New Fall Schedule!

Beginning on Wednesday, September 10 we will have a new schedule for youth night! Last year we had a blast being all together, but we've decided to try something a little different for the fall.

Wednesday Nights
4:30-6pm Confirmation/Jr. High EPIC
6-7pm "I Like Snacks" Time (Time for people to hang out, have a snack, etc.)
7-8:30pm High School EPIC

We are going to have a great time- you won't want to miss it!

FINAL FAMILY BEACH BONFIRE TONIGHT!

Don't forget that tonight is our last Family Beach Bonfire of the summer! We'll meet at the end of Grand Ave. Bring a side dish or dessert to share! All ages are welcome!

Pastor Sarah with Nellie

Here is a picture of me with John "Nellie" Nelson. He was our keynote speaker in Session 3. The theme of the Session was "Your Network." Nellie was born in Singapore with severe physical disabilities. He has lived his whole life in a wheel chair and has always struggled in feeling love from others. But God is a big part of who he is now. And his message is one of acceptance and love. He believes that God is using him to spread hope to others, especially in his part as one of the Assistant Coaches to the Pacific Lutheran University Football Team. He shared that he would never change a thing about himself, because he knows now that God loves him inside and out!

More from the Western States Youth Gathering

Here's another shot of us goofing off after Session 3 (Your Network). Allie- looking good and I believe that is one of Leslie's eyes in the corner.

There are tons of pictures available at www.wsyg.com. You can also get a highlights video if you want one!

WIRED!!!!

So the Western States Youth Gathering was officially amazing! The theme was "Wired: Live Connected" and we learned about the way that God has connected all of us together.

Even though I was really busy being one of the MC's, I still had a few chances to hang out with our group in the hotel and hear about everything they were doing. Besides going on late night medicine runs to Valu-Plus and going to both Six Flags and Knott's Berry Farm, our group also went to mass gatherings, workshops, and even enjoyed Kevin singing a little karaoke. (Savannah, I totally need that video!) Here is a picture of us on the stage by the "magic" glowing orb from Session 3.

The whole event made me so proud to be a Lutheran Youth Pastor. I love the way that the over 1,000 kids who were there were such a fun and gracious group who cared about worshiping God and reaching out to help others in need. I only cried once, backstage, and I am going to blame that on the lack of sleep and maybe just a little bit on how humbled and honored I was to be a part of such an amazing, Christ-centered event.

Peace, Pastor Sarah