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 Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17, on the campus of Catawba College. The cost for the three-day event is only $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 CYEW 2011 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. Regarding the mission and purpose of the event, Dr. Kenneth Clapp, Catawba chaplain and senior vice president, stated, “Clearly today’s society is in need of emerging young leaders. 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.”
Those in need of additional information about CYEW 2011 are encouraged to contact Jay Laurens, coordinator of Outreach Programs, at 704-637-4725 or jlaurens@catawba.edu.
CYEW leaders hope that youth from churches in the surrounding area will take advantage of this 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 hopes youth planning to attend will encourage their friends to also 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, simply 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.