Church to recognize local students with banquet

KINGSTON— The Living Water Church of Christ in Christian Union in Kingston is working with a group of other local churches to host an upcoming reception for seniors graduating from Logan Elm and Zane Trace schools.

Senior Pastor Brad Jones said God gave him the idea for this type of ministry around three years ago but the timing was never right. This year he was finally able to give his idea to the church's board who were excited about the idea.

"I believe in the youth of today and of the future," said Jones.

While working on this banquet several other local Kingston churches have joined into a coalition. He said churches can sometimes have a barrier between them as they try to gain members but this time the churches are coming together to help graduating seniors as they start a new journey in life.

The Living Water Church of Christ in Christian Union does not have a large youth group according to Jones, but he hopes that this type of ministry will help expose seniors to God and what he really is. Jones said this type of ministry is also an exciting time for members of the church as it allows them to spread the word locally as Jesus preached.

Jones encourages all seniors who want to come to attend the banquet with an open heart. He said that you do not have to be a member of a local church to attend. Attendees will be able to participate in axe throwing, archery, dinner and a small devotional as well as friendly fellowship with the community.

Attendees from both schools will also be able to sign up for several scholarships to help them in the future. Jones called these "love scholarships" as they do not need to be used for any specific item, they are just to be used to better a senior's future whether that be by paying for books or buying workboots for a student entering the workforce.

"We want to give some folks a leg up as they start out," said Jones.

The banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 11 at Koinonia farms Camp in Laurelville. Seniors at Logan Elm or Zane Trace can RSVP for them and up to four guests by emailing LivingWaterKingston@gmail.com by April 14.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Church to recognize local students with banquet