worn out by sabbath & weekend in pictures

this weekend after prom erin, myself and brian (one of our other ym's) took some of our graduating seniors on our first sabbath retreat. we're starting this for a couple of reasons, 1. we want they to understand sabbath rest (even if we don't observe it to the extent of orthodox jews) 2. we want them to have some sacred space to relive some of those connections they have made over the years. this our first senior sabbath was a "girls" weekend. we headed for the lake on saturday morning, let them get cozy while erin made lunch, brian and i went to rent a boat. we spent the day on the boat which was cool and hot depending on the cloud cover. i was the brave, or stupid, one that jumped into the lake. it's kinda cold still this late in spring. got ourselves some dinner and hung out around a hot tub or reading books till we all fell asleep rather early. we closed out after breakfast, with them blowing out the sabbath candle we had lit as our observation of sabbath. then began the long trek home.

it was such a nice day out today that we dissed our regular programming for impromtu game of kickball. this has to be the first time we have played kickball this academic year cause our 7th graders really impressed me.

after youth it was a rush into the sanctuary for a special music worship/concert to benefit one of the special funds of our church that helps to pay for some of the needs (medical/physical) for people in our congregation and community. the youth praise band kicked off the music, they rocked the house.. sorta.. they were excellent, but the crowd was probably unsure what to do with a youth praise team so early in a venue.

some of the other groups blended out the sound. two of our girls were in the vivaldi girls, a small orchestra that one of our members has put together. my buddy travis, who is also one of our ym's & focuses on the youth praise team & jr. high (how brave) was part of the core collection of musicians that put this thing together. i was happy for him to see it come off well. i know many cooks in the kitchen made for some craziness. but, as with many things, it all comes out in the end with God's work. my treat of the night came when two of my youth mom's surprised us by singing a latin song from the balcony. it was wonderfully beautiful. cool part was that at this point i had moved up to the balcony so i got to hear it really well. i don't know how much of this thing was worship, but for me this song helped usher in my connecting moment for the night.

Comments

[rev mommy]

polar bear girl swims this time of year in Lake Lanier.

I saw some picture of the girls in your youth group. Good thing you are married.

[gavin]

polar bear swim, fun! i like to think i'm lucky to married for a myriad of reasons. not sure that the looks of the youth group would be one of them, but thanks for a round-a-bout comment on them looking nice. i am sure if they ever read this they would appreciate it. &:~)