SAMI MARASIGAN
Director of Youth & Young Adults
Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church
On a cold January weekend, 130 students and leaders from 16 different West Michigan churches gathered at Grand Rapids First UMC for a time of connection and change. As groups arrived the room was full of awkward excitement. However, awkwardness transformed into friendships as we played group games and rotated through small group stations.
One station intentionally asked: “How can I be a leader in the church?” Students’ responses ranged from “encouraging more young people to come to church,” “lead a cookout,” “teach love and acceptance,” “help with music,” to “plan mission projects.” It’s amazing to see how our students are eager to be involved in the leadership of our churches! Students were also asked to respond to the question: “If I were pastor for a day, I would…” Answers to this question yielded some fun responses.
Included in our evening was a little free time for students and networking time for adult leaders. The youth leader time provided for making connections, sharing stories, and dreaming for the future. Out of this youth leader time, we’ve realized a desire to create more times/spaces for youth leaders to connect and share resources. As a side note, it was such a blessing to see so many youth leaders committed to making an impact in their students’ lives. It was also a huge blessing to have so many youth leaders help (and offer to help) throughout the entire retreat. They are great role models!
After a somewhat full night of sleep, we began with breakfast and a short time of worship. Next, youth groups were given $20 and 2 hours to make a difference. What did the different groups do with such an open-ended challenge? Groups went to local missions, handed out food, visited Clark retirement home, visited DeVos Children’s Hospital, wrote nice notes on cars, salted sidewalks, handed out treats at the bus station, put gas in cars.
As students returned, we shared stories of being the change. Students and adults alike, excited to see the many ways we can Be the Change in our own communities and beyond. And, in the process of being the change, we were changed.
Thank you, Grand Rapids First UMC for hosting Be the Change. Thank you to the many youth leaders who took a leap of faith and brought your students to something new. Thank you students for having the courage to Be the Change.
Last Updated on February 2, 2024