Sunshine during Shine!
This past weekend 150 teenage girls and their leaders gathered at Eagle Eyrie for Shine (formerly called Acteens Weekender for Girls).
Planned and led with the assistance of seven student leaders, Shine truly gave the teenage girls a chance to be themselves and reflect on missions and their relationship with God.
The theme of “Community” allowed them to explore what it means to be created by God and to be in community with God and others.
The music during worship was led by The Sonflowerz, and up and coming duo of two sisters from Colorado. They’ve also opened for Third Day, among other popular Christian bands, so the fact that they played at Eagle Eyrie is pretty awesome.
Alice Cates was the worship pastor and challenged the girls to really understand and live out what it means to be in Community. Her words were powerful as she shared her heart with them.
The enthusiasm of the girls was evident all over campus; the dining hall bustled as the girls made new friends (and proceeded to play the cup game!). Several soaked up some sun during free time as the weather was absolutely gorgeous. In addition to worship and free time, the girls enjoyed breakouts, Bible study, and fun community-building games.
Kristen White, WMUV Student Mission Coordinator and leader for this retreat, pointed out that during “even” years, the weather for Shine was beautiful; during the last couple “odd” years, the weather was cold, rainy, and miserable.
We’re thankful that the weather was great, but even more thankful that the retreat went well. We pray that Shine 2013 will break the cycle and also have great weather!
