Emma Moreno remembers four years ago when she went to the Kentucky Student Worship Camp for the first time as an eighth grader. Now, as she prepares for her senior year of high school, Moreno has witnessed first-hand how that camp spurred the development of a youth worship team in her church.
“I’ve been on the youth worship team at my church since the beginning,” she said. “My brother (Eli) and I went because we didn’t have a youth worship team. But it was very important to us, and that began our creating one from the ground up.
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“I wanted to learn more about worship and encourage our congregation. I want to continue to help our worship team grow and prosper.”
After attending the Student Worship Camp again this year, she reflects on its significance.
“Our youth worship team began to grow. We started out with about seven to 10 members, now we have about 15-20 going into this school year.”
‘How to lead and teach’
She said the camp “has really taught me how to lead and teach, especially this year when most of the people joining are new and not necessarily musicians. I know God wants me to serve here … to teach and encourage those who are not quite there yet.”
She said the youth team rehearses with the church’s worship team for two hours every Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming school year. “We are on stage and worshipping every week,” she said.
Last year Moreno was on the platform every Sunday, but now, as others have become involved, it is once or twice a month.
“I sing and also run our (youth) worship team with the help of our youth pastor and one other adult leader,” she said.
Moreno added that staying in touch with friends made at camp is a special blessing.
“Camp has been such an incredible experience — it really encourages you. You don’t leave with just a camp high. This year that is especially true because it provided an amazing community of people my age that I still hang out with and see throughout the year.
“They encourage me. Everybody comes from so many places and knowing all these people come together and want to worship and praise the Lord with you is encouraging.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chip Hutcheson and originally published by Kentucky Today.
