Catawba College News Service
Church Youth Empowerment Weekend 2011, an interdenominational Christian event for high-school age youth (rising high school freshmen through rising college freshmen) will be held July 15-17 on the campus of Catawba College. The cost for the three-day event is $25 per person. All activities, lodging in the college’s dormitories, meals and a commemorative T-shirt are included.
The theme for this year’s event is “Answering the Call to Learn, Love, and Lead.” Through a variety of activities, participants will explore the concept of faith in action and how their individual talents and abilities can be put to use right now in service to others. The high-energy program will feature hands-on community service projects, insightful presentations, small group breakout sessions, skits, sacred and contemporary music, devotions, recreational opportunities, goofy games and more. The leadership team for the event includes faculty, staff, students and recent graduates of Catawba College, as well as guest speakers and community leaders.
The event is sponsored by Catawba College’s Lilly Center for Vocation and Values.
“Clearly, today’s society is in need of emerging young leaders,” said Dr. Kenneth Clapp, Catawba chaplain and senior vice president. “It is our hope and prayer that this event will encourage and empower young people to answer Christ’s call to serve others by stepping into more active roles as leaders in their churches, but — even more importantly — in their communities, nation and world.”
Fore more information about the event, contact Jay Laurens, coordinator of outreach programs, at 704-637-4725 or jlaurens@ catawba.edu.
Event organizers say they hope youth from churches in the surrounding area will take advantage of what they call an “exciting and affordable opportunity to come together for a common purpose.”
“Each young person attending this event should leave with a better understanding of how he or she can make the transition from simply going to church to being the church in action,” Laurens said.
Laurens is asking youth planning to attend to encourage their friends to participate by talking with them, posting the link www.catawba.edu/ cyew on their Facebook pages or by distributing fliers.
Interested youth may register individually and indicate their roommate preference, or youth groups may register together and receive one free adult admission per 10 youth participants registered. To register and pay by check or credit card, go to www.catawba.edu/cyew. A form must be completed for each youth and adult participant. All registration forms and payment, by check or credit card, must be received by June 30.