YOUTH
Get fired Up!
Alyson Breisch
Southern Conference Minister
for Health and Wellness
This past Saturday people gathered at United Church of Chapel Hill for the annual meeting of the Eastern North Carolina Association of the UCC Southern Conference. The theme was “Renewing Our Faith in the Church”- Acts 2:1-3: “1. When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.” (RRSV).
On Saturday afternoon, the youth shared with us the focus of their workshop – “Get Fired Up!” The youth workshop leader used the story of Pentecost to discuss how the lives of early disciples were filled with courage to spread the message of Jesus. The youth led us in becoming intentional to share the Good News. We responded to their repeating call to get fired up – we got fired up! After their presentation, we each received a red and yellow paper flame and a flame sticker. My paper flame is right next to me on my desk as I ponder what to write for this week’s article.
Getting "Fired up" means to be energetic, determined, and full of strong feeling, usually excitement. It’s a phrase used to describe overwhelming excitement and to encourage others to “get fired up”. To be “fired up” means you embrace an attitude where you take a larger view and look beyond your own desires and needs. It is about being clear what your contribution should be.
Looking at my flame next to me, I am also reminded of a story from the ancient desert fathers and mothers. Beginning around the third century AD, these early Christian hermits and ascetics (Abbas) lived primarily in the Natran Desert of the Roman province of Egypt. Abba Lot went to Abba Joseph and said to him, “Abba, as far as I can, I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?” Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands toward heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, “If you will, you can become all flame.”
Like the early Christians and today’s enthusiastic youth, may we become
fully alive, fully driven by God’s love – fired up! with the flames of energy and life.
Hearing testimony of one-armed wrestler
Submitted by Pastor Jim Simonds
Mount Zion UCC, China Grove, N.C.
On the Sunday following the youth event, 4 youth from Mt. Zion in China Grove gave a report on their experiences. They were inspired by the testimony of the one-armed wrestler. They were so thankful for the team that led. They enjoyed small groups and seminars. Thank you Belinda for putting together this great blessing.
Recognizing the Visionary of the 2024 Southern Conference Youth Event
Written by Rev. Belinda Sledge
“Write the vision and make it plain,” says Rev. Edward Davis (D.Min.), Southern Conference Minister. These were the instructions given to Rev. Belinda Sledge as chair of the Southern Conference United Church of Christ Youth Event planning committee. This committee was made up of members around the Southern Conference who brought the vision of the youth event to life that was held in Virginia Beach, VA, July 23rd – 26th of this year.