In late September, the churches of the 787 Collective gathered in retreat at Lutherhill Camp in La Grange, Texas. It was a time for reflection, fellowship, worship, and working on project proposals. We interviewed a few of our participants so you can hear about the event through their own words. Read their responses below:
Name: Caitlin P.
Age: 26
Relationship to the Collective: “Core group” member of St. John’s Methodist Church
Describe the event in three sentences or less: The retreat was a wonderful way to really focus on creating a project outline for our church’s “new thing” regarding young adults. We received clarity about what and how we want to do, and found it very helpful to hear what other groups have done and will do.
What did you notice during or about this event? The group was quite diverse, and the freedom afforded us was much appreciated (ample food, breaks, activities, etc.).
What impacted you the most? Building out our project plan.
What impacted you the least? I honestly can’t remember! I had a wonderful time.
What about this event struck you as spiritual and/or carried spiritual significance for you? Having time to meditate/contemplate alone and in silence.
What new or next thing, if anything, did this experience inspire you to do/be/or try in the future? We planned to hold a lunch and voting guide review and followed by a midterm election “watch party” as our first event.
Relationship to the Collective: Young Adult Advisor
Describe the event in three sentences or less: The retreat was a weekend to dive more deeply into the projects the 787 collective was working on. I came as a possible Young Adult Advisor, not entirely knowing what to expect or what I was gettingmyself into. Overall, I played a role of understanding more about what people were working on and to provide another perspective in their work.
What did you notice during or about this event? Lots! I noticed a particular care about opening up and hearing from others. Also lots of laughter.
What impacted you the most? Hearing from other people and having a night away in the woods.
What impacted you the least? The brainstorming session on Saturday morning, as it didn’t really apply to me.
What about this event struck you as spiritual and/or carried spiritual significance for you? The trying to be open to others and hear each other out, especially in the larger circle times. Also the (literal) nature of the area where the retreat was held.
What new or next thing, if anything, did this experience inspire you to do/be/or try in the future? As a young adult advisor, I’m still not entirely sure what I’ve gotten myself into. With that being said, lots of people are trying to do lots of cool stuff ALL of the time to make the world a more connected, better place, and that’s really heartwarming. I am taking away that same sort of open attitude.
