Youth are fed two ways at Richmond Wednesday night chapel

By Polly Wilde

Teens are fed in more than one way when they attend Wednesday night chapel in Richmond, Ind.. While Cheetos and soda take the edge off physical hunger as they enter the sanctuary, the worship experience overflows with food for the soul.

This winter, youth have gathered the first Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Richmond for a worship service that is meant to speak to and for the teen generation. And it is evident from their undivided attention, music worship and acts of prayer that they are listening.

The primary purpose of the service is to provide a place for youth to feel like they can just relax and worship, says Leslie Bolser, Youth Ministry Leader at Central. "It took us a while to get it off the ground, but I'm glad we waited. It was God's time," Bolser explains.

Bolser, along with Central Youth Group Leader Chris Rodal and Youth Leader Lori Fowler plan the service. "From there, we ask one youth to share and let the Spirit move. It is incredible that each time, without planning, all three speakers and all of the music perfectly fit together. That shows me that God is in this," Bolser says.

While the service is short on script, it is long on from-the-heart faith sharing. Richmond High School sophomore Kelly Jamison spoke about how she recently lost her new puppy. After some prayer, she found it at the animal shelter. She also shared that at times, when she feels no one truly understands, God does. Her comments were short but emotional and received with nods and hugs.

Bolser shared that while she often measures herself based on her looks, or material things, on a horizontal scale, God measures on a vertical scale. He's looking on the heart, and that helps her accept herself and others, she said.

While this time is definitely a youth service, adults from the congregation play an important role as well. A handful of adults sit silently in the balcony and bathe the worshipers below in silent prayer. The service ended with sneakers lining the altar kneeling rail, as youth were invited to kneel and pray as well.

While still in the early stages, youth are already asking for more. "The kids want to move it to every week, but we just aren't ready for that yet. Hopefully, we can do that in the near future," Bolser says.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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