One day Youth Retreat and Planning Meeting
Theme : "YUVA in response to the C reator's voice"
Place : Hudson Memorial Church
Time : 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Youth De partment of KCD under the Nurture an d Witness Committee had organised a "One Day Retreat and Planning Meeting", inviting all the office bearers of the Youth Fellowships. A total of around 100 youth representatives participated in the program. The event began with an opening prayer by Rev. Paul Dhanase karan. A warm welcome by
Rev. B. P Timothy, also set the context of the day's events.
As a mark of respect for the departed soldiers at the Pulwama incident, a moment of silence was observed and Rev. D. Mary Shalini prayed for them.
Devotion:
Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 7: 5 - 7
There are so many reasons to ignore God's calling in our lives, but what is possible of us to do?
Rev Dr. Dexter Maben , highlighted the role played by Titus, a person with much less significance in the New Testament . Titus was a Greek, hailed from a background which did
not know God yet he was true to God’s calling. He was a faithful and a dependable companion to Paul, a source of encouragement in a time when there was immense confusion in the church. Young Titus was called to serve the church and he used his gifts for God's glory in a daunting situation by bringing in reconciliation in the church. Today's youth are called t o be like Titus, faithful, dependable and courageous for God. The church needs young sters to encourage and strengthen each other. What would be the response of today's youth to God's calling in a situation such as this?
Session 1
The resource person for this session, Rev Solomon Paul posed a very vital question -"How do we hear God's voice? ” There we re various responses that were put forward; a few said, "through his word" others said "in answered and unanswered prayers". However Rev. Solomon drew everyone's attention to God's calling being revealed in the contex t that we are placed in. He pointed out to the most common cultures in today's society.
1. Market Culture - A culture where there is buying and selling with the motive of profit. There
is no scope for the greater good, or for care and concern for people in need.2. Muzzle Culture - The world controls our view of it. What it portrays isn't all that there is.
With this narrow view all are pulled into a race where there is only one prize.
3. Mask Culture - Where everyone puts on a facade, one's true self is hidden away
4. Monkey's Paw - The culture of not wanting to let go and wanting to have more.
5. Maple leaves culture - Changing colours like that of the maple leaves and not being true to
oneself.
Amidst these situations, God calls us to a greater responsibility. God invites us to see, speak and listen to those in need.
See the unseen (Acts 3:1 -10) - Peter and John looked at the lame man near the Beautiful gate with compassion. God’s ca ll is to turn our attention from the things of the world and focus on those who are in need of a healer.
Speak the unspoken (2 Samuel 12:1- 13) – With the courage to speak and the right to dissent, Nathan boldly conveyed a difficult message from God to King David to convict him of his sin of adultery and murder. He could have been killed, however he was wise and courageous to proclaim the truth. The circumstances around us today might not be
conducive, just like it was for the prophet Nathan. However it is important to remember that the bold step that Nathan took led to David's repentance and the documentation of David's sin which is even today a lesson for all to learn. God will use us to establish his great purpose when a leap of faith is taken in obedience to his calling.
Hear the unheard (Mark 10:46 - 52)
- Lord Jesus listen ed to the cry of blind Bartimaeus while the others hushed his voice. God calls his children to imitate him in
hearing the voices of those whose voices are silenced.
What is the mission of youth fellowships in seeing, speaking and listening to those in need?
Session 2
Post lunch, the youth representatives were grouped into the respective areas; City, Civil, Tumkur and KGF. In line with the theme of the Diocese for the triennium, “Ambassadors for Christ; restore, regenerate, re-imagine”, Rev. Mary Shalini emphasised on how each one is an ambassador for Christ, according to Ephesians 6:20. All youth leaders are ambassadors who are called to lead and boost the youth fellowships and create a movement. The youth representatives were encouraged to come up with the problems they face, the suggestions and ideas that they’d like to see implemented for their growth as a fellowship. The reports as a result of th e discussion were presented by representatives from each area. The following were the key points that were brought out:-
Election of office bearers for the youth is delayed. Hence there should be a youth constitution laying down the rules.
A peace rally to be arranged to pay our respects in memory of the martrys...
There should not be any politics in the youth ministry.
There should not be any politics in the youth ministry.
Zonal meetings could also be combined with the idea of a prayer tower.
Resource material for the youth can be provided so that there is a structure and a
framework which .forms the platform for spiritual growth.
A mission leadership development program for the youth could be planned.
Overcoming barriers and standing together as Christ's children must be the focus.
Spiritual growth for youth fellowships must be laid emphasis on.
Fellowships meeting such as these must be organised more frequently.
There was only one representative from the KGF area due to issues with the train facility. There was a suggestion to make it more convenient for the far away churches to be a part of the Diocesan events.
Coaching centres for our youth could be planned so that it would help in preparation of competitive exams.
Rev. Mary Shalini in response to the reports.
With a vision of working and growing together for the glory of God, Rev. Shalini mentioned that most of the thoughts and suggestions that have come up from the discussions have already been presented to the diocese. Also some key events for building meaningful fellowships have been included in the calendar the previous month. She also assured that the other suggestions would be put forward and taken up as well.
The youth voiced their expectation and desire of serving the church and the society, more importantly to serve our God and grow in him taking hold of the opportunities at hand.
The day’s program ended with a word of prayer by Rev Solomon Paul and benediction by Rev. Alfred Sudharshan.
A word of thanks was extended by Rev. D. Mary Shalini to the Presbyter Incharge Rev. Dr. Solomon Thomas & Rev. Paul Dinakar of Hudson Memorial Church for their hospitality and to Mr. George Mohan, Excutive Committee Member, for sponsoring lunch.
Documented by
Ms. Lydia Susanna-Holy Cross English Church.
Approved by Rev. Mary Shalini.
