A Warehouse
The Door says “The Warehouse,” but once you walk inside you’re surprised by the lack of warehouse-y type features: no shelves, no boxes, no pallets. Instead, there are couches, pool tables, and a basketball court. No longer a place to store product before it ships, it’s now a place to hang out, play some basketball, and talk about nothing...or everything.
The warehouse has become home to many of the mid-week events that make up youth ministry at Parkside. Every Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll find dozens of students and adults who have come to spend time together worshipping God and learning about his son, Jesus Christ.
An Island
While the youth ministry never really stops, the arrival of the school year means that things are moving at full steam, including our school year retreat schedule. Each year, the middle school and the high school youth each spend a (different) weekend away learning about God and developing relationships with each other (not to mention the games & s’mores!).
This year, we’re shaking things up. The fall retreat is for all students in grades 6 through 12 and will be held on October 3 and 4. We’re calling it O’Frenzy, and it’s an event that your student doesn’t want to miss. O’Frenzy is a unique retreat with a unique purpose. It’s an opportunity for almost an entire generation to be together seeking, taking part in, and being available for what God is doing in the world around us.
O’Frenzy is two days away at Camp Patmos on Kelley’s Island. In addition to paintball, arts and crafts , kayaking and other fun activities offered by the camp, students will have an opportunity to focus on Christ. For some, it may be the first time they meet with Him in a meaningful way; for others, it’s an opportunity to refocus and re-establish priorities. Regardless, it’s an incredible opportunity to get involved in Parkside’s youth ministry, to spend time developing biblical friendships, and to grow in their relationship with the Lord.
The World
When you stop and think about it, the warehouse and the island represent two different aspects of Christian discipleship to our teens: the routine, daily discipleship that Christ calls us to and the special times away when we spend time especially focusing on our walk with him.
In either location, we’re making much of Christ, learning as a growing generation what it means to live as Christians in a world where meaning is constantly sought but rarely found. The message is serious and intentional with the news of Jesus Christ at the center whether we’re in a converted warehouse or on a quiet island, but its news that the students can take with them anywhere in the world.
Registration for O'Frenzy is now open. Pick up a brochure or register online.
For more information about youth ministry at Parkside Church, visit our parents' website or our students' website.
