Hi, my name is Brennah McCague, and I am thirteen years old.  My parents brought me to church when I was in preschool here.  I’ve spent some wonderful and amazing time in my church home.  When I was five I joined the Children’s Choir.  Once I turned eight I participated in the God Squad youth group.  It was, and still is, really fun!  My family and I also have gone to many of the church’s events, such as the Hoedown, and Faith in Action.

  I was baptized when I was twenty three days old by my mom’s friend, Pastor Alan Koch.  Baptism to me means that I am part of God’s family, and there is only one me!  I am special, and have a close relationship with Jesus.  I am free and can call on God whenever I need Him.  He always loves me, and never leaves me alone to battle this life.  He is the reason I go forward.  I am so loved that Jesus died to save me.  I am a sinner.  We all are.  But because of His sacrifice I am made clean and new in my belief in Him.  Through baptism I am a part of Him.  When I receive the Lord’s Supper, I am overflowing with joy.  I am so blessed to be able to participate in it and I thank Him for the opportunity.  When I leave the altar, I am happy and in good spirits.

  God has shown me His grace many times.  He has helped me better to understand and deal with many health issues I have had this year that have been very scary for me.  My life verse, Joshua 1:9, has helped me to stay strong in the Lord.  It reads “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I have always been more sensitive to things since I was young, such as the dark, scary movies or stories, and loud and noisy places.  My mom wrote out this verse for me many years ago, and saying it over and over to myself helps remind me that God is with me, and I don’t need to be afraid because He is in control.  My mom helps me understand confusing things in the Bible.  Because of her, my confirmation and Sunday school teachers,  Pastor Vogelsang and Pastor Meyer, I have learned so much.  I really care about my faith

  Living my life in the Christian faith with the assurance that God is with me is awesome, but because of it I am extremely different from other people.  I’ve been homeschooled since Kindergarten and because of our values, my parents protect me from social media, TV and movies, and all the not-so-nice people in the world.  I’m very thankful for it. The problem with living the way God wants me to is that I get picked on for it.  I tend to always look on the bright side and am joyful, confident, servant-hearted, and humble.    But I’m so quiet and calm people often mistake me for being sad.  I also get teased for being homeschooled…people ask about it, but most end up thinking I’m just weird for liking it so much.  They don’t appreciate all my parents have sacrificed in order for me to be homeschooled.  Being a Lutheran helps me to deal with these feelings.  We focus on the grace of God and are more joyful, and that helps me to ignore the teasing.  I also don’t have to work for God’s perfect love!  He has set me free from sin and I’m loved no matter what!

   I think God has gifted me with serving.  I want to do good works to help people and to show them what life could be like with the love of Christ to help them every day!  I absolutely love helping people even if it is a job I don’t like.  I just want to make their lives better using my gifts.  I am excited to be able to finally join some of the ministries here at Community too, such as the Quilt group.  I am also learning to play the bagpipes, and when I’m good enough I hope to serve by playing in church to add to the worship service.

  Four years from now I see myself graduating high school with a possible degree in biology and saving God’s creation.  I also would like to be a missionary and help God’s people in any way I can.  I am forever going to continue going to church because I love it, and Jesus tells me to go.  I want to thank my parents for helping me create a passion for Jesus and attending church.  They have helped me to stay on track…on the right path.  God has blessed me in so many ways that I can’t possibly thank Him enough.