2012 Workcamp Photos

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that pics from the 2012 Workcamp are up on Facebook. Check 'em out here. - Andy

Coming Down from the (Rocky) Mount

This past summer, 19 youth and 5 adults (myself included) from Good Shepherd traveled to Rocky Mount, NC to take part in a Group Workcamp. Together, alongside a few hundred other participants from across the country, we labored and served deserving residents of that community. What resulted from that week of service, worship, and bonding was a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Events like that are often termed “mountain-top experiences.” And having been there... I would certainly give it that label. It makes me wonder though, how we came up with that term. I guess it’s because you feel as though you've reached a new height, like you’re on top of the world, or perhaps it’s because you've experienced and accomplished something so great you can’t imagine topping it. I can’t help but assume the term has its roots in the experiences of certain individuals recorded in Scripture. If you read through the Bible you’ll see that “mountain” plays a major role in many amazing stories... Moses on Mt. Sinai; Noah on Mt. Ararat; Mt. Zion; the Mount of Olives; the list goes on and on. And incredible things happened on those mounts, experiences that forever changed those who were there and encountered God at that place.

One of my favorite “mountain-top experiences” occurs in Matthew 17. In this passage, Jesus brings Peter, James and John (three of his BFFs) up a high mountain. Once they reach the top, “Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus” (vv.2-3). Peter, always the one to speak up and be heard, yells out, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here!” Then he proceeds to draw up blueprints for three “Hero-of-the-Faith” Memorials (v.4). But before he can finish, a giant luminous cloud overshadowed them and spoke... it was God. God showed up on that mountain and set a few things straight. Having just encountered God himself, the disciples fell to the ground in fear and shame. But Jesus, in his infinite kindness and love picked them up and comforted them (vv.7-8).

Now that’s a mountain-top experience! Literally! I can only imagine the disciples wanted to stay in that place forever, on top of that mountain, and bask in what they just saw, reliving the emotion of that experience. But in the very next verse Jesus is bringing them back down the mountain, back to the rest of the disciples, back to the real world where their lives carry on.

For many of us who attended the Workcamp (and for those who’ve been a part of one before), we can relate to this story. It was a mountain-top experience and we encountered God in many new ways. The emotion can only be described as a “spiritual high” and coming down from that can be difficult, even scary. Because up on that “mountain” it’s easy and it’s safe to experience God and express our emotions through worship, and bonding and service. But it’s not the real world for us. Yes, Rocky Mount is a real place with real people, and the Workcamp is a real thing, but it’s not where God has called us to remain. Jesus wouldn't allow his friends to stay on that mountain and we can’t stay at Workcamp forever. He has called us to come home and show others the amazing impact that experience has had on our lives and to share His love with those who may not know it. On the final night at Workcamp we heard the words, “Serving Jesus doesn't stop here.” So true! We are called to serve Him and others right here, right where we are. There is work to be done right here! That spiritual high can’t last forever and sooner or later we all have to come down from that mountain-top experience. But the same Jesus who picked up his disciples, walked with them, and vowed to remain in their hearts, extends the same comfort, presence, and promise to us as well. My hope and prayer is that the love He filled us with during that week would overflow into the lives of those we encounter here and now and that we would live lives forever changed by the power of God.

The descent from your mountain-top experience, whatever it may have been, doesn’t have to be a dead fall. There are so many ways for you to remain connected to God throughout the year. Get involved in worship and Youth Group. Make it a habit to read your Bible and pray everyday. Spend time with other Christians who will keep you accountable. Make sure you are being spiritually fed. And if you need help with any of those things, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask...

An Update...

A few days ago I posted an article called "A Fresh Coat." It was an article that came out of my experience painting the Sr. High Youth Room here at Good Shepherd. Below are a few pics of the completed project...

