Young Adults Spend Time TOGETHER

Over the past few years, a group of Region 8 leaders have been planning and hosting a retreat for young adults. This year that continued with a retreat on the theme “Together.” Young adults from ten different churches, representing three different regions of the EMC, came together at Red Rock Bible Camp and spent time together in worship, learning and activity. Red Rock is a beautiful location and the weather cooperated giving the group the opportunity to skate, ski, snowshoe, and ice fish together. The goal of this event was to build connections between young adults from across the region and the wider conference, and that was accomplished.

Andrew Dyck, pastor of Stony Brook Fellowship in Steinbach, Man., was the speaker. He spoke on the themes of being together with God, together as the church and together with the world. He encouraged the group to look to the relational nature of God and realize that God is offering us an invitation to join in relationship with him.

Dyck also challenged the group to see the importance of connecting with the local body of believers. We were not meant to follow Jesus by ourselves, but within the community of faith. Our togetherness as a family of God requires us to care for each other, encourage each other, and worship together. Lastly, we were challenged that one of the greatest witnesses we have to the world is the demonstration of unity with God and each other.

To bring home the theme of togetherness, the group was given the opportunity to share in communion. What a tremendous blessing to be able to share the gift of Christ’s sacrifice with each other and celebrate God’s gift of love to us.

It was a great weekend of connecting with friends, making new friends, and stepping out of busy schedules to intentionally take time with God. Thank you to everyone that chose to participate. Each one of you made the weekend a very special experience.