More than 190 junior high youth and 64 adults from 17 churches gathered Jan. 31 for worship, games and messages at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kansas, for the Southern District Junior High Youth Conference.
Cord Werth, youth pastor at Parkview MB Church in Hillsboro, Kansas, spoke on the theme, “Connect,” based on 1 Thess. 5:11. During two sessions, Werth directed students to consider how they are wonderfully made by God for connection with him and with others.
The schedule also included rally games, workshops, breakout groups and free-time activities, including nine square, gaga ball, extreme Bingo, a Lego creation station and games.
An offering of $1173.50 was collected, enough to provide more than 75 chickens for King’s Kid Farm in Uganda, a project of Multiply workers Kyle and Danae Schmidt.
Andy Kinser led students in singing.
“It is inspiring to see a couple hundred sixth, seventh and eighth graders from across the district worshiping, praising, learning and having fun together,” says Russ Claassen, Southern District youth minister in an email after the event. “We pray this event gives them a boost here at the beginning of the year and encourages these students and adults to connect more deeply with God and one another.”
This article has been posted by Christian Leader staff. The Christian Leader is the magazine of U.S. Mennonite Brethren.