Blogging the NYG - Post #7

DAY FIVE RECAP

I can't believe it's our last day at the National Youth Gathering! This week was filled with so much and has gone by so fast. But, all good things must come to an end. And what an ending it was! In true NYG style the Closing Event was one big party... loud, crazy and full of energy and surprises. It was a great sending for our youth. Take what you've heard and experienced this week and share it with everyone you know! It's that easy. Tell the story... tell who Christ is and what he has done for us... We have the truth and that truth needs to be told. Jeff Meinz gave a fantastic message and challenged us to do something more with what we share. Instead of updating our Facebook status with something lame, trivial, or selfish... share what really matters. Share something that may have an eternal consequence. Share what you BELIEVE!

The Closing Event ended with an incredible noise thanks to 25,000 "Boom Whackers." It was awesome hearing the different sounds come together in perfect harmony and rocking the Superdome. It was an unforgettable experience!

Now we are heading home... 20 hours on a bus, but totally worth it to take back a week of memories, new friends, and faith-building experiences! Thanks National Youth Gathering... it's been great!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Five...

Blogging the NYG - Post #6

DAY FOUR RECAP

If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking...

That is a line from the stirring worship song, "How He Loves" and was a line sung by 25,000 youth and adults during this evening's Mass Event... by far the highlight of Day Four. As I looked around tonight, I thought, "when else are these kids going to experience God's grace in such a way?" When else will they be surrounding by 25,000 other youth who believe and share the same faith? When else will they have the freedom and comfort to sing out, praising God at the top of their lungs? When else will they hear the Gospel message in a packed arena? That's what makes the Gathering so special...

The worship at this evening's Mass Event was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. And I'm sure our kids felt that as well. The Superdome was silent as they reenacted Christ's death and marched his crucified body through the aisles. But that silence was quickly replaced with a roar of cheering and clapping as the Risen Christ appeared after his resurrection. The evening culminated with a mass communion meal... 25,000 people sharing in Christ's very body and blood... what an amazing site to see! And what better way to personally experience God's grace? God's Spirit was truly moving in the hearts and minds of those gathered in the Superdome. That same Spirit that made itself known at Christ's baptism and at Pentecost was present and moving in us tonight!

Here a few photo highlights from Day Four...

Blogging the NYG - Post #5

DAY THREE RECAP

Another full day at the National Youth Gathering. Today's theme was LIVE and was focused on how we can and should live out what we believe. We had the opportunity today to put our faith into action by participating in an off-site servant event. Our group was assigned to help clean up a therapeutic riding center just outside New Orleans. The center caters to physically and mentally handicap children, youth, and their families. Although the center was not greatly affected by flood waters, Hurricane Katrina's forceful wind and rain did some major damage. Much of what we cleared out and cleaned up was remnants from the terrible storm. It was a wonderful experience to be able to get out into the community and give some of our time (and sweat) to those in need. It was a blessing for us to be able to serve the people here and in doing so, share a message of love. We truly are created to do good works, and opportunities like these allow us to let our light, the love of Christ, shine for others to see.

The rest of our day was spent at the Convention Center. More sessions, more activities, more concerts, more fun! A highlight was hearing Bob Lenz speak on what he calls "The Dignity Revolution." Bob's message was one of unconditional love and acceptance no matter what a person looks like, no matter how popular (or unpopular) they are, and no matter what the world says... every person is a loved child of God.

This evening's Mass Event was filled with energy and was punctuated by a powerful message from Rev. Matt Popovits. The core of his message centered around the question, "What is God doing in your story?" We all have a story, written by God, and it's filled with characters and settings, and plots that have helped define our life and faith experience. His message challenged us to take a deep look at what things God is doing in our lives and how our lives will be different as a result of this Gathering. How will we take what we've heard and experienced here back home and put it into practice in our every day lives. I cannot wait to see what story God is writing in the lives of our youth. He is going to amazing things!

We ended the night with a side-splitting comedy show by the always hilarious Skit Guys. A great end to a great day!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Three...

