Recap:Cascade United Methodist Youth Explosion 2009
Cascade UMC is just a local church with a large heart. An army of their members showed some love to the community by opening their doors to middle and high school students during their 2009 Youth Explosion this weekend.
Such a great event should happen more than once a year. Those who came out only gave up one Saturday. In return Youth Explosion armed each of them with a wealth of support and information able to put them miles ahead of their peers. Ranging from grades 6-12, Youth Explosion exposed all to college admission info, and gave them a sampling of what to expect as they move from school to career, pupil to professional. Students were able to discuss opportunities to grow in their Christian walks or show off their many gifts and talents, be it on the basketball court, or behind the pulpit.
Youth Explosion’s 2009 culmination centered on a nontraditional service led by Cascade’s next generation of leaders. It is one thing to do church differently, but how about doing church with creativity? Infused into their Sunday worship service, were skits, dance, steppers, singers, orators. Headlining remarks were given by Terrence B. Lester, a 26-year-old author, mentor and minister known for counseling troubled youth and parents through difficult times. Lester preaches what he himself has practiced. As a young man, Lester was one of the kids he works with diligently to keep on a promising path. Lester made a u-turn, also the name of his groundbreaking book, where he implores teens to do what is right in the eyes of God.
Even though Youth Explosion 2009, has concluded, yet, the interactions, information and empowerment experienced will go a long way in the lives of all who attended.
