It's Graduation Season, But Don't Leave These 5 Things Behind

It's Graduation Season, But Don't Leave These 5 Things Behind



The warm summer sun shines on a field of caps and gowns. Crowds cheer after each name is called. You step to the edge of the stage, waiting for your name to be called. A handshake and diploma are the only things between you and finally being done with school.

For many of us, graduation day happened a long time ago or not at all. Yet we all know the feeling of ending one part of our lives and starting the next. No matter what stage of life we’re in, we’ve got to sort through the commitments we hold, just like we sorted through our clothes and belongings before moving to college or starting a new job.

It seems we are always graduating from one season of life to the next. But no matter how much change we face, there's always something we must hold on to.

5 Things You'll Never Graduate From

1. Loving God

You can never reach the point where you’ve loved God enough. Loving Him is about obeying Him, and it’s directly connected to how we love the people around us (1 John 4:7-12). So when we fail to do what He says, or when we fail to love people, we know there’s room for improvement.

This is why Jesus came to earth: to meet us in the midst of our failures and connect us to God. And the more we know Him, the better we can follow Him.

2. Reading the Bible

The moment you think you don’t need the Bible is the moment you’ll need it most.

Neglecting to read the Bible is like seeing your iPhone ringing from a friend but not answering the call. God wants to talk to us, and the Bible is a primary way He communicates with us. There’s so much useful, life-changing truth in the Bible, and we learn more about Jesus when we read it.

Once you’ve read the entire Bible, read it again, memorize particular verses and help others understand the Bible as well. 

3. Giving

We can never outgive God. God is amazingly generous. Since all our money and resources belong to Him, we can manage them with the same generosity God does. We start by bringing 10 percent of our income back to God, and we give more to Him as an act of trust that He will provide for our needs and beyond what we expect (Philippians 4:19).

4. Needing Other People

You will always need to do life with other people. Friendship with other Christians is essential because God’s made us to connect with other people and with Him (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Other people help you face difficult challenges, gain better perspective, and grow in maturity as you learn to look out for their interests, not just your own. (Find your people and make new friends by joining a Group.)

5. Taking Your Next Step

Never trick yourself by thinking you’ve arrived. If you’re not dead, God’s not done.

We always have a next step in our walk with Jesus. It’s how God helps us grow into the people He’s designed us to be. As we become more like Jesus, we help others know God and grow in their faith (Hebrews 5:12-15). God will give us the direction we need, because He’s looking out for us and wants amazing things for our lives.


Other Things You May Be Interested In:

4 Ways Christmas Changes After You Know Jesus

Published: December 02, 2024

Explore how becoming a Christian and embracing a relationship with Jesus can change your perspective on Christmas, from developing a new understanding of its significance, to finding real joy in giving rather than receiving, and ultimately building a deeper connection with God.

Feeding Our Community: How You Can Make A Difference Through Our Food Pantry Ministry

Published: November 20, 2024

At Berwyn United Methodist Church, our food pantry ministry is more than just a source of nourishment—it’s a lifeline for families facing tough times and a bridge to build stronger connections within our community. Since its inception, this ministry has touched the lives of over 100 unique households. Some rely on us for a single visit, while others find steady support each month. The need is growing. In December 2022, we served 29 households. Today, we welcome an average of 134 individuals monthly—each one representing a story of resilience, hope, and need. With 1-3 new families arriving every month, our ministry has become a vital resource for our community. Thanks to our partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, we also bring fresh produce, eggs, and pantry staples directly to residents at Trinity House in Berwyn. This monthly outreach ensures neighbors can access nutritious food with dignity and care. What Does Volunteering Look Like? This ministry thrives because of the dedication of our volunteers—people just like you who want to make a difference. Here’s a glimpse into the work that goes on behind the scenes and how you can get involved: Volunteer Opportunities 1. Food Distribution Trinity House Outreach: Help unload pallets of food, sort fresh produce, bag items, and set up the distribution space. After the event, volunteers deliver food to residents who couldn’t attend and bring any leftovers back to the church. Church Pantry Days: Arrive early to sort food, decorate the space, assist guests with forms, and help them carry items to their cars. 2. Stocking and Organizing Restock shelves at the pantry, refrigerate perishables, and keep our overflow room organized for the next distribution day. 3. Shopping and Ordering Assist with grocery shopping and placing orders from the Chester County Food Bank to ensure our pantry stays well-stocked. 4. Data and Record-Keeping Support our statistician by helping with forms and reports, which are crucial for tracking our impact and securing resources. 5. Engaging with Guests Help guests complete forms, translate for non-English speakers, or simply listen to their stories. Volunteers often go the extra mile, assisting with tasks like finding housing, navigating government forms, or sharing words of encouragement. 6. Special Events and Meetings Attend quarterly food bank meetings or focus groups to stay informed and help shape the future of this ministry. 7. Building Relationships Learn the names of the people we serve, offer treats to children, and bring warmth to our space through thoughtful, personal touches. Make an Impact Today When you volunteer with our food pantry, you’re doing more than distributing food—you’re creating connections, offering hope, and transforming lives. Whether you have a few hours once a month or want to become a regular part of this mission, there’s a place for you here. Click here to sign up to volunteer and help us continue to feed our neighbors and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
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