just hang out and enjoy each other. 

I joined a small group this year and it has been incredible. To just be with a close-knit group of guys who are going through the same things has really helped me and helped me become more vulnerable. Every Tuesday night when I drive up to the house where we meet I just feel at peace knowing the next hour I am not going to fight or stress but rather just be in communion with others in a similar stage of life.”