Class of 2007 urged to further Kingdom of God
MARCUS KEELY, Sentinel Writer

"It's like having moved from the baby pool, to the three-foot level, and then to the deep end. And now, you're out of the pool altogether and going into a different sea."

A metaphor summed it up best Sunday evening as seniors of the class of 2007, surrounded by their parents, siblings, peers and teachersassembledat Truett Baptist Church to honor their Creator and Sustainer.

"In the Gospel of Luke," Mr. Turner Guidry continued, "Jesus is walking along the shores of Galilee and he gets out into Peter's boat to preach to the people. And Peter had been fishing all night and he hadn't caught anything. So Jesus told Peter to put out into the deep...and so [Peter] put out into the deep and he caught a huge amount of fish." "The Lord tells us to put out into the deep," Guidry emphasized, "not in the shallow water, but to put out into the deep, because that is where life is more abundant. That is where you are in your lives right now. Preparing to take that step, to put out into the deep." From the very pages of Scripture, Guidry challenged the graduates to take risks. His metaphor, one often used to depict maturation, now carried with it a deeper and more explicit meaning.

Guidry, not originally slated to be the guest speaker for the evening, stepped in at last minute when the intended speaker, HHS principal Dr. Gail Criss, was forced to withdraw due to unforeseeable circumstances. Though clearly honored to be chosen to deliver the message, Guidry made an effort to convey Dr. Criss' intended sentiments to the class of 2007. Guidry's speech, like Dr. Criss' brief letter to the graduates, focused on stepping out in faith and not letting fear control your life. His message, a well-delivered and appropriate admonition, was ultimately effective due to its strong and candid delivery. In closing, Guidry further clarified his message, directly addressing the seniors present by saying, "you can either further the Kingdom of God, or you can stand in its way. I trust that you will be that light, that you will be the light of the world, and the Kingdom of God will be greater because of you. Amen."

Guidry's speech was only the capstone of a glorious evening in celebration of God and His many blessings in the lives of the class of 2007. After a brief invocation by Pastor Greg Carroll, pastor of Truett Baptist, and an address to classmates by senior Michael Glatthar, seniors Ashlin Soltys and Emily Rogers sang a hymn of praise accompanied by junior Alex Walters and Guidry. Throughout the service, scripture readings were presented and read by seniors Jared Ashe, Craig Shook, Amanda James, Brendon Grey, Evan Leinbach, Ricky Davis, Ben Bordner and Erin Layton. Nathan Bourne led the congregation in a responsive reading in which he asked God for guidance for the graduates, the leaders of the United States of America, and all who were gathered at the service. Finally, Reverend John Rice of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church closed the evening with a benediction.

Following the service, a wonderful reception was provided in the church fellowship hall by members of Truett Baptist Church. Graduates, family and friends fellowshiped and enjoyed what had quickly become a memorable evening for all. To further show their respect for the seniors present, members of the junior class helped prepare and present the food served during the reception. All of the hard work payed off in the end as the seniors and their families left the church to embark on this last and final week of high school not alone, but with the Word of God resounding in their hearts and minds.

The baccalaureate service was made possible by senior members of the Hayesville High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with their advisor Mike Cottrell.

To comment on this article, email Marcus at keelma6@wfu.edu.

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