Gathering in the parking lot of the Church of Our Saviour on Friday afternoon, there were 9 youth and 2 adults pumped for the drive to the Bishop Gravatt Camp and Conference Center for the Jr. High Diocesan Fall Retreat. We joined over 150 youth from around the Diocese of Upper South Carolina for a weekend of singing, laughing, getting to know each other and building our faith in community.
The theme of the weekend, "Faith Builders: Fight the Good Fight of Faith" was inspired from the lectionary reading for the weekend, 1 Timothy 6:11-19. On Friday night we watched Facing the Giants, a movie about a high school football coach whose faith life was challenged in many ways. Finding inspiration form scripture, to honor God in all that he did, this coach inspired the faith lives of his team members. They would offer all that they had to God, and praise God in their triumph and in their defeats.
Reminding us of the story of David and Goliath, as the Eagles football team faced off with a strong and seemingly undefeatable opponent, the Giants, this team offered their best to the glory of God and allowed great things to be shown through them, a most unexpected vessel.
Our youth participants spent time in small groups discussing the film, participated in an obstacle course that challenged them to work in community to overcome obstacles such as those we face in our faith lives, and created sculpters made of wood blocks representing the faith builders that support and encourage us in our journey of faith together.
We also enjoyed activities including swimming, playing football, ping pong, 4 square, basketball, making music, dancing ("ice cream and cake and cake") and enjoying the beauty of God's creation at beautiful Camp Gravatt.
Some comments from our participants are included below. Be sure and check back for more pictures from the event and put the New Beginnings dates on your calendar today: April 25-27!
"I met a lot of new people. I made new friends and people I already knew became closer."
"I made new friends, learned a lot of new things and played a lot of four square. I liked cruising too - that was another opportunity to meet new people. Other than the cold weather at night, I had a lot of fun!"
"I liked the dog who popped footballs. I also liked tearing up the dancefloor with my awesome moves!"
"I danced with a girl at the dance!"
"I liked playing ping pong"
"I liked walking around to do different things outside the scheduled activities"
"I had a blast!!! The dance was sooo fun! I made good friends!"
"I liked all of the activities and liked making new friends!"
Gracious God,
we give thanks and praise to you for the time to grow together in community! You've inspired us to allow your presence in all aspects of our lives, remembering to give you glory when we win and when we lose. Your presence and your care for us is immeasurable, and as we live and share your love we are given the knowledge that with God, nothing is impossible! Amen.
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