Monday, January 29, 2007
Youth conversation at Symposium ‘07
Report from Betty Grit:
On Thursday evening after worship at Symposium, almost 100 high school and college students from around the world gathered for food and conversation. Students from Greenville (Illinois) College whose choir had led us in worship, joined students from Morehouse College in Atlanta, high school students who had traveled from Covenant Christian High School in DeMotte, Indiana and the Worship Apprentices from Calvin College to talk about worship, their role in worship and what they hoped to learn at Symposium.
The students shared with one another the ways they are involved in worship in their schools and churches. College students told us that they were encouraged by the ability of high school students to articulate their faith and their insight into their congregations and denominations. The enthusiastic energy in the room reflected the passion these young people have for worship and their gratitude for an opportunity to share ideas with others their age.
On Saturday many of these students came together for conversation over lunch. They reflected on the speakers they had heard and the new ideas that will impact their planning and leading of worship. Their joy in worshiping together at Symposium was contagious as they commented on the pastors and musicians who had led in worship. They found the presentation of Scripture, led by Jeff Barker and students at Northwestern (Iowa) College, helped them engage in Scripture in new and meaningful ways.
Many of these students left for their home communities before the Sunday evening concert by Keith and Kristyn Getty at Grand Rapids Christian High School. We were encouraged to see many young children as well as high school and college youth in the audience. Together we were inspired and encouraged by the music of the Gettys. As we closed by singing together In Christ Alone, we were reminded that it is in his love and through his blood that we have hope and strength for our lives and service.