When God called Jeremiah, the young prophet felt completely unready: “I can’t speak for you! I’m just too young!” But God’s reply was both firm and encouraging: “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young’ — I will be with you wherever you go, and you will say what I tell you to say.”

When Jeremiah first heard God’s call, he was young, hesitant, and unsure. His in- stinct was to object: “I’m too young. I can’t speak for you.” But God’s reply is time- less: “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young.’ ... For I am with you.”

Jeremiah’s story shows us that God’s call is not bound by age. To the young, God says: your imagination, your courage, your fresh perspective are needed now. To the old, God says: your wisdom, your faithfulness, and your perseverance are treasures I want to use. God calls children, elders, and everyone in between — because God’s purposes span the generations.

God’s call is about willingness. For the young, it’s a nudge to step up and speak with courage. Across Australia, we see young people taking bold action on climate, social justice, and community initiatives, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference.

For those of us who are older, God’s call keeps flowing. Grandparents, elders, mentors — your wisdom, stories, and guidance shape families and communities.

Just last month, research highlighted how grandparents in Australia play a key role in nurturing children’s growth, proving that experience is a powerful form of ministry. There is opportunity to share with the Preschool children in our ‘Ageless Friendship’ program.

Joel reminds us: “Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your elders shall dream dreams, and your young people shall see visions.”

So, whether you’re filled with energy or brimming with experience, God invites you to join in the adventure. After all, the Spirit works best when generations team up!

The church, too, is remembering a generational story as a Symposium is being held this week at St Andrews Greek Orthodox Theological College to commemorate 1700 years since the Nicene Creed was affirmed. It wasn’t the achievement of one age group, but of a diverse gathering of fiery young theologians and seasoned bishops alike discerning God’s truth together. The Creed has endured, because every generation has owned it, recited it, and lived it afresh in their day and age.

This week our schools celebrated literacy through Book Week, an invitation to revisit stories. Children delighted in dressing up, with one area in Sydney providing costume and book libraries so that all children could participate, and parents not be stretched financially or with time constraints.

Jeremiah’s call reminds us: God’s word is the greatest story, one that claims us before birth, sets us apart for purpose, and weaves our lives into God’s great narrative of Jesus’ love.

Blessings — Rev Carmel