Augusta seniors are told to trust in God

Belinda Larsen

The Baccalaureate ceremony for graduating high school seniors remains a popular tradition in the Augusta school district, although the event is now organized by students and the Augusta Ministerial Alliance.
The services are not organized under the auspices of the school to ensure separation of church and state.  Although the  seniors were not required to attend, the high school auditorium was full Wednesday evening with students and families.
Rick Neubauer, pastor at Augusta’s First Baptist Church, welcomed the audience and shared Proverbs 16:3 with the graduates, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
 The First Baptist Praise Team performed several contemporary praise songs.
Jessica Bates with the Augusta First United Methodist Church presented the primary address.
“I’m so proud of this class.  When I came to Augusta, you were freshmen,” Bates added, “Congratulations!  You did it!.”
Bates explained to the graduates that it in this unique time of their lives that it is important to focus on identity, purpose and vision.  She used the Israelites as examples of standing at a boundary between their past in Egypt and their future in the Promised Land.
“Learn from the Israelites.  You are standing between your past and future,” she continued with Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
 Neil Whitlow, pastor of Community Crossroads, offered the closing prayer before graduates and families gathered in the commons area for photos and visiting.  
Commnecement for the Augusta High School Class of 2018 will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, at Hillier Stadium, Augusta High School.