Moore's Messenger - Summer 2004

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An Interview with Kurtis LeMaire

by Jane Weaver

Kurtis LeMaire has already turned 18, but he said it wasn’t a big deal. “I don’t smoke, I don’t gamble, and I can stay out just as late as I used to,” said LeMaire with a smile. “18 means nothing in my house.” LeMaire is the corner man in the praise band at Moore’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He sits in the corner and plays the drums. Electric drums at that. “It takes more skill to play the real set,” LeMaire said. He’s been playing drums since he was in 4th grade. Now a senior at Rising Sun High School, LeMaire believes it is the praise band that is part of the growth explosion at the church.

“I think our church is growing because of the early service,” he said of the 8:30 Sunday morning worship. LeMaire has attended Moore’s Chapel his entire life and credits his first Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Phyllis Scott, with setting the foundation for his faith. Even at that tender age, LeMaire said he saw “the commitment she had to our class.” He remembers sitting next to her during the church service and drawing on paper as he listened.

While he definitely has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, LeMaire admits he sometimes has trouble “being up front” with his faith. He said he takes his faith to school where he is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and tries to shows his friends what his faith is all about. “I tell them it isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship. I have a Best Friend that is always there for me” he said confidently.

It wasn’t always that way. Then he went to Chrysalis. This weekend retreat for teens often brings young people closer to God than they thought possible. “I went because everybody went,” LeMaire said of the Chrysalis invitation. “I thought I knew what I was getting, but I got more,” he said, still in awe even though it happened a while ago. It’s the closest experience you’ll ever have with Christ,” he said.

There is so much I could say about Kurtis, he is the most awesome person. I first met him about 15 years ago, I’m sure he doesn’t remember, he was so little, so I have had the privilege of watching him grow up, both physically and spiritually. He is one of those kids that always has time to give even “old” people like me a hug and offer to help in any way he can. We have this little thing between us. Every time we have an Emmaus event and go out to eat, and Kurtis likes to eat, I tell him I will pay if he will pray. He says some of the most heartfelt prayers, right in public, like a lot of people wouldn’t do. If we all patterned ourselves after him it would be a wonderful world. I love him very much!!      Fay Pierce

Kurtis is such a blessing to all of us at Moore’s Chapel. He is always ready with friendly smile and a helping hand with whatever needs to be done. Kurtis is an inspiration to us as we witness his dedication to serving the Lord through his participation in the Choir, The Praise Band, Chrysalis, VBS, The Youth Group Activities, Worship Leader, helping with the sound system, the dramas and many other programs. Kurtis has touched our lives as we have watched him grow from a boy into a young man and remain so committed to his faith and his walk with the Lord. It is awesome to see a teenage guy not be embarrassed to “walk the walk”. Best of luck to you Kurtis as you graduate from High School. I am assured the world will be a better place wherever you go and whatever you do and people will be blessed and come to know Jesus because of you. Fly With Christ!   Tom and Sue McDade

Kurtis always likes the cookie jar full !    Ruth Anne Johnson