NYC reflections: Participants share about their Colorado experience

Transcription

1 NYC reflections: Participants share about their Colorado experience Becca Shiflet Photos by Bill and Douglas Wood Ryan Evans Malena Hoover Deb Hoover My trip to National Youth Conference was far more amazing than people described it as to be. This trip definitely opened my eyes to God s amazing glory. From the speakers to all of the people I met, God was by my side and in my heart. The highlight of my trip was hiking in God s beautiful creation alongside my fellow peers. My faith has definitely been strengthened as well as my relationship to God. Beyond thankful for meeting followers of Jesus at NYC and making lasting friendships with them. My experience at National Youth Conference has been life changing and I wouldn t have been able to attend if it weren t thanks to the wonderful congregation at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren. First off, I just want to thank all of the people who helped pay for my trip out to Colorado. It truly was a blessing to me, and I will not regret going. This trip gave me a good chance to get closer to a really good friend of mine that during middle school we had gotten a bit far away from each other, but all of that time in the sauna like dorm room we became tight again. I m not going to really talk about any of the services, as most of them were extremely well written, and I couldn t pick a favorite one. Instead, you get to hear me blabber about the sights! On the first day out, my group of Jared, Andrew, Jonas and our supervisor Gabe walked about a mile to a Red Robin because we were craving cheeseburgers. It was also amazing going through and stopping in South Dakota, even though it was sweltering. Let s just say I sent half of my food money on souvenirs. We saw gorgeous cars, the old town was really neat, and our hotels were purty nice. At the conference, there were a bunch of really neat workshops. The first workshop I went to was I think the Ted one. Not entirely sure. The next workshop will and I went to a Star Wars one. That man breathed Star Wars more than oxygen. A really big thing that brought back good memories was going to the St. Louis Arch. It was my third time going back there, just the first few times I went, I didn t slam my forehead against a window entering the security area. Finally, I also want to thank the advisors that we had met at the conference. If it weren t for them, the week would not have been the same. National Youth Conference was a week that I ll never forget. We went to worship, where we listened to the speakers and sang a lot of songs. We also attended workshops and small group. During recreation time, I played frisbee, foosball, card games, and hiked to the top of the Rockies with my new friends. Most importantly, through this experience, I grew closer to God and learned that we are all bound together, clothed in Christ. As this was my second consecutive trip to NYC, many of the same memories occurred: being in awe of the great number of youth worshiping our God in one room, the wonderful worship music, the vast campus that helped me in my daily walk literally over 16,000 steps/daily, the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the emotions of watching our youth grow in relationship. But one story sticks in my mind more than anything During our first day of small groups we were divided into three groups one: those who felt dragged to come to NYC, two: those who were on the fence about their decision to attend and (Continued next page) Come join us! Worship starts at 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. (30 minutes earlier June through August). Church office , secretary@beavercreekchurchva.org, office hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Facebook: Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren and Beaver Creek COB Youth

2 three: those who were excited to come to NYC. In the first group there was one boy I will call him Greg.. He did not want to be at NYC, and when asked why, he responded because I am not a Christian this was not questioned, but the group continued I made it my daily prayer to have this boy see the power of God and what good can come from being a Christian. Greg attended small group daily, and did participate in questions and answers I attended Ken Medema s workshop, where anyone was invited to come to the microphone and tell what burdens or joys were in their baskets after sharing, Ken would instantaneously perform a song related specifically to that individual These stories were gut wrenching, from talks of family members committing suicide, to suffering from depression and contemplating suicide, the sadness of being an only child, suffering from eating disorders, etc Thankfully, at the end a person shared the joy of having three grandchildren at NYC and the workshop ended on a happy note because up until then, I was an emotional wreck At this workshop, I saw that Greg was there, as well. He said he really enjoyed the workshop. I explained that that was what being a Christian was about being able to feel safe in sharing and feeling the love and support of those around you Photos by Deb Hoover Well, on the last day of small group I asked Greg if he still felt the same about coming to NYC. He gave the so so signal with his hands The small group exchanged contact information..mostly snapchat user names and some s. Upon getting ready for departure from Campus, I heard my name called, and looked to see Greg. I went over and hugged him and wished him safe travels. After a couple of days of rest upon returning home, I snap chatted a couple of the youth, Greg being one, saying what a pleasure it was being with them in group and sharing. Greg snapchatted me back, thanking me, and then the next day shared about getting his wisdom teeth out I will continue to be in touch with him and hope we all pray that he will grow in his faith. Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Leadership Team Meeting July 19, 2018 Present: Chris Dastoli, Theresa Eckard, Jeanette Hess, John Hoover, Reba Kline, Joe LaPrade, Amy Saum. Ex-Officio: Darlene LaPrade Church Clerk. Absent: Candy Hensley, Kenny Wheelbarger, Bill Wood, Elaine McGann, Donna Miller. Jeanette called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Darlene opened with devotions and prayer. The minutes from the June meeting were approved. The Treasurer s report was approved. Focus Team Reports: Facilities Team: John reported that the team would like clarification as to the use of parsonage rent. After discussion, Joe made a motion that we have a separate account for the parsonage rent. Use of this money will be determined by the Leadership Team. John seconded the motion and it was approved. John also reported that the team is working on their budget and that the issue with the washing machine at the parsonage has been resolved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. Darlene LaPrade Church Clerk Deed donated; help sought An original deed conveying land for Beaver Creek Church building, recorded in 1856, came up recently at auction. The winning bidder donated this historical document to the church. It conveys land from Samuel and Barbara Long to the church for $ It refers to the denomination as German Baptist or Tunker Society. Property descriptions are somewhat casual by today s standards, with one limit of the lot described as a large white oak Miller and Long s corner. The deed is fully legible but in fragile condition. Anyone interested in the next steps in preserving the deed is asked to contact the Leadership Team or chair Jeanette Hess.

