It began with a dream from a young adult — a dream to bring this generation’s western Washington young adults together and build a stronger community to take action. And that’s what nearly 140 young adults did at the Young Adult Retreat in January.
Sunset Lake Camp in Wilkeson, Wash., was buzzing with excitement as young adults from western Washington, southern Oregon, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and beyond began to arrive for a weekend of community, spiritual rejuvenation and empowerment.
“The church is not a building but a group of people seeking after God,” says guest speaker Anil Kanda, Central California Conference young adult director. “It’s vital and crucial to stay connected with God, and church is a great way to connect and use your talents for Him.”
The retreat was filled with icebreakers, encouraging messages, workshops, outdoor activities and small-group studies. Small groups gave young adults the opportunity to be open about what they were going through and share their point of views on the book of Ruth.
“There was nothing but blessings at the Washington Conference Young Adult Retreat at Sunset Lake. Seeing God’s miracle in action in the lives of so many young vibrant people is amazing,” wrote Tana Phaletoie, a young adult leader at the retreat, on Facebook.
During the process of planning, the leadership team grew to include young adults from all over the community. Even as the retreat began, young adults were willing to jump in, lead and be an important part of this retreat. The retreat became an atmosphere of support, leadership and empowerment as young adults were encouraged to take action.
A summer young adult retreat is planned for Aug. 16–18, 2019.
Nearly 140 young adults across western Washington and beyond attended this generation's first-ever Washington Conference Young Adult Retreat.
The Young Adult Retreat leadership team grew even through the retreat.
During an icebreaker activity, young adults were challenged to mix it up and find people with common similarities with each other.
Dustin Serns, Port Orchard (Wash.) Church pastor, leads out in worship at the Young Adult Retreat in January.
More than a dozen small groups studied the book of Ruth, opening up with each other and sharing their different points of views.
During an icebreaker activity, young adults were challenged to mix it up and find people with common similarities with each other.
Kelly Lin, young adult small-group leader, talks about the book of Ruth with her small group.
Abner Campos, associate pastor at Puyallup Church, talks about overcoming addictions during his workshop at the Young Adult Retreat.
Dustin Serns walks young adults through being a part of church planting in western Washington at the Young Adult Retreat.
Phuong Thach opened up about relationships with a female panel discussion at her workshop at the Young Adult Retreat.
A group of 10 form a relationship panel at the Young Adult Retreat to answer real questions from the crowd.
