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Abbotsford, B.C.
Youth gather for worship and service


The Abbotsford 2001 Youth Assembly of the Mennonite Church Canada drew 427 participants.

Kathy Giesbrecht, youth pastor at Springstein (Man.) Mennonite Church, introduced the theme, “Caution: God at work.”

“Some of you have come to celebrate your faith . . . some want to see your faith grow . . . some of you are just barely hanging on,” she said. She encouraged the youth not to succumb to society’s notion of the “good life”. Using Micah 4, she said, “See it! Live it! Get the picture! . . . of the good life God calls us to.”

Youth gathered each day for prayer and silence, then dispersed for service opportunities and seminars. Seminars included music, drama and video production. At service areas, youth cleared paths at a ranch, painted signs on storm drains, helped at thrift stores and visited personal care homes.

Youth enjoyed a day of recreation at Camp Squeah, where they could hike, swim, wall climb and play sports.

Nashville

More than 6,000 youth and sponsors from across North America gathered for 10 high-energy worship services at the Nashville 2001 youth convention. Young people stood, clapped, danced and sang while the 10-member praise band played.

The services also included dramas presented by students from Mennonite colleges, video presentations and direction from worship leaders.

Following the theme, “Get It Together in Christ”, the week’s speakers urged youth to evaluate their relationship with Jesus and challenged them to change their churches and communities.

Throughout the week, over 4500 youth and adults visited 28 locations to work on Servant Projects. Many of them focused on relational work with Nashville residents, but more than 1800 people worked at Camp Dogwood, which will be used for environmental programs for inner-city youth next year.

 – adapted from reports in Canadian Mennonite and The Mennonite

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Last modified October 29, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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