What an amazing weekend! Our Fall Retreat continues to be one of the most meaningful highlights of the year, and this year was no exception. Together, we launched our new theme, “Always Room,” with a weekend filled with worship and fellowship.
Our theme is grounded in Hebrews 10:24–25 (CEB): “And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.” These verses remind us that there is Always Room for encouragement, community and bold invitations.
During the retreat, we were challenged to return home with a commitment to hospitality and the encouragement to live with courageous compassion. The call is simple yet bold: to extend invitations, to make space for others, and to embody God’s welcome in all we do.
A powerful moment came in our closing worship, when each youth tied a piece of fabric into a larger creation. Individual pieces of fabric became a banner of hope and beauty; a visual representation of our unity in Christ and a reminder that in God’s kin-dom, there is Always Room. This year’s project will be displayed in our meeting space on the bottom floor of the AYMC, where all guests and Youth Family will see words of invitation, acceptance and welcome. All are invited to come and admire this beautiful project created by our Youth Family!
Highlights of the retreat included recognizing our seniors and welcoming our 6th graders, engaging in creative projects and service, and being led in worship by Rev. JD McDonald (proclaimer) and Sawyer Norman (music).
We are deeply grateful to all who prayed, volunteered, led, and supported this retreat. Thank you for investing in the lives of our youth. We are excited to continue this journey together as a Youth Family, living out the truth that with Christ, there is Always Room.
—Mary Carol Anderson, Minister of Youth & College