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Don't forget to bring your pennies to St. Simons Island!  We¹ll be collecting change throughout the weekend to support the United Methodist Youth Service Fund. The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is completely by, with, and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and benefit youth. Start saving because every penny counts! 

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• Provide a sufficient number of chaperones (1 per 6) willing to be completely involved in the weekend.

• Be responsible for all medical and insurance forms for each of your youth attending…and bring them with you!

• Don't let this be a one-stop shopping for your youth…follow up the retreat with confirmation classes, church recognition, etc.

• Take care of all “in house” management of your church group…conflict, minor medical problems, free time options, following rules, etc.

Because a tour of the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum is not included in the schedule, churches will have the opportunity to sign up for 30-minute tours for 40 people each offered during free time on Saturday. You may sign your church up by calling Diane at (888) 266-7642 or, if spaces are still available, you may sign up at Adult Orientation on Friday night of the event. Space is limited to the first 200. 
 

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The entire event will compliment Cokesbury's Claim the Name curriculum. For more information, log onto www.claimthename.com. This event is not meant to be the only confirmation your youth go through, as it should be complimentary to what your church is or will be doing. This event can be the start of your confirmation, the closing (overview), or mid-confirmation.

Talkin' Funny / Mumbo Jumbo - Understanding and defining the words we use as United Methodists – including Wesleyan terms, organizational terms, titles, etc. This workshop will help students get some sense of our organization, especially our "connection," and an understanding of key people and key terms they will hear.

Three Simple Rules - This is a study of the General Rules that were observed by the Methodist societies of John Wesley and that are found in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.  In this workshop students will explore what it means to do no harm, to do good, and to attend upon all the ordinances of God.  Book of Discipline, 2008; paragraph 103.

Packing for the Journey - Before you take the first step on a journey you must pack your bags.  This workshop will help students learn about things they will need on their journey of faith.  Students will learn about what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, how to grow in that relationship, and why it is important to serve others because of that relationship.

In 1729, John Wesley formed the Holy Club, a group of individuals that did not exceed 12 in numbers. These Holy Clubs studied the Bible in such a way that others began to say they had a method to studying. Thus, the Methodists began. It is from these early Holy Clubs that our current Bible study groups have emerged. Although our classes number more then 12 individuals, they still study with a method and purpose, to grow in knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. In our Join the Journey Holy Clubs, confirmands may choose to study any of the following: 

An Invitation to Chat (Prayer) - Looking into the practice of praying and a better understanding of what prayer is: when, where, and how we can pray; with the opportunity to lead prayers in Sunday morning worship if a group or individuals desire. 

Come to the Table (Holy Communion) - Exploring the meaning of Holy Communion with the opportunity to serve during Sunday morning worship.

Feast on the Word (Bible Study) - Unlocking the mysteries of an ancient book with an ever-so present message applicable to our daily lives. Sharing different methods of Bible Study, and perhaps including Scripture chosen to include in morning worship.

Devotion Motion (Devotions & Meditations) - Looking at and practicing reading devotions and meditations appropriate for youth.

These large group gatherings will take place in the Strickland Auditorium and will include high-energy music – a contemporary blend of new and old, drama relevant to the topic, a speaker, individual church time for discussion of the talk, multi-media presentations, and youth involvement. The following church seasons will theme each of the individual sessions:

•  Advent & Prevenient Grace
•  Lent / Good Friday & Justifying Grace
•  Easter & Justifying Grace
•  Pentecost & Sanctifying Grace

 

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Free Time Options (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Saturday)

(Directions for off-campus locations will be available at Adult Orientation)

Methodist Museum Tour – see above.

Fort Frederica – admission is $5 per vehicle. Fort Frederica is where Charles Wesley came with Oglethorpe to found the town and fort. Wesley was Oglethorpe's secretary and the Anglican (Church of England) minister. When he left, John Wesley would come down from Savannah to preach.

Wesley Gardens – a 2-acre garden with a large Celtic cross at the center as a monument to the Wesley brothers (John and Charles).

Christ Church – This congregation (not the building) claims its heritage back to the congregation Charles Wesley began at Fort Frederica . Contains historic cemetery with graves of many people who settled St. Simons Island .

Pier, Lighthouse, and Village Area – Here you will find a playground, shops, Neptune Park , lighthouse and museum, putt putt golf, whale sculpture, and the beautiful surroundings of the ocean. The Visitor's Center is also located in this area.

The Beach – Public access is located at the Old Coast Guard Station.

Spending Money

Listed below are the opportunities to spend money; however, none are required. 

Youth Service Fund Offering: This offering will be taken on Sunday morning to support the Youth Service Fund, this money goes to support projects that are designed by youth, led by youth, and benefit youth. We will collect this offering in PENNIES so start saving!

Epworth By The Sea Gift Shop 

Snack & Coke Machines

T-shirt for the event is FREE!!