3 Preparation for Spiritual Renewal services Here are some scriptures and thoughts from our Spiritual Renewal speaker, Regina Cyzick Harlow, to consider in the days leading up to our services on September 15 and 16. Regina writes: Looking forward to our time together and praying fervently for God's Spirit to do as He will for us. Sunday, Sept. 9 Psalm 51:1-13 Thought for reflection: What does spiritual renewal mean in my personal life? How can I prepare my own heart for spiritual renewal? Prayer focus: That God would restore unto us the JOY of our salvation. That He would draw people in for this time of renewal, for the hearts of all who attend any or all of the weekend, that each person might experience spiritual renewal. Monday, Sept. 10 II Chronicles 7:14-15 Thought for reflection: What would it look like for God's people to live out this Scripture? What in our nation and world need forgiveness and healing and according to this Scripture, what are ways to for God's people to experience that? Prayer focus: For the healing of our nation and lands. Tuesday, Sept. 11 Proverbs 18:10 Thought for reflection: What does the Name of God mean to me? When has the Name of God been a tower of refuge in my life? If you can, use a study Bible, a Bible dictionary, or do an Internet search on the names of God and their meanings in the Old Testament. Contemplate how God has met your needs in the various meanings. Prayer focus: For us to find all we need in the Name of the One True God. Give thanks for the ways God always meets us right where we are. Wednesday, Sept. 12 Romans 10:9-13 Thought for reflection: Recall a time when you called on the name of Jesus. Whether you have an appointed date where you became certain of your salvation, or times where you have called on his name many times for many reasons, give thanks to God for your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayer focus: That we would call on the name of Jesus and thank him for our own salvation and for saving of others. Pray specifically for those who might attend that do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, that they would meet Jesus here and call on his name. Thursday, Sept. 13 Colossians 3:1-17 Thought for reflection: Where do I sense God moving in my ordinary days? How am I pointing others to Jesus in the mundane days of faithfulness? Prayer focus: That we would live all our days and lives as unto the Lord and that God would use this time of renewal together to strengthen and empower us in the living of our days. Friday, Sept. 14 Titus 3:1-8 Thought for reflection: What should our lives look like when we experience rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit generously poured out unto us through Jesus Christ our Lord? How does my life compare? Prayer focus: That God would be glorified through this time of renewal together and that all who gather will be transformed more into the likeness of his image as we experience renewal together. Don t forget to invite family and friends. We will have a fellowship meal at 5:30 p.m. before our closing service on September 16. Food is provided so there s nothing to bring. On the reverse of this page there s a poster suitable for your family bulletin board or refrigerator door!

4 The Liturgies of our Lives Spiritual renewal services with Regina Cyzick Harlow September at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Gathering music each evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 15: Liturgy of Revival: Seek, Call, Forsake, Return Special Music by Cyzick Family and Friends 11 a.m. Sun, Sept. 16: Liturgy of Proclamation: Naming God Special Music by Regina Cyzick Harlow and the Beaver Creek Choir 7 p.m. Sun, Sept. 16: Liturgy of the Mundane: Redeeming our Ordinary Days Special Music by Reba Kline, Edie Henry, and Regina Cyzick Harlow ********************************************** Think about what you could learn from a speaker who: With husband Lee, co-founded The Sadie Rose Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides non-clinical peer support for those grieving the death of a child, where she serves as executive director. With Lee, has four children, including one in heaven and one through adoption. Serves as associate pastor at Mountain View Fellowship Church of the Brethren. Loves Jesus, writing, singing, speaking, cooking, baking, running, campfires, coffee, autumn, horses, outdoors, and copious snuggles with her family and their pets. Sunday evening a meal will be provided at 5:30 p.m. Nothing to bring just yourself! 5651 Beaver Creek Rd. Bridgewater, VA beavercreekchurchva.org (540)

