We recently attended the Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering held on the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor. We took 6 Youth. For many of them it was their first retreat. The theme was "All About Nothing". It was based on Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." One powerful message!
We were kept busy the whole weekend. There was a carnival, mass events, a Servant Event, water games, a concert, a prayer walk, and family time. Our Servant Event was to work at a food pantry. We helped clean and sort food. For many of our kids this was the first time giving of their time this way.
Our group has the honor of making the banner for this event every year.
This Swen and Dean. They are two brothers that have an amazing ministry of singing, being silly, being serious, and connecting with kids. Aargh!
This is Pastor Bill Yonker. He is the Senior Pastor at Immanuel East Dundee, IL. He is dynamic and really holds the kids attention.
Here we are receiving our instructions for the Servant Event. The Pantry is part of the organization Feeding America.
Stefani doing some heavy lifting.
What a good looking group?! The Pantry was at 1 Carrot Way. Hence, the carrots.
We think everyone had a great time whether they showed it or not. (You know teenagers.) The adults enjoyed seeing God work in the Junior High kids. If we (adults) can guide them along the path they are on, THE Church (not just Lutherans) will be in good hands. So, please INVEST in your youth through prayer, your time, and/or finances. They are the future (insert Whitney Houston lyrics here).
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
We were kept busy the whole weekend. There was a carnival, mass events, a Servant Event, water games, a concert, a prayer walk, and family time. Our Servant Event was to work at a food pantry. We helped clean and sort food. For many of our kids this was the first time giving of their time this way.
We think everyone had a great time whether they showed it or not. (You know teenagers.) The adults enjoyed seeing God work in the Junior High kids. If we (adults) can guide them along the path they are on, THE Church (not just Lutherans) will be in good hands. So, please INVEST in your youth through prayer, your time, and/or finances. They are the future (insert Whitney Houston lyrics here).
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
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