Wow, the discipleship retreats kicked off this weekend with the sophomores. I was lucky enough to be able to go, and it was really awesome. Lots of fun, food, inspiring messages, vision sharing, and even a Q & A with Pastor Ed Kang and Kelly. But rather than me telling you about it, pictures are worth a thousand words - so here we go!
Several things to look for:
- Ray's gangster expressions
- Daniel's posing tendencies with his hands (with one notable exception!)
- Pastor Ed's gangster look!
In the box is the new motor we bought to amp up a normal rowboat. It's quite heavy, and (almost) everyone is working hard to hold it up!
After the previous picture, Pastor Ed once again assumes his pastoral duties. He reportedly said, "I now baptize thee ... " - and, well, you see what happened next.
Much to learn, young padawan ...
Gracepoint Fellowship Church Praise - Unplugged. Well, not really, but it had a very nice, intimate feel. Interestingly, this is almost the same group from the Element Retreat band (Ray, Mike and me). Also, it was the debut of the djembe for percussion.
An awesome group shot of all the sophomores at the discipleship retreat on the front deck and steps of the Sierra Lodge.
Sophomore sisters in Koinonia by the lake.
Sophomore brothers in Koinonia.
Note the exception?
Another group shot by the lake.
Home group RED brothers trying to look tough ... (except Vincent)
Sophomores' reaction when they saw this picture: "Awwww..."
Staff picture - the prompt for the picture of course was to be 'ganster'. Pastor Ed remarked that he didn't really know how, so Ray helped him out with an accessory.
The hike was pristine, but wow, this is beautiful! Fried rice, Kung Fu Panda style.
Enough said.
Tim shared some of his thoughts about the retreat in an email:
I think one of the best parts of the retreat was the atmosphere. It was eye opening and thought provoking while still being fun and relaxed. Some people expected another winter retreat with all day messages, while others expected a snow trip kind of retreat. It was actually a healthy mix of both. Looking back on it, it feels like we spent a week up there, which is why I can't believe it was only about 2 days.
People always tell me that Sophomore year is the most difficult/challenging year due to new living situations, insecurities, and spiritual growth. But from the experiences at the retreat (ex. vision sharing, Q and A with Pastor Ed and Kelly, talking during meals/hike), I got to see that each one of us is as insecure, irrational, and clueless about the future as the next peer. Now I feel that we can all just be honest with ourselves and make the most of this year. That barrier of being casual acquaintances with most of my peers outside of my homegroup was broken this past weekend. One thing I learned was that, in order to really get to know my peers, I need to take initiative and go beyond the casual interactions of games and sports and dig deep in sharing how I see God working in my life and what He's been telling me. It's is so true that friends can go for months, and sometimes even years, without getting past the "fun and games" part of life.
It was great getting to know Pastor Ed and Kelly. Contrary to what I expected, they're actually very fun to be around. There is that aspect of them being as old as my parents and them being the leader of my leader's leader's leader, but I think it's healthy. Seeing them talk about their visions for us and our future, watching them live their daily lives, and learning the word of God through them gave me a new conviction on how I want to live my life.
This past weekend really made me appreciate all the peers God blessed me with and the Sierra Lodge. Life at Sierra Lodge is just different. You eat together, work together, learn together, have fun together, and praise God together. It's worry free. It's you, your brothers and sisters, and God.
Feel free to comment - especially the sophomores who went on the trip!
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Posted By Joe Hwang to Gracepoint Fellowship Church :: Koinonia Berkeley HG 7 [R.E.D.] at 7/22/2008 04:41:00 PM
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