If you've never been to a Presbyterian Youth Triennium, find a way to go! As a youth, I attended in 2001, and it was one of those most amazing experiences of my life. The attendance has dwindled in recent years from over 7,000 Presbyterian youth (many presby variations) from all over the country AND internationally to a mere 5,000. These high school youth descend on Purdue's campus in West Lafyette, IN every 3 years and it's mayhem.I went again in 2007 as a small group leader. The experience was also awesome, though the drama and music at the worship services was confusing and distinctly subpar. This year... not so. Again, I went as a small group leader and every aspect was incredible. The lesson plans were great, the training was more streamlined. The worship was PHENOMENAL. The band was fantastically talented and the drama flowed well, illuminating the small group scriptures (the story of Esther) each day. Best of all, the preaching absolutely rocked the house. Bruce Reyes-Chow opened the week and really delivered. There were several more great sermons and messages from international attendees, including an earthquake survivor from Haiti with his story of child servitutde and rescue.
The week culminated in the final worship with Tony Campolo preaching. Easily the most inspiring and moving sermon I've ever heard. I laughed hard, I cried, I was so moved I was ready to go sleep on the streets with the homeless and proclaim the word in prison and congress. It was wonderful. If I'm able, I'm going to repost his sermon here.
Triennium is a wonderful experience. If you're an incoming freshman in high school through graduating senior the summer of Triennium, you can go as a youth participant. If you're 21 or older, you can go as a group chaperone from your home delegation as sent by your presbytery or as a small group leader. If you're between high school and 21, you can still go on work team. This is incredibly hard work, setting up events and equipment, etc, but very rewarding. The next Triennium will be in 2013. Get in touch with me or your presbytery office for more info.
1 comment:
Just so you know the event was never supposed to be for 7,000. That year was a fluke. Registration wasn't closed by Purdue when it should have. Youth Triennium has always been about a 5,000 person event except for that year. It sounds like you had a great time!
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