If you enjoy skiing/snowboarding with Christian friends, and like to experience the fun side of being a follower of Jesus, then the annual UCC SkiFest is where you want to be. The Chewelah (Wash.) Church was host for this year’s event held Jan. 19–21. The weekend of music, fellowship, service and skiing brought together 80 young people.
“This event provided a great opportunity for our young people to meet other believers in our area," said Chewelah youth department co-leader Anthony Ward.
Tye Davis, Taskforce Youth Ministries, and Richard Parker, Upper Columbia Conference Youth Ministries director, put together a super weekend, which included Bryan Del Valle, guest speaker from Monterey Bay Academy, a talented group of musicians from Walla Walla College, outreach activities, games, and an awesome day of skiing at 49 Degrees North.
On Friday evening the group got to know each other with “ice breaker” games and snacks. During Sabbath School, an interactive demonstration on “hearing the right voice” kept the participants engaged, followed by Del Valle's powerful message on overcoming fear.
After lunch, the group went out in smaller groups for community outreach activities, including singing at area nursing homes and random acts of kindness such as giving out homemade cookies and shoveling sidewalks.
The Sabbath hours concluded with another inspiring message from Del Valle, followed by volleyball, basketball, games and a video. Sunday morning the group headed to 49 Degrees North for an enviable day of skiing in near perfect conditions.
“I especially enjoyed the worship music, seeing old friends, and snowboarding,” said Chewelah youth member Cory Cook. “And I was totally inspired by Pastor Bryan. I definitely plan to participate in the 2008 SkiFest.”
On Sabbath afternoon of SkiFest, several of the participants visited with the residents at Quail Hollow Assisted Living Center in Chewelah.
Interactive demonstration on "hearing the right voice" engages SkiFest participants.
