Continuing the "young adult" topic

So after the series of blog posts that I wrote at the beginning of the month and the response that I got from them, I have been wanting to write some follow-up. The posts I wrote are pretty one-sided. I talk a lot about the "demographic" of "young adults" and what the church could do better. I want to turn my attention now to my peers. Dear friends - who attend UPC, another congregation, or several congregations... We are not without blame in the situation at hand. In many ways we sequester ourselves and expect people to cater to our needs. This needs to stop. For as many people that I have seen commit to a congregation and a group and pour into it, I have also seen numerous people bail when a need is not met, jump from church to church because of "awesome worship" or "good preaching". This is not biblical and it needs to stop. I understand there are times when God is releasing us from a congregation, but those times should be few and far between. First and foremost, a church congregation is a family mutually participating in worship of God and in God's mission in the world - together. This doesn't happen as well when people are coming and going. Part of being in a family is being there through thick and thin, through peaks and valleys. Church is not about you, it is about God. Worship is not about whether we sing hymns or listen to a guitar, it is about God. So, friends who happen to be young adults, in whatever place you worship, put down roots. Stick it out. Choose a community and love them whole-heartedly, regardless of whether all of your needs are being met. Because your needs are not the point of walking through those doors on Sunday. If you go to UPC, pick a new worship time and commit to it. Commit to being a part of making it a moment in time that brings people into communion with God and with each other. Join a launch team. It will only be as much as you make of it. If you want more fellowship with other young adults, don't just sit there...talk to people. Invite people out after the service. There are opportunities to get involved too, but no one is going to build your community for you. For those of you who are committed, I want to encourage you. I know it sometimes feels like fighting an uphill battle to get your voice heard. I know we are battling stereotypes and assumptions that run deep. Take heart, you are not alone, and your work is important. Come to UPC on Sundays leading up to Advent. George just started a series on worship, and I can guarantee at the very least it will be thought provoking, but my hope is it will be paradigm-shifting. I happen to be studying worship in one of my classes in seminary right now, so there's a good chance I'll be sharing some reflections throughout this sermon series as well, so check back in or subscribe for updates. Peace and hope, Carly