2022 Middle School Retreat
On October 19-20, 2022 our middle school ventured to West River United Methodist Church Retreat to say YES to the Lord. The trip started with fellowship and exciting team-building activities. Sixth grade learned how to effectively communicate with each other while conquering the treacherous whale watch balance board. 7th grade practiced encouragement and bravery by tackling the high swing. 8th grade learned teamwork and delegation through canoeing on the West River.
After have a delicious supper of tacos and pound cake (a crowd favorite), middle school enjoyed an uplifting and inspirational sermon provided by Marc Eckel of Blue Spaghetti, LLC. Mr. Eckel painted a phenomenal portrait of Jesus smiling while students listened to encouraging praise music. Then he shared his testimony on the how the Lord worked when he said YES to God. His message reminded middle schoolers that God can sort out all of the details in their lives and equip them with the resources they need to succeed as long as they are willing to say YES to the Lord. In small groups Bible studies, the students dove deep in to understanding the ways they can say YES to the Lord in their everyday interactions.
They ended the night with popcorn, a movie, a thrilling round of flashlight tag and more fellowship where new friendships and bonds blossomed among classmates.
With a bright and early start on Thursday, our students enjoyed a peaceful breakfast and headed to chapel once more to hear Mr. Eckel speak on the wonderful ways the Lord worked in his life. Our own Coach Nelson also testified on the ways the Lord worked in and through him, and encouraged kids to say YES to the Lord in all aspects of life. Students linked arms and prayed together to honor their parents, teachers, friends and neighbors, and left knowing that making good choices is saying YES to the Lord.
All-in-all Middle School Retreat was a great success where students grew in becoming warriors for the Lord. A very special thanks to West River United Methodist Church Retreat, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. George, Mr. Shelton, all of the teachers and chaperones, and our special guest speaker Mr. Eckel for providing Middle School with a fun, safe and inspiring retreat. God asked us to go and we said YES!
-Kayla Mclaurin, Secondary Teacher
