The YAP (Youth/Young Adult Program) had a surprising total of 26
individuals. We began with an individual search (How Am I the Hope
and Future?), by listing individual accomplishments within our churches
and the denomination. We created body drawings and word cards
describing/depicting who we are.
We traveled out to bring our gifts to others around us, by preparing
food at the Food Bank in Phoenix (693 boxes in one hour; which they said
would have normally taken four hours for a group our size!)
We connected with our creativity through improv with a group called
QSpeak, and dance through a Master Class dance workshop with a locally
famous hiphop artist. We showcased our dance routine at the
Kareoke night.
We also explored our tenacity, willingness and self-empowerment to do
other things, and went on a hot air balloon ride around the Scottsdale
area.
The exploration of our spiritual selves involved taking part in
several worship services (reading, singing (in the choir and as a
ensemble) and improvision); building our own church of expression, which
we erected in the conference center, and preparing our own worship
services based on the four natural elements. We had the
opportunity to witness and appreciate the evolving and differing
spiritual expressions of each other through the worship services, and
even sorted out "The Lord's Prayer" in a poetic rap that encouraged us
to examine words and feelings.
We celebrated ourselves on Thursday, with a closing ceremony, and
left thoughts for the next Youth Conference, and goals for a Mission
trip and Youth website. Watch out MCC - your future is here!
