That day has finally arrived for the Josh Blackmer family to once again be part of Palm Beach Lakes. Josh is no stranger to this congregation, having worked for many years with our youth and for the past five years as our missionary to Paraguay. His entire family has a place in the hearts of the members of this congregation, and we are so excited about their return.
Josh’s work is not the same youth work he did in the past. We are so indebted to David, Josh and Casey for what they have done with our youth for so many years, but Josh’s place at Palm Beach Lakes will be far different from what we have formerly done. When Casey left us to return to his home congregation two years ago, our emphasis in developing our young people changed. That work had been too focused around one person who was at the center of all teen activities. We are now far more focused on making sure that every Christian of every age is part of the lives of the entire church, and this certainly includes the teens.
Josh’s work is not just to work with those families which have teens as part of the family. You will hear the phrase family and youth connected with Josh and his work, but the use of the word family does not mean his focus will be only on those families who have teens. As you hear the word family, recognize that it includes a much larger family. It includes every member of the entire FAMILY of God at PBL.
Josh’s work will center on the FAMILY of God. You may have noticed in the past few months how the word family has been printed using all capital letters in various places. This is to indicate that the focus of Josh’s work is with creating an intergenerational relationship in this congregation. We will always have various age groups, but the body is made up of every member. As each of us becomes more involved with the entire membership, that bond which ties us together will be greater and so much stronger. Every member has something to give to every other member. The church is one body and every member needs whatever can be given to them by others. That one body is one large FAMILY!
Josh’s work will be so exciting and will have a great impact on this congregation. It will take us a while to see how all of this comes together, but I promise you that you will be so grateful for what is about to happen. Josh’s work is not just with the teens, nor is it just with the families of the teens. His work is with the FAMILY of God and helping us to grow in our love and devotion to each other. Josh is not a “Youth Guy.” He is a “FAMILY guy,” and we are so blessed to welcome his family back to the FAMILY. God help us all to rally behind him and insure that great things happen!