United Church of Pittsford

A Stewardship Testimonial by
KALI KNICKERBOCKER

AGAPE is such a simple word meaning love of God, yet, to those of us in AGAPE it means so much more. AGAPE is probably one of the main reasons I am standing in front of all you today. AGAPE allows us to be ourselves, express what we believe in and not worry about anyone judging us.

Kylie and I came to church on Youth Sunday 2006 and knew we wanted to join this group of crazy teenagers. Honestly, I can’t tell you what it was that day that made us talk to Becky. Whatever it may have been is something I am continuously thanking the Lord for. It has been one of the most influential things in my own spiritual life.

The annual retreat is something we all look forward to, but not only because it is a weekend away from our parents and a weekend to spend with friends. More importantly, it is our time to bond, grow spiritually, and spend time in reflection. Of course, we are wild and crazy at times and I’m sure we get on Becky’s last nerve, but when it is time to really get serious, believe it or not we really can do it!
I have learned the true meaning of a friendship through my experiences with this church. It is completely different from the “usual friendships.” People outside of AGAPE, especially at school, judge you for even saying you go to church.

Trust me, you get some pretty crazy looks when you say you are part of a youth group. Those of us in AGAPE I’m sure can relate to this. And the friendships we have created within AGAPE are the genuine, true friendships. These are some of the nicest people I have met and are really looking to help you. I can be completely open with them and I know they aren’t going to tell anyone. “What is said at AGAPE stays at AGAPE!” Because of this we have an extremely high level of trust in each other. AGAPE allows all of us to “step out of our box” and be ourselves.

AGAPE has also enriched my prayer life. It may be praying out loud in the group, or silently lifting someone else up in prayer; whatever it may be, I can’t say I did it before AGAPE. To know someone is praying for you is one of the strongest “silent” messages that can be sent between two people. For example, Becky has us break up into prayer partners and the two of us talk about what is happening in our lives and we close with praying out loud for one another. The power of this is truly amazing.

With a combination of Discipleship Class, AGAPE, and attending Church, my biblical understanding is continuously increasing weekly. When I was little, as I’m sure all of you know, it was pretty difficult to sit through church, let alone actually understand the message of the sermons. As we grow older we all find the sermons to be the complete opposite of torture. I look forward to them and leave the sanctuary with something to contemplate or work on over the next week. Our AGAPE meetings on Sunday night only enhance my understanding and reinforce the teachings.

AGAPE has taught me to open up to others. For this it has helped me to help others. Specifically, with relationships with other people who are not involved in AGAPE. I have reached out and asked others to come to our AGAPE meetings, thinking they would benefit from it as well. I am willing to give my time back to this church in particular, because they have been an enormous influence in my life, especially in the last few years. I have been given more than I ever expected from all of you and therefore I am truly grateful for every experience I have had within this church. With all of this and the volunteer work I do at EquiCenter working with disabled children, it has allowed me to realize whatever I do will be a life of service. This is all the work of the Lord, and I am continuously grateful for that.