Thursday Fun

Hello, I’m Zach. Today’s morning worship was very powerful. It was about a girl who was having addictions to marijuana and alcohol. She then met Jesus and has turned her life around completely. The other things that happened today were Andrew and I entered a corn hole contest. We lost in the second round to some old guys. It was a youth tournament so I don’t know why they were playing. Dumb old guys. We went to a fashion show and people were wearing trash, literally.  Here is a video of us playing Dutch Blitz followed by photos of our day together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ofhuyY0ac

Rousing game of Dutch Blitz

Waiting for the trash fashion show to begin

Impressive outfit

Starbucks dress

#BOOTYX

Today was a good day.

     ……….. im done now so bye…………… ok I still want to talk so hi everybody……… ok now im done bye.

NICKNAMES  as voted by the group

Zach- AM (anger management during dutch blitz)

Andrew- Sparky

Anna- Rat

Maria- Dog

Karina- Creeper (don’t ask please)

Rachel- Bendy Thumbs (BT)

#bootyx

Today was a blur of activity.  From the fist pumping worship to the exciting seminars, it didn't leave much room for sleep.  This morning in worship was about the Prodigal Son and how everyone has him in him, as well as the jealous brother.  You need to build a wall around the good to keep the bad out.  We also need to be like the father in the story, bringing people together.  Karina went to a seminar about peacemaking and patriotism that gave a lot of helpful tips.  Andrew and Zach spent the afternoon exploring the city and going to a sports museum.  For evening worship, there was a passionate speaker that talked about needing to die to yourself.  What we mean is that we need to go through the cross to be a new creation.  After worship was a rap concert by ASON. It was roof raising.  

~Andrew and Karina

Chilling

Don't jump,  Zach!

"I own this town." Andrew

Rachel and Anna excited for worship

Cool dudes and Roy

Sweet Maria

Walking the prayer labyrinth

Enjoying small group on the roof overlooking the city

Infinite Worth

Today during the morning worship service we learned that a  particular painting sells for $700,000,000! Why would a painting be so expensive? It is worth so much because it is rare. It is worth so much because it is one-of-a-kind. It is worth so much because nothing has or ever will be the same as it. In short, the painting is worth so much because it is unique. With this in mind, how much more valuable to God are we as individuals? The speaker Shane Hipps, points out that God values us so much that his love is infinitely more massive than anything we can imagine. This leads to the questions, "Can we accept our unique qualities and view them as precious and valuable differences to God? Can we accept God's vast love? How can this love change our lives and the view we have of ourselves and others?" I will probably never fully understand the depth of God's love for us, but I do know that He loves EVERYONE, not just myself. This affects the way I love and interact with others.

Who's the coolest sponsor ever?!

We have been having an outstanding time the past couple days!

Maria Nissley

Starting off with AWESOMENESS!

Hello, friends and family!

We all had a great start yesterday. It was awesome. The trip here was great (it flew by watching a chick flick for Andrew,) the food at Primanti Brothers was outstanding, and the actual convention is huge. Being my first year at a Mennonite Youth Convention, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it was going to be big, but I didn't know it was going to be THIS big!

Our first worship time yesterday was a really cool experience. To be surrounded by all Mennonites, thousands of them, was certainly new for me, but most definitely an awesome feeling. I could tell that there were lots of differences between all of us, even though we're all Mennos. But to see so many people come together from completely different lifestyles to worship God is truly amazing! There really is something special about God's people congregating to worship. It shows that there really is unity in Christ, which is encouraging to me. I could just feel the excitement in the atmosphere, and it's definitely gotten me super excited as well. I'm really looking forward to the worship times this week. We also start some seminars today, so we'll see how that goes. We've got the whole week in front of us now. :)

Anna

Pittsburgh or bust!

We gathered at CMC to load the cars, organize our snacks, and pray for safety around 9am for our voyage to Pittsburgh.  We had a great trip and wonderful compromise as the guys allowed for the watching of  a "chick flick" movie.  I guess they got out-voted by a 2:1 margin!  :)  There were lots of laughs, jokes, and naps on our 5.5 hour trip north.  Apples to Apples was a hit, with Maria being the "perfect, brilliant, awkward, delicate" winner!  

Our stop for lunch included a new friend,  Andrew's triple 3/4 lb. cheeseburger at Wendy's.  He put a hurting on that thing, even the staff was impressed!  

Andrew's triple cheeseburger

We arrived in at our hotel shortly after 3pm to sunshine and smiles.  The youth were all very patient and easy-going with checking in and getting settled.  Here are the girls showing how much fun they are having on the shuttle bus that will transport us from the hotel to the convention center each day.

Maria, Karina and Anna LOVE Menno Conventions!

After getting registered and exploring the Convention center, we headed out to "The Strip" to eat at the famous Primanti Brothers, as seen on the Food Network show, Man vs. Food.  These sandwiches are known for being close to a mile-high, loaded with tomatoes, cole slaw and french fries.

 We are chowing down on this deliciousness.  Maria even said that this was the best part of her day.

We hightailed it back to the convention center to go to worship at 6:45. It was quite the experience to gather with 7,000 other people.  The photos just do. not. do. the. space. and. size. justice.

Eager Cville Menno youth!

Worship hall

So far, we have had an awesome day--but are tired.  We look forward to what awaits us tomorrow!
~Rachel

Getting ready!

The time is here!  

PITTSBURGH YOUTH CONVENTION...HERE WE COME!  

The theme this year is:

This is a play on words as Pittsburg is the only city in the USA that has 446 bridges within its city limits. Built on the banks of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers which combine to form the Ohio River. Yet this week, as we physically cross bridge after bridge within the city itself, we will also be delving into what it means to be a bridge for others in bringing them to Christ, how Jesus is a bridge builder for us, and how we ourselves are invited to cross to be united with God.  The scripture theme is taken from 2 Corinthians 5:16-20. 

As you follow us this week, each of us will be taking turns writing and reflecting on our experience here--from the logistical details to our personal reflections on how the convention is stretching and growing our faith. It would be great to know you are following along, so feel free to add comments to our posts.  

When Maren called to ask if I'd be interested in taking the youth to the Mennonite Convention USA  this year in Pittsburgh, PA way back in September, I quickly said "YES!" knowing how formational and deeply transformative the Youth Conventions have been in my own growing-up years.  

And here we stand, at the threshold of convention week, July 4-9, full of promise and expectation to meet and experience God in new ways, to bond with each other, as well as catch a glimpse of the connectivity of the larger Church and to find our place within.  

C'ville youth and Rachel being commissioned for the convention by Pastor Maren.
Sunday, July 3, 2011

We covet your prayers are we embark on this wonderful journey, knowing that God has gone before us, preparing the way ahead. May our hearts be ready and willing to receive, may we have eyes to see these Divine encounters and courage to enter in.  

Thanks for journeying with us. 

I find it an honor to companion these amazing young men and women.

~Rachel