Join us for a simple Christmas Eve service.

Oh, the weather outside was frightful!   Could we “Go the Distance”?  Going the Distance was the theme our youth renewal weekend.  Originally that theme was supposed to reflect the Olympics.  Going the distance became much more about the trip to Murfreesboro and home again. We made it to Murfreesboro, but would we find “finish line faith” or merely stroll around looking for entertainment?

We had discussed going to Warmth in Winter for years, but we had never been able to go.  What a way to start!  We received some partial scholarships from the conference,  we registered six youth who could go, and two chaperons.  What could go wrong?  Well, only one thing went wrong — the weather.  Beautiful snow fell all afternoon.  By three o’clock, the snow was mixed with sleet and ice.  With Brother Gary (Dr. Bro) worried about the roads, and kids worried that we would be stuck in Nashville, and my phone ringing every two minutes, Courtney and I decided to leave as soon as possible.  We hit the road early.    (Good idea, Courtney!)  We learned later that almost 1000 kids couldn’t make it, and had to turn back! We joined the other hearty (or perhaps foolish) youth groups in Murfreesboro.

The trip to WiW was difficult.  We passed so many cars and trucks in the ditches, but we took our time and made it slowly and carefully.  We picked up kids in Hermitage and LaVergne, and slowly made our way toward Murfreesboro. The Trosters who live half way to Murfreesboro, had graciously offered to put us up for the night and make us breakfast.  (We were assured that Mr. Ed was on board for this.) We realized fairly soon that even that trip was out of the question. One night in a hotel wasn’t going to break us, so . . . safety first.   We were safe and warm at the hotel.  Hang the expense, right?  (We’ve got plenty of expense!)

We spent Friday night celebrating, praying, worshiping, praising, rejoicing, sharing, talking, and being “chased by God”.  All of this continued Saturday.  The music, preaching, crazy dances, sacred space, workshops, videos, sand pictures, and the warm fuzzies were all amazing. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil challenged us to go the distance with the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Our hearts, like John Wesley’s, were strangely warmed.

Everything was perfect, except the roads.  We had to keep our rooms and stay another night in the hotel. What’s money?  We can always raise more money, right?  (I hope you all really like our potatoes.) Anyway we had a wonderful devotional time in our hotel room.

The worship service Sunday morning was  poignant and moving.  We sat on the floor, listened to music. We sang and prayed. We watched liturgical dancing and sacred hands, and heard stories of other youth on a mission. We served one another holy communion, and collected an offering for Haiti. We sat with almost 1000 other youth and youth workers, holding hands, praying for one another, for our congregation, for the lost and lonely, and for the people of Haiti.  Our weekend had to draw to a close. It was hard to leave.

On the way home, the girls and Lane were telling Courtney and me what they enjoyed most about the weekend.  We reflected on all the elements of the event that made our time so wonderful.  We agreed that the event was more powerful than we had expected.  We were amazed at the creativity and the joyful noise!  Each one of our youth had special moments to recall.

Especially Dr. Brenda!
Especially the crazy dances!
Especially the Sacred Space!
Especially the sand pictures!
Especially the band, Pocket Full of Rocks!
Especially the Sacred Hands!
Especially the parade of churches!
Especially the workshops!
. . . on and on.
In other words . . . especially everything!

We are full of gratitude for Brad Fiscus, the design team including Ginger Rose, and the conference.  Thank you, Hickory Bend for your support for the conference and for making this event even possible!  We learned so much, made so many friends, and we found so much encouragement for our finish line faith! Thank you, Hickory Bend for cheering us on as we Go the Distance! We want to be faithful and true. We must, as Dr. Brenda reminds us, Finish!

In order to open the table even more, we can take the table to those who are unable to come to the church building on communion Sunday.  On Sunday, September 13, Brother Gary trained our youth to deliver communion. We learned how to serve communion, but even beyond that extraordinary privilege, we learned how to be of service to someone in a crisis.  Brother Gary’s many years as a chaplain have given him wonderful insight into the needs of people in pain.

If you know someone who would like to receive communion or who would like a visit from our youth, please ask them about having communion brought to their home or hospital room.  Notify Brother Gary or Emalie.  Our youth are very happy to come and serve communion. It is the Lord’s table, and all are certainly welcome.

The Maunday Thursday service will Thursday, April 9, at 7:00. Communion wiil be served.