The Ministerial Alliance and Fountain Hills High School has announced that Baccalaureate will be held Sunday, May 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Fountain Hills Christian Center, intersection of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Ironwood Dr.

The service is being developed for the graduating seniors. There will be contemporary worship music from Christ’s Church’s youth praise team band and will include remarks by graduating senior Sean Loving.

“The purpose of a Baccalaureate service is for the Christians of a community to come together and celebrate the past successes of our graduating high school seniors, thanking God for His work in their lives, bringing them to this day,” said FHCC Pastor Todd Forrest.

“Even more importantly, though, it’s a launch pad for the next crucial chapters in their lives spiritually, emotionally, vocationally and physically.”

This worship service is open to all community residents who want to honor the graduating class of 2014, and the underclass students are especially encouraged to join in this celebration recognizing their graduating friends.

“Our community of Christians in Fountain Hills needs to stand together and support our seniors as they embark on their future,” said Dwight Johnson, who is providing assistance with the event.

“Baccalaureate is not just celebrating academic achievement, it is affirming the faith they need to step into adulthood experiencing the power and love of Jesus Christ. This will support and remind them of their foundations in the difficult and challenging years to come.”

Forrest agreed.

“We are their ministers, parents, teachers, neighbors and community leaders,” he said.

“We must communicate that they are important, they are loved, they have a community of faith that is cheering for them and that faith in Jesus Christ makes the difference.”

Each graduating senior in attendance will receive a special gift of a personalized Bible. There will be an informal reception following in the church foyer with light refreshments and snacks hosted by the Four Peaks Women’s Club.