High school graduation is the end of an era and the beginning of endless opportunities. Many of us can remember our graduation and look back at that moment with gratitude for the teachers and friends who helped us finish our grade school careers. 

As we head into the summer and welcome in the next class of graduates over the week, take some time to remember your journey and celebrate how far you have come!

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I graduated in 2019 from Martin Collegiate here in Regina. With the COVID pandemic hitting 9 months later, I remember thinking that I might have been the last normal graduation, but thankfully, those days are behind us now.

I recall being told that I would likely never see many of my classmates again after our graduation ceremony and prom, and looking back, I have been surprised at how accurate this prediction was. We often don’t embrace the advice given to us in those moments, but looking back, we see how it was more insightful than we gave it credit for.

Think back to your own graduation. What are some of the lasting memories, or iconic photos, that still resonate with you today? And when you think back to that kid, what would you like to tell them?

Work hard, love others, be kind, relax a little bit, don’t rush into anything, don’t waste your time, etc, etc. 

Name your favourite cliche, but there’s probably a hint of truth in there regardless. And that happens because someone has been there before you, and can speak about it from experience. 

For me, there were a handful of people who had seen me grow up who offered advice as I finished high school and prepared for the world beyond. While it didn’t have a significant impact on me in the moment, I am definitely grateful as I look back on that season of my life. 

Many of those people were from the church, and I have especially grown to appreciate the intergenerational congregation of PCC over the last few years even more. Having older people who had lived life outside of school walls taking an interest in me made such a difference, and now it’s been cool to see how those younger than me have also had an impact on my life!

As many grade 12 students walk the stage over the week, I encourage us all to take some time to pray for them, that they would be surrounded by community that knows and cares for them, and that we would be a space that these young people feel welcomed into, and can grow alongside! Take Rachel, for example! 

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My name is Rachel Engbers, and I graduated from Regina Christian School in 2024. This past year, I moved to Edmonton, Alberta, to study science at The King’s University.

I remember my graduation as a season filled with both immense joy and uncertainty. While I was excited to celebrate the end of high school, I also faced numerous unknowns. I knew I would be moving away in the fall to attend university, and most of my friends were heading to different schools — some even across the world. That reality brought a sense of fear and hesitancy. I didn’t know what to expect, and I didn’t know anyone at the university I was going to.

During that time, many of you reached out with words of encouragement. Some of you shared your own university experiences — what you studied, the friends you met, and how those friendships shaped your life. Hearing your stories was incredibly reassuring. It reminded me that the uncertainty I was feeling was normal and that others had been in the same place before me. I was especially grateful for the times when people would come up to me at church just to check in, ask how I was doing, or even take me out for ice cream. Those small acts of kindness meant a lot — they made me feel seen, supported, and deeply cared for.

More importantly, you pointed me back to God. Many of you spoke about how God had been faithful to you in times of transition, and that gave me hope. Your reminders that God works in our lives and offers us peace in times of uncertainty were exactly what I needed to hear. Several of you also encouraged me to continue growing in my personal relationship with God — to stay grounded in Him, especially as I moved from a Christian high school into a more secular university setting. It challenged me to be intentional about spending time with God, staying connected to a faith community, and letting my relationship with Him shape the way I live, study, and build new friendships.

As I mentioned earlier, PCC has something truly unique and beautiful in the way it fosters intergenerational connections. I’ve attended several churches throughout my life, and I can honestly say that the people at PCC stand out for their intentional building of relationships, not just within their own age groups, but across all generations.

When I look back on my time in youth, what stands out most is the incredible support and involvement of our youth leaders. Whether it was showing up to my volleyball games, encouraging me through mission trips, or simply checking in on me regularly, their care was consistent and genuine. I especially appreciated the young adult leaders who modelled what it looks like to live out their faith. Their example was both relatable and inspiring.

But it wasn’t just the youth leaders. Many adults in our church, even while juggling busy lives and chasing after their young kids, still took time to talk with me about school, life, and their own experiences. Those conversations were so meaningful and helped me feel known and valued.

The Heritage Builders in our church were no exception. They, too, made a point of coming up to me, asking how I was doing, and offering encouragement. Their wisdom, interest, and prayers have been a steady reminder of the strength of our faith community.

As I’ve transitioned into post-secondary life, I’ve continued to feel deeply encouraged and supported by our church community. Even while I’m away at school, I regularly hear from my mom that someone from church has asked how I’m doing. It means so much to know that many of you are thinking of me and praying for me during this new season of life.

Coming home on long weekends or after a semester is always a joy. I feel so welcomed — many of you take the time to come up to me, say hello, ask about my studies, and genuinely care about how I’m doing. That kind of intergenerational support is something truly special, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a church that invests so much love and encouragement in its young people.

Chris Reimer is the Youth Director at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.

Rachel Engbers is the Youth Ministry Coordinator this summer at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.