A LOUD 384 youth and adults gathered for Youth-A-Palooza, Jan.16-18. Rev. Russell Peterman, associate minister Sandy Springs Christian Church and Dr. Kathy Whitson, Professor at Eureka College, talked to the youth about sharing their faith with others. Get Loud was our theme and we each got ideas about how to share our faith with friends loudly!

Thanks to the churches that assisted the youth in attending and to all the adult leaders who worked so hard to make this a spirit filled weekend for the youth. This event is held in January every year and features time for small groups, worship, recreation, fun, singing, and island sight-seeing.

Youth-A-Palooza is planned and implemented by the Youth Activity Council of our region.

WHAT YOUTH HAD TO SAY:

What did you discover at Youth-A-Palooza?

To get loud for God and never be afraid of what you believe.
I need to focus more on my faith and try to keep what I learned here with me throughout the year.
That I can be myself and still be a Christian.

When did you feel the closest to God?

When I was outside by the fountain at night and the lights in the water reflected off the trees.
During the Worship Services
During Small Groups
During my time to laugh and talk with others

How important are the friends you meet here?

The friends I make here are polar opposites of the friends I make at home and they allow me to look at God and my faith in a brand new way.
They are not afraid to let you know they love God.