I spoke at a high school baccalaureate service in the 1990s. I have heard more than my share of boring graduation speakers, so I brought a camo fanny pack used for deer hunting. I discussed the meaning of the pack’s contents, including a whistle, compass, knife, bandage, and lighter.

My best friend and fellow pastor, Glenn Ethridge, developed the idea into a creative series of Graduate Sunday sermons. He dressed up as different characters each May and shared Godly wisdom with the congregation’s seniors.

I decided to borrow the idea back from Glenn at Northside Church. I have spoken to our high school seniors on the first Sunday of May wearing various guises:

• 2018    Camos and boots with my original 1990s fanny pack
• 2019    Two Atlanta Braves jerseys featuring a pro’s name along with my own
• 2020    Suit and tie delivering a David Letterman Top 10 List
• 2021    1970s, 100% polyester, bright orange, leisure suit
• 2022    State Farm’s Mayhem with black suit, tie-bar, bruises, and bandages

This year I feel the need for speed! Top Gun’s Maverick will appear at this Sunday’s Graduate Service. Check out the Northside Church’s social media platforms for videos starring yrs trly as Tom Cruise’s body double.

I hope you’ll join us onsite or online this Sunday, May 7 at the 9:00 Contemporary Service as we honor our seniors. Visit the church’s website for the live stream at www.northsideumc.org. The sermon will be archived for future viewing, too.

It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot.