{"id":557,"date":"2018-05-04T13:07:01","date_gmt":"2018-05-04T13:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.presbyterianmission.org\/weekly-offerings\/?p=557"},"modified":"2018-05-04T13:07:01","modified_gmt":"2018-05-04T13:07:01","slug":"pentecost-helping-youth-see-new-dimensions-of-christian-faith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centernet.pcusa.org\/weekly-offerings\/2018\/05\/04\/pentecost-helping-youth-see-new-dimensions-of-christian-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"Pentecost: Helping Youth See New Dimensions of Christian Faith"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being a Christian in the Global World<\/strong><\/h4>\n

More than 2,000 youth from three denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), saw a snapshot of the world last year through the lens of faith.\"\"<\/p>\n

These youth experienced a sampling of international cultures at the Faith in 3D weekend at Walt Disney World\u2019s Epcot. Against the backdrop of Epcot\u2019s international showcase, participants were encouraged to consider how their faith impacts the way they live in a world made smaller by the forces of globalization.<\/p>\n

Through a special arrangement with Disney, the youth entered the park before it opened to the public. \u201cWe had discussions with the kids about what it means to be a Christian in the global world,\u201d says Adam Bowling, associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Morganton, NC. \u201cWe talked about what it means to love your neighbor and what does \u2018being a neighbor\u2019 mean. We discussed international mission partnerships and partnerships with mission co-workers.\u201d<\/p>\n

MLK’s Legacy Inspires\"\"<\/h4>\n

Held on the weekend when America was honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Faith in 3D wove King\u2019s themes of the beloved community and nonviolent change throughout the programming.<\/p>\n

Mason Streppa, a high school junior from First Presbyterian, Morganton, said he was struck by the relevance of King\u2019s message for the present day. \u201cWhat he said back then (about racial justice) is still very much on the minds of people and it is still being heard today.”<\/p>\n

Empowering Future Leaders<\/h4>\n

Mason\u2019s involvement at Faith in 3D set him on a course that led to his ordination as a youth deacon for mission and outreach. Prior to his ordination, he went to Guatemala on his first international mission trip and discovered that what he had learned at Faith in 3D proved helpful. \u201cAt Faith in 3D, I was able to stick my foot in the water of foreign cultures,\u201d Mason says. \u201cWhen I got to Guatemala, things started coming back to me from Faith in 3D about the different cultures, languages, and food.\u201d\"\"<\/p>\n

Adam has taken three different youth groups to Faith in 3D since 2009. \u201cThe preaching is always excellent, and it provides a witness to Dr. King\u2019s legacy and the plan and dreams God has for you,\u201d he said. He has seen youth reorder their priorities and even change career ambitions after attending Faith in 3D.<\/p>\n

You Help Make This Possible<\/h4>\n

The Pentecost Offering helped make possible these life-changing experiences. Sixty percent of the Offering goes to the national church to support ministries with youth as well as children at risk and Young Adult Volunteers. Forty percent of the offering is retained by our congregation.<\/p>\n

By supporting the Pentecost Offering, we are helping to shape a positive future for young lives, for our church, and for our world. Please give generously.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Let Us Pray<\/h4>\n

God of the Future, We give thanks for young people who commit themselves to your vision for our world. Encourage them and strengthen them as they work for your purposes. Help all of us to be faithful disciples who listen for your call and do your will. Amen.<\/p>\n

Join Us<\/h4>\n

For more information and resources related to the Pentecost offering, visit\u00a0presbyterianmission.org\/pentecost.<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/u> This post is based on the Minute for Mission script which can be found on our\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0as a\u00a0script<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Please give generously to the Offering:<\/p>\n