By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN – The sun was shining through the stained glass windows of First United Methodist Church in Buchanan on Sunday, as Buchanan High School seniors took part in the 2008 Baccalaureate Service for the graduating class. The service is supported by Buchanan Community Schools as well as the Buchanan Area Ministerial Association.
During the ceremony's opening remarks Pastor Chris Kruchkow, encouraged those family members and friends attending the service to keep graduates in their thoughts and prayers as they embark on a journey that will take them out of the hallways of Buchanan High School.
"Their road, their journey, is not over" Kruchkow said.
The service included an opening prayer by Pastor Rob McPherson of Buchanan First United Methodist Church, a scripture reading by Pastor Tom Fox, of the Buchanan Area Ministerial Association, a unison prayer for graduates and a special musical presentation.
Each offering of prayer, each word of encouragement and every speaker, however, spoke especially to the graduating class of 2008 – as they sat attentively in the front pews, draped in the school colors of maroon and white.
"My message today, is for the class of 2008. God said in his word that he has plans for each and every one of you," Kruchkow said.
Kruchkow asked the soon-to-be graduates to have patience with parents, teachers and counselors who offer their advice and their concern for their futures while offering them words of comfort – that their success is inevitable. "The one who created everything, loves you so much that he already has a plan for your success," Kruchkow said.
The service was just the start of what will surely be exciting days to come as Buchanan seniors get closer to graduation on June 1. It may be the end of their high school careers, but as the future graduates left the service in a recessional lit by the glow of the candles each one carried with them – there was a strong sense of new beginnings.