Ambassadors for Zion

AMBASSADORS FOR ZION

by High Priest Corwyn L. Mercer,General Church Youth Leader

Vol. 19, Number 2 May/Jun/Jul/Aug 2018 Issue No. 75

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, In one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:2-6).

As I attended the annual series of graduations, it brought my thoughts back to my own graduations – just like attending any number of life milestones. While I don’t remember a word of the commencement speech or any other speech given at a graduation, I remember the people who took the time to be a part of my life. I remember the pride of my parents, my grandparents traveling from out of town to see me walk across the stage, my siblings giving me a fun-loving hard time, and time with my friends who I thought were so important. There are so many ways in which we now can share in the lives of our youth. Experience has shown me that one of the most important ways is prayer.

We are blessed with the following 2018 high school graduates. (This list includes all the graduates of whom I was made aware. If you or your child has been missed, my apologies. Please send me a graduation picture and a short biography so that we can include them in a later issue.)

Joel Martin is the son of Lisa and Norman Martin. Joel has been attending First Congregation. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in Oak Grove, Missouri, and took third at Missouri State High School Wrestling. Joel has enlisted with the Missouri National Guard and plans on attending college this fall, working toward a medical degree.

Jesci Rae McAllister graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, on May 26th. She is the daughter of Lon and Darcey McAllister and granddaughter of Melba McDowell. Jesci is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, was editor of the William Chrisman High School yearbook, and a photographer for the yearbook.

Madison Lloyd Moore is the son of Darrin and Melody Moore and the grandson of Willie and Kitty Moore. Madison is a deacon attending Center Congregation. He was homeschooled throughout his entire academic career. During his
high school years, he has worked in construction as an apprentice with Tony and the late Theresa Durant. He is currently working for Brian Williams at Fred Williams and Son Heating and Cooling. This fall, Madison will be attending Metropolitan Community College Business and Technology Campus for a degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration.

Nathan Paris, from Southern Indiana Branch, graduated from Christian Academy of Indiana on June 1st. Nathan was the winner of the John Philip Sousa Award for his band. He was also nominated to join the Indiana Ambassadors of Music for a 16-day tour of seven countries this summer. Nathan lettered in cross county, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He will head to college in August at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana. He plans to major in Finance and Entrepreneurship.

Andrew VunCannon is the son of David and Michelle VunCannon and the grandson of Carl and Leta VunCannon. Andrew is a deacon at Blue Springs Congregation. He is a graduate of Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. While at Truman, Andrew was involved in cross country and track (earning team captain and an 18:10 time in the 5k), singing in Concert Choir (baritone), and the debate team (Lincoln-Douglas and original oratory). He was also in the German Club, National Honor Society, and was vice-president of the History Club. Andrew earned the McCoy Award and an Academic Achievement award. He will be attending Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, in the fall to major in Social Science Education to become a high school history teacher. Andrew received the Distinguished-Scholar Scholarship at Northwest as well as the Bright Flight Grant based on his ACT score.

Breaunna Walls is the daughter of Leslie VerDught and the granddaughter of Ammon and Linda VerDught. Breaunna attends First Congregation and graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, on May 26th. Breaunna plans on attending Metropolitan Community College to become a nurse.

Ethan Williams is the son of Brian and Annie Williams and the grandson of Fred and Betty Williams. Ethan graduated from Oak Grove High School in Oak Grove, Missouri, and lives at Bountiful, attending the Bountiful Congregation.
Besides working at Kohl’s, Ethan was active in his Spanish class making public service videos two years in a row. Ethan graduated with honors and will be attending Blue Valley Community College to study Computer Programming.

I want to acknowledge how many wonderful people have given of their talents and gifts in love to the various youth programs in the Center Place of Zion. Derek Ashwill has given hours of time at F.I.S.H. (Fellowshipin Serving Him) and Warriors/Handmaiden programs as the Center Place of Zion youth leader. Josh and Tiffany Terry have done a wonderful job leading the Remnant Warriors and Handmaidens programs for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Michael
Richardson and Ben Tims are excited about taking the lead in the F.I.S.H. program for this next school year. That excitement can be seen by the organizing of a summer campfire in anticipation of the youth camps. Dani and David Patrick have been hard at work getting “all things youth camp” going since last August. My thanks to all of these dedicated saints for their contributions to our youth programs.