It started with an idea after the Confirmation Retreat last spring, we wanted to do some sort of a Youth Lock-in at the Church. Jill was thinking about it and with Halloween approaching, why not do something with a "Spirits" theme? From that came this past weekend's awesome "Spirits Within" lock-in.
Seven youth and what turned out to be A LOT of adults spent as much as 12 hours in the Church.
We had some snacks as we gathered; introduced ourselves and talked about various spiritual encounters we have had first knowledge of, or someone near to us experienced; ate some pizza; played a round of flashlight Scavenger Hunt (or really, "who can get the girls to scream the loudest"); ate cake and ice cream; had a smaller circle discussion about Halloween traditions and
honoring those that have come before us and around us; ate a few more snacks; pulled in some gymnastic mats and layed-out our sleeping bags for a restful 4 hours or so of sleep. Oh, then we went to
Clark's for breakfast (I almost forgot about one of the food breaks!).
It was a different experience than many expected, all of it good. We learned that
Angels (and maybe even some ghosts or other spirits) in most of our
real experience are not scary things. Christopher left a tape recorder in the Sanctuary when we retired to the Elliott Room and got inconclusive results of any audio clues of a presence - however, a Bible was placed on the Communion Table in the morning that had not been there the night before...
Thanks to all for your participation (Emma, Tess, Natasha, Elizabeth, Kaitlyn, Christopher, and Eddie), and to the other adult guests for the first discussion on spirit (Jill - Patti - Breisen - Mark - David - Stephanie - Paul - Lynn - Prisca - Eric - Larry - Beth - Cari). A special thanks to Jill and Prisca for planning, buying, and setting up our awesome overnight! The windy, rainy weather (though too humid - yuck) enhanced the effect.
