The last weekend of February, 5 of our youth headed up to Crooked Lake for the Winter Youth Retreat.  Throughout the weekend the youth enjoyed opportunities to serve each other - through meal preparation and cleanup - as well as have fun together.  The youth spent an afternoon tubing and enjoying outdoor winter activities.  But they also spent time playing games at the cabin, including a new game called "Silent Football."

Pastor Lucas made sure that the weekend included spiritual enrichment as well as fun.  The youth watched a video on a presentation done by Louie Giglio called "How Great is Our God."  He uses astronomy and microbiology to show how ways in which our universe proclaims the glory of God.  Another teaching time consisted of a Q&A session where the youth put together questions about God and the Bible.  Sunday morning the youth participated in a Retreat of Silence.  They spent an hour on their own reading the Bible & praying with no talking.  They thought it would be an excruciatingly long amount of time to be quiet, but all agreed that once they started reading their Bible and praying, they were shocked how fast the time flew!

Pastor Lucas also contributed to the weekend's worship with the debut of his guitar skills!  He appreciated the youth's kindness with his mistakes, and they appreciated the opportunity to add some new songs to their repertoire!

The weekend was great fun, and everyone is looking forward to next year's retreat!  Thanks to the Smith's for not only offering their lake house, but also sending Diane to chaperone and cook!