For more than 50 years, our Summit retreats have provided the perfect place for high school youth, young adults, and adult leaders to grow in their faith, in their commitment to Christ, and in community with each other in a one-week casual setting. This intergenerational gathering is something that we do with the youth and not for the youth -- everyone joins together for most parts of the day, from worship to mission to recreation. It’s an incredible opportunity for leaders to really get to know the members of their group (and others) while growing right alongside them.
After a break during COVID, we came back this year from July 30– August 5 at Wheeling University in West Virginia. Nine churches -- Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist, American Baptist, and Independent -- joined together from Texas to Maryland to Massachusetts to Illinois to Missouri to NJ -- and a few spots in between!
The renewed event guided our theme of “What’s New?” with our main scripture being II Corinthians 5:16-18:
“Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.” --The Message
There were so many “new” things to build upon traditions of gatherings past, but what wasn’t new was the true community we felt, enjoying great fun with one another, amazing worship experiences, multiple days of helping the local community through mission, and opportunities to grow deeper in our relationships with Jesus and one another!
It was great to celebrate 50 years of Summits together, and we can’t wait for next year!
Speaking of next year …
Summit 2024 will take place from July 28– August 3, 2024, at Wheeling University in Wheeling, WV. We are already gearing up for our time together and hope that your church will consider joining in the fun. Scholarship funds are available. Our registration is now live.
Whether you’ve been to many Summits in the past or you’ve never been to even one, all are invited! No “group” is too big or too small, so don’t feel shy if you have even two or three youth. Summit is a great opportunity for adult leaders to bond with the youth and young adults in their groups, all the while being supported and in community with other adults who have similar goals.
The community that comes out of this gathering extends well beyond the week we spend together --- it’s amazing to experience and we truly hope that you will consider attending Summit in the summer of 2024.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Kelly Burnett, GenOn Summit Coordinator (KellyBurnett@GenOnMinistries.org).
Also in October 2023 IG Mix: The joy of launching: Step 5 in Becoming Intentionally Intergenerational