Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
"Lean on Me” was the theme of the Alassippi 2012 Youth Gathering held at the Gulf Shores Christian Retreat Center March 23-25. Our theme verse was “we love, because He first loved us.” Youth from Alabama and Mississippi were invited to attend.
We started the weekend swimming in the pool at the retreat center. The water was a little chilly but refreshing! On Saturday morning, everyone pitched in to fix an awesome breakfast, then we started our sessions learning how to be Peer Ministers. Peer Ministry is a method of teaching youth how to be welcoming, inviting, and then how to be good listeners. In the coming weeks a movie about bullying will be released. Our goal was to equip peer ministers to counteract bullying by reaching out to those who are bullied. Why? Because Jesus loved us, we should love others.
In the afternoon, we slipped out to the beach for a scavenger hunt. Winners of the scavenger hunt received plaques for their youth room. On Saturday evening we finished up our Peer Ministry sessions. We closed with singing the song “Lean on Me” and discussing how important is as a Christian to be available to others going through difficult times. Pastor Marcia Shumate Shultz from Bethel in Biloxi, MS, taught the youth about parts of worship, there was a practice session, and then there was an amazing youth-led worship! Everyone took part.
We closed the evening dancing, including some line dances and Zumba moves. All weekend, the youth took turns leading blessings and prayers and helping in the kitchen. Many thanks to all the adults who helped plan the event. Unfortunately, Sunday came all too soon and we had to clean up, pack up, and head home but not before lots of hugs and “see you next year's” were shared.
No comments:
Post a Comment