5 Scheduled church events this month: September 2, 9:15 a.m., coffee fellowship with breakfast food; regular hours resume September 4, 6:30 p.m., Women s Fellowship Sunset Group September 9, Deacon meeting with carry-in lunch September 15, 7 p.m.; September 16, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Spiritual Renewal with Regina Cyzick Harlow September 16, 5:30 p.m., carry-in meal September 20, 7 p.m., Leadership Team September 29, 7:15 a.m. Men s Fellowship, Thomas House September 29, 2-7 p.m. Steak Dinner at Mt. Crawford Ruritan Birthdays in September: 1 Louise Shirkey 2 Cheyenne (Cline) Rhodes 3 Sandy Bennington 4 Malena Hoover 5 Joe Wampler 7 Jesse Hoover, Eli Harlow 8 John Bennington 9 Dick Miller 11 Shirley Miller, Abby Wampler 13 Liz Rhodes 14 Sean Newman 17 Ryan Evans, Burkely Wampler 18 Evy Kaye Sandin 20 Bill Wood 21 Alma Long 25 Hannah Hensley, Nicky Southerly 26 Tamara Bennington 27 Ann Simmons 29 Bob Healy 30 Janet Stepp Ideas for Walking in the Light How might we walk in Jesus, the Light of our world? Here are Pastor Elaine s reflections for September: Reading Donna Schaper has become a habit for me during my life as a pastor. She is a pastor in the United Church of Christ. Schaper frequently sounds so down to earth that I almost think of her as a friend definitely as a sister in the faith. Recently Schaper wrote an article entitled Walking in the Light. She quotes I John 1:7: If we walk in the light as Jesus Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Schaper goes on to comment on all the ways that you and I make choices all the time, most minutes of our days. We choose when to get up. We choose to go to work. We sometimes choose to play. Or relax. We consider whether we are people who see life as a glass half full or as a glass half empty. During the NYC report on August 5, Brad Eckard said, My life is full with a lot of junk. Distractions. Jesus should distract us from life. Such wisdom. Brad is encouraging us to consider the same idea that Schaper is writing about Walking in the Light. Making faithful choices. Walking with the Light Jesus. How might we walk in Jesus, the Light of our world? [Donna Schaper had these ideas.] First, let s begin every day realizing that a lot of good is happening all around us. We may be told by others that the world is going downhill. Yes, there is good and bad happening. We have a choice here. We can begin to view our world through Jesus eyes. Second, we are beginning to see some things about ourselves and each other that we did not notice were there. We really do not like looking in the mirror, much less examining our own words, our actions, our sins and our faithfulness as disciples of Jesus. More choices here. We can pause in examining our own motives, our own wrong-doing, our own lack of faith in God. Third, how does it sound to say we walk in the Light? Sometimes thinking or saying that we are walking in the Light proves that we are more faithful to Jesus than others. Yet that gives us cause to question ourselves. Are we reflecting Jesus kind of light? Is it easy for us to be Light? Can we recognize that we may sound uppity or pious to others as we tell others how faithful to Jesus we are? Come to the Light of Jesus. Stay with the Light of Jesus. Be the Light of Jesus today.

6 Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren 5651 Beaver Creek Rd. Bridgewater, VA Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Harrisonburg, VA Permit No. 50 Elaine McGann, Interim Pastor Jeanette Hess, 2018 Leadership Team Chair Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren is a loving, caring and authentic fellowship of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit and called to be God s church: to worship, humbly serve others and proclaim Jesus Christ. Spiritual Renewal coming up! Kitchen reminders SMELLY KITCHEN ALERT Beaver Creek bits Regina Cyzick Harlow will be leading spiritual renewal services at Beaver Creek September 15 and 16. There will be services Saturday evening at 7 p.m., Sunday morning at 11 a.m. and Sunday evening at 7 p.m. (There will be a fellowship meal at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday before the final service. The meal is provided so there s no need to bring anything.) Regina and husband Lee are co-founders of the Sadie Rose Foundation, which provides support for child, infant and pregnancy loss. The foundation is named in honor of the Harlows daughter, who was born and died on June 20, Regina currently serves as associate pastor for Mountain View Fellowship Church of the Brethren. The Facilities Team would like to remind everyone how we can keep our church kitchen and fellowship hall looking good and working well for all of us: When you use this space, please return the space the way you found it. Although a few tables can be left out and pushed up against the wall, the remaining tables and chairs should be put away in the large closets. All dishes should be washed and dried and returned to cabinets. Any leftover food should not be left in refrigerators for any longer than a week. (Unless you're sure somebody's going to come and get it, throw it out!) Coolers should be emptied and cleaned and returned to storage. (Tea and especially lemonade left in these coolers will damage the inner surfaces.) Thank you for your help! September 2 is a big day at Beaver Creek! Sunday School teachers will be recognized in the worship hour. Coffee fellowship time with breakfast is at 9:15 a.m. September 2. Regular hours resume September 2: Sunday School 9:45 a.m., morning worship 11 a.m. On September 9 in the library our Annual Conference delegate, John Jordan, will report on this year s conference business during the Sunday School hour. All interested Sunday School classes are invited to attend. On Thursday, November 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., members of local churches are invited to the Bridgewater College CROP Meal in the college s Kline Campus Center Dining Hall, with all proceeds going to Church World Service s hunger programs around the world. The CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m. Please contact Tess at the church office ( ) if you have a globe she can borrow for Oct. 7.

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