The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
June 2007

Spring Retreat

I've always loved spring ... just when I think I can't handle any more cold winter days and I'm tired of bundling up inside trying to stay warm, God's creation springs forth new life, the sun comes out, and my favorite sandals come out of storage.

In honor of spring, youth from around the diocese were invited to come out of their winter hibernation on May 4-6 and join together for a weekend of fun and fellowship in Ogden.

PHOTOS BY ELMER DOWNS AND KAREN VAN WINKLE

Thirty-two youth (and their adult leaders) traveled from the corners of the diocese, coming from Price, Logan, Brigham City, Salt Lake City, and as far away as Page, Ariz., to gather for the weekend.

We were lucky enough to be able to stay at Youth Impact (just down the block from Good Shepherd Church). Our gracious hosts, Robb Hall, Youth Impact Director, and his mother Jan Hall opened up their wonderful facility to us and made us feel right at home.

With pool tables, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and even an art studio, we were never at a loss for things to do.

Jan Hall worked with us in the art studio, letting us play around with clay to make sculptures. She even helped us incorporate some religious symbolism into our masterpieces.

We also decorated pots and planted flowers to take home to special people in our lives in appreciation for the many ways they help us thrive and grow.

We were also able to give back a little something to Youth Impact to thank them for their generous hospitality.

We helped them complete a project for the American Red Cross by labeling and stamping thousands of brochures. Robb told us that they had been unable to finish the project and it would have taken his staff hours to do—time that would be much better spent in quality time with all the great kids that participate in Youth Impact's after-school program. Forty pairs of hands got it done in no time.

We made a trip to Lagoon on Saturday, although the weather was hardly the sandal-loving, sun worshipping conditions we hoped for.

The chilly temperatures and sporadic rain didn't damper our spirits and everyone had a blast, although we did question the wisdom of the people who thought that riding Rattlesnake Rapids was a good idea in 45 degree weather.

On Sunday morning, we walked across the street to join the community at Good Shepherd for worship.

The youth helped with worship by stepping in as lay readers, leading the prayers of the people, and bringing up the bread and wine for communion. Luckily for us, there was a birthday in the congregation; since one member of our group, Sara Painter, St. John's, Logan, turned 16 that same day, we were able to acquire a piece of cake to surprise her with.

After a fun-filled weekend, we finally left for home, tired but happy. As we were leaving, many people commented on how ironic it was that the sun was shining brightly and it was at least 20 degrees warmer than it had been the day before.

Ah, spring is finally here after all...get out and enjoy it.

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