Chrysalis was held at the 4-H center in Front Royal, Virginia, beginning November 30 and ending on December 2. The theme of the event was “Hear Me Now.” The youth were asked to “disconnect” for the weekend. Cell phones, MP3 players, and iPods were not allowed at the event. We focused on our relationship with God and our relationships with other people.

Throughout the weekend, nineteen youth and four adults from Saint Nicholas, along with 250 other youth and adults, were reminded that God is always there for us. God’s network never drops our prayers. God’s network never fails.

As we explored what it meant for God to “Hear Me Now” throughout the weekend, we participated in a variety of activities. We all participated in a large group setting where we sang songs with the band Lantern Hill. In large group, we also played some games and heard from the chaplain about how the theme connects with our lives. We were reminded that God is always there for us and we need to sometimes “disconnect” from text messaging and our iPods to hear him.

Each of us had a small group where we studied God’s word and made new friends throughout the synod. Small groups were organized in conferences in the hopes that the youth might be able to “connect” more than once a year at Chrysalis.

We all took part in E-Groups (Experiential groups). E-Groups this year included doing a spiritual gifts inventory, feeding our small group leader pudding while five people in the group were blindfolded (ask the youth – I’m sure they’ll explain it much better than I can), learning about Bread for the World and other service opportunities.

We worshipped together on Saturday evening. Bishop Graham was with us and presided at the service. We celebrated Holy Communion in our small groups. We communed each other around a blanket.

At the end of each night we gathered together for family time. Family time is time only with your church. During this time, we shared our high and low points for the day, what we learned that day, and how we can hear God in our lives. Our youth connected together as a group and made new friends with many in the synod.

As an adult participant, it was nice to “disconnect” for a while. It was a good reminder to me and, I think, to all of the participants that we need to take time to listen for God in our busy lives.

I am very proud of our youth. They participated in the event and have grown in their relationship with Christ.

Ask the youth about their experience at Chrysalis. I’m sure that they will be more than willing to share what they’ve learned and tell you about all of the fun they had.

Pastor Wendy