I am a product of that vision, as are many of the people I considered my friends as I progressed through grade school, high school and finally college.  Westminster provided an unequaled social setting for youth to learn about the Bible, our church, our relationship with God and other people our age.  Hollywood movies suggest that high school is the center of a teenagers universe, but for me it was Westminster.  Whether it was Sunday School, the regular church service, Sunday evening youth fellowship, occasional Saturday activities or parties, summer fun on Wednesday nights or even weekly Boy Scout meetings and camping trips, my life was centered on Westminster.  It has served me very well throughout the past 50 years as I navigated a world filled with opportunities for both good and evil. 

As I look at these photos and remember the events they recorded, I am continually reminded how blessed all of us have been.  We did not earn and have done nothing to deserve the wonderful lives we live.  It is a gift to us by the grace of God.  We were raised by loving, supportive parents, in safe homes with plenty to eat.  Nor did we lack for clothing or education or cars or practically anything we needed.  How is it that we live is such abundance while others in the world are so less fortunate?  The only answer is God's grace. 

Now it is up to us.  Whether we are the "youth" of 50 years ago, the elders who were our mentors or the youth of today.  We must continue the vision of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where ever we may be, to teach and to demonstrate, the promise of God through his Son, Jesus Christ.