Convention Rainbow

This is the Convention rainbow created during the SCYL worship service. The rainbow was made up of post-it notes with messages from the congregation about what they are seeking. The teens wrote a poem about what the rainbow colors correspond to.

Red is for the Lord's love which pushes and empowers all.

Orange is for the charity of helping others on their journey towards their call.

Yellow is for the truth and faith which guide our way.

Green is for your strengths and talents to help you grow each day.

Blue is for intelligence, the light that directs your love.

Purple is for the wisdom, God's gift from up above.

Convention 2010!

Well, another Convention has come and gone and all that remains are the collection of memories from that wonderful event. I sometimes like to wait a bit before I write about an experience to see what sticks. So, now after 10 days has past since we all departed St. Paul, I sit and listen to Mozart and Chopin and wait for images and thoughts float to the surface.

I see teen girls on the lawn of the quad at St. Thomas finger painting the ocean.

I see Cody playing Frisbee keep away with Holly, Janice, Jon and me.

I see the faded red Clifford anxiously awaiting its next call into service.

I hear the laughter and screams of teens on rides at Valleyfair and the Mall of America (can you see any SCYL girls in this video?).


I feel myself bobbing in the refreshing waves at the wave pool.

I hear the beautiful duet of Nina and Janice covering Sea of Love in the dimly glowing candlelight.

I see the teen girls coming to get Jon in his room shortly after his arrival to welcome him into the group.
I see colored seeking stick notes being formed into a rainbow.

I see teens gathering together to sing Hallelujah.

I remember Junchol's talk about the Buddha and the emotional exchange about the trading card raffle dilemma.

I feel the cool, clammy air in the cave and think about the spirits floating about there.

I see teens lined up at the bar!

I remember Cody calling Jon "Whatever" when we picked him up at the airport.

I recall our discussions about what we are seeking.

I remember how cool, resourceful and organized Liz was in the airport on our return trip.
I think about lining up for a picture in front of the wrong Clifford and wonder what the people who owned it would have thought if they saw.

I will never forget Nina's emotionally touching President address and how the SCYL truly is a home for many teens.

I love the community that you teens have created and wish every person could find a place where they feel they belong. I pray that through the SCYL and Convention experiences some of you teens do discover this sense of belonging. You are all amazing and I treasure the opportunity to work and play in your presence.