Blogging the NYG - Post #4

DAY TWO RECAP

Today was the first full day of the National Youth Gathering... and full it was! We started the day off with a large group (8,000) Bible study that introduced Sunday's theme... LISTEN. "We believe in the Word made flesh; therefore, we speak so others can LISTEN and hear His Word through us." The Bible study explored Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well in John 4. And as we heard their conversation unfold we had the chance to consider her life-changing encounter with Jesus we find ourselves asking, "God, are You saying something to me that I haven't been hearing?" Often times are our world around is noisy and full of distractions and it becomes hard to listen to what really matters... so we settle for something less. But, as seen in this story, lives are changed when people meet... and listen to... Jesus.

After the Bible study, our youth had the opportunity to attend a few "breakout" sessions. They chose sessions from 40 speakers speaking on a wide range of topics... from what it means to be a man in an MTV world to the reality of love in light of Twilight... from seeing Christ in Martial Arts to seeing God's role in and desire for our lives (a session lead by a favorite of our group, Rev. Bill Yonker).

The Mass Event this evening was a powerful one! As always, the music was full of energy and praise. Another favorite of our group, the Skit Guys, performed and were absolutely HILARIOUS! The Jesus Painter was there also, adding so much to our worship experience. We were blown away by illusionist Brock Gill who somehow managed to get President Kieschnick into a straight jacket... and also managed to get out of his own... while standing on broken glass. But, at least for me, the highlight of tonight's Mass Event was the main speaker, Kellie Stocker, who told the heart-wrenching story of her 18-year-old daughter's death. She spoke about the pain, the anger, the questioning God, but also about the hope and faith that pulled her through the tragedy. But her daughter's unexpected death also gives us the message that we need to live every moment of our lives for Jesus Christ... the one thing that truly matters in this world, and the world to come. Thank you Kellie for sharing your story and inspiring us to make the most of the time we have and honor the one who gives us that time.

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Two...

Blogging the NYG - Post #3

DAY ONE RECAP

The 2010 National Youth Gathering officially kicked off last night with the Opening Celebration at the Superdome. That stadium truly was the home of the "saints" as 25,000 youth and adults gathered to sing and praise God. What an amazing event! The worship music was powerful and filled with energy. The "Sand Painter" was phenomenal. The speaker was inspirational and his message was one filled with hope and promise. The evening seemed to center on the question: "Why has God brought you to this place?" And in our family group time we dove deeper into that thought. What reasons does God have for bringing you here this week. Is it something more than just time spent with friends or a fun vacation? What amazing thing is God's Spirit working in you? I can't wait to see those amazing things this week. I can't wait to see the power of God working in the youth gathered here. I can't wait. God is awesome and I think we all felt that last night! - Andy

Here a few photo highlights from Day One...

Quench 4.3.10

Here a few images from this past weekend's Quench: Passion Week Worship Gathering. The theme was "The Passion" and focused on Christ's ultimate act of sacrifice and love. We took a look back at Christ's final hours and what his actions on the cross mean for us today. The highlight of the evening was when students had a chance to come forward and nail their "sins" (written on red index cards) to our cross. While they did so, "Jesus Paid It All" was played in the background. "Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead..." After they had nailed their sins to the cross, they received a stamp on their hand that simply read "PAID." Christ paid the price of our sins, a debt we could never settle on our own. A special "thanks" to everyone who came to worship with us... I hope it greatly added to your Easter experience.

Quench 1.31.10

Here are a few photos from last night's Quench: Experiential Worship Gathering. The theme was "New Year... Now What?" and focused on transformation, change, and making this year different from the past. Photos and descriptions of the gathering's prayer stations will be posted soon.

Overflow's Advent Experience

This past Wednesday night was Overflow's Advent Experience, an Advent-themed experiential worship gathering. The gathering was a prayer walk, consisting of several stations, each with its own Advent reflection. It was a great night for our students to put away the busyness and distractions of Christmastime and spend one hour focusing on Christ and the true meaning of the holiday season. Below are a few pictures from the evening. The individual prayer stations will be posted soon. (p.s. A special 'thanks' to Brian over at Rethinking Youth Ministry for some great prayer station ideas.)