From Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2007, the Sr. High YG traveled to the Toah Nipi Retreat Center in Rindge, NH, for their annual fall retreat. The weather was downright cold, but the setting was gorgeous, as we studied the Word of God, played two on two soccer with a blow up beach ball (it doesn’t take much to entertain us), and enjoyed each other’s fellowship. Here are some highlights…

• Our theme was “Finding God in ‘The Lord of the Rings.’” During our talks throughout the weekend, we keyed in on certain scenes scattered throughout the trilogy, which, in turn, launched us into Bible studies and discussions revolving around the Christian themes in those scenes. In particular, we studied how the Lord calls each of us—despite our “ordinariness”--to take up our crosses and follow Him, come what may, as seen in Matthew 16:24 (i.e. the call coming to Frodo, a simple hobbit). We also studied what it means to be a servant, emulating the example of our Savior as seen in Philippians 2:1-11, that is, what it means to be an “unlikely hero” (i.e. Samwise Gamgee). Finally, we examined the themes of self-sacrifice and redemption, as seen in John 3:16-17 and Romans 5:8 (i.e. Frodo leaving Middle Earth in an act of self-sacrificial service).
• The first annual Here’s Watching You was certainly successful and hilarious! Students went out with a leader and an assigned song, and they were given several hours to script, cast, and shoot a music video to be shown to their peers later that day. This year’s songs: 1) “Walk Like an Egyptian”; 2) “Safety Dance”; and 3) “Beat It.” Best dancer: Erik McCaffrey, the human robot. The costumes were…um…yeah, well…“interesting.” That’s this current generation’s view of the ‘80’s? Oh brother!
• It was fun time of getting to know each other on a more personal basis. It’s amazing how people open up and simply relax on these retreats. Praise God!