Powerhouse 2013 gathers youth from the midwest region

By Walt Wiltschek 

Photo courtesy of Walt Wiltschek

More than 70 people took part in Powerhouse 2013, the Church of the Brethren Midwest regional youth conference, held at Camp Mack (Milford, Ind.) for the first time this year. It marked the fourth year for the event since it was restarted in a new fall format.

Audrey and Tim Hollenberg-Duffey, third-year students at Bethany Theological Seminary, served as the main speakers on the theme, “Stories from the Garden: On Earth as It Is in Heaven.” Through three worship services they examined stories from the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the garden of life in Revelation 22. Using images from Renaissance paintings to olive presses to leaves, they looked at the goodness of God’s creation, our need for refinement and “harvesting,” and the opportunity to do a new thing as part of the “divine potluck” of God’s kingdom.

The conference, held Nov. 16-17, also included workshops covering topics such as calling and vocation, Brethren heritage, National Youth Conference, outdoor ministry, organic gardening, “Seagoing Cowboys,” and more, as well as an indoor campfire, a presentation of the musical “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” good food, and time for recreation.

The conference for senior high youth and advisors is planned by Manchester University in cooperation with surrounding districts. The next Powerhouse will take place in November 2014, with details to be determined. Updates will be posted at www.manchester.edu/powerhouse.

-- Walt Wiltschek, Manchester University Campus Ministry, provided this release.

Source: 12/7/2013 Newsline