By Michelle Brooks
RUSSELLVILLE - The message was "Keep Moving" at Sunday's baccalaureate service for Russellville High School seniors.
As the class of nearly 70 sat in sundresses and polo shirts, the Rev. Ed Merckel, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, offered four points of advice to the teenagers who will graduate Saturday.
Referring to the scripture reading by Taylor Young from Jeremiah 29:11-14, Merckel noted that a divine plan was in place for each life. He encouraged the graduates to set goals, just like Jesus' ambition was to save the lost.
Secondly, he pointed out that each individual must do his own moving. Although scripture repeatedly calls believers to serve one another, Merckel noted "the work and the goals must be our own, not someone else's."
Taking risks is essential to keep moving, he said for his third point. Grace Young read Matthew 6:31-34, which admonishes followers not to fear.
"We succeed by taking risks, not standing in place," Merckel said.
Finally, as Ecclesiastes shows, there is a time for everything under heaven, including taking time to stop moving - the opportunity to refuel, reflect and give thanks, he said.
Mollie Kirchner gave the invocation and Class President Nick Haslag welcomed more than 100 friends, family and community members to the annual events, hosted by the Russellville/Lohman Ministerial Alliance.
"It emphasizes the spiritual aspect of graduation," said the Rev. Dinzel Webb, alliance president. "It shows students the churches and community are behind them and we're praying for them.
For some Russellville seniors, who are out of school for the next week, this may be the last time they see each other before graduation, said senior Kristi Dulany.
Graduating twins Mackenzie and Macy Matheis have attended Russellville baccalaureates for years.
The tradition is important to them, but this year they agreed they were nervous because of what baccalaureate signals - the end of one stage of life and the beginning of the next.