Why Go to Church?

The January edition of the Chaplain's Corner
by Pastor Dave, SCYL Chaplain

Why go to church? I thought I’d share a few lines about what is in it for you to go to church. First of all, God is everywhere—in church and outside church. You can talk with God in prayer anywhere. You can see God anywhere—perhaps in a sunset or sunrise; perhaps in nature; perhaps in the faces of people around you. But do you make time to think about God? Is God a part of your life? That’s one good reason for church. It is a special time set aside for God. It is a special place set aside for God. When you enter a church, all the memories of times you found God come back. It is a time and place in the schedule of your life when God is put first. Church is also a holy community. When you go to church, you surround yourself with other people who are putting God in the first place. We need the support of other people. We pick friends who love us and whom we love. And it is good to love and be loved. Church is like that. It is a loving community where others seek God as you do. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt 18:20). Then there is the church service itself. You hear God’s Word in the Bible reading. And you hear about God in the sermon. Hopefully, in a church service you will learn about God, think about God, and experience God. Consider attending church. But most of all, keep a light in your heart for God, wherever you are.

Reflections on the 2008 Almont Winter Retreat

By Nina

Almont ’08 was utterly amazing! …pretty much the third best retreat type thing I’ve ever been to (after Convention ’08 and Memorial Day ’08). This retreat was much bigger all the others I’ve attended (29 teens!) And we still managed to fit practically everyone on the coma couch! I really loved having so many people there and still being able to really connect with the other teens, even in such a large group. It was truly fabulous. I also very much enjoyed this Almont’s topic- the seven deadly sins. I believe I learned numerous things during the sessions that I will be able to apply to situations I encounter throughout my life. I found the topics of sloth, which I have decided is the worst sin of all, and lust to be most interesting. I also realized during this retreat how much of a glutton I am! So basically, this year’s Almont was magnificent.

Presidents of the SCYL

In honor of this historic Inauguration Day where the United States ushers in a new President, we announce the start of a new monthly feature "Former Presidents of the League - Where are they now?". We are contacting former Presidents of the Youth League trying to get as many as possible to send a little paragraph about what they are up to now, what they did when they were League President and what impact the SCYL has had on them and their journey. Look for the first edition of this feature this January. Hail to the Chiefs!

P.S. Our new League President is Nina! More on her as well as the other 2009 elected Officers soon.

Pepsi vs Coke

I loved the battles at this year's Almont winter retreat. Sola pummeled Jake in this round. No contest.

Almont Winter Retreat 2008

The 2008 Almont Winter Retreat was indeed bigger and better than ever. 38 of us (29 teens) from 7 different states and 3 Canadian provinces descended on the Almont retreat center to live, learn and play in community. With Ultimate Frisbee, great food, deadly sins snakes and ladders, the up-all-night, music, meaningful and enlightening sessions, great friends, dorm mad libs, SCYL Officer elections, worship and of course the skate pizza party how could you not have a fantastic time. We'll hear and see lots more about this terrific event, but let's start with some short videos of the skate party.