Brennan H. Briefly Speaks About the Lock-In

The lock in was fun in free time but the planned schedule wasn't my favorite thing. I personally thought the way we used to have lock ins was funner. But the prayer stations I thought were a very good idea, and we should do them again and do skits or something.

Katie M. Adores Lock-Ins

Our Church lock ins are loads of fun. I always leave gaining new experiences and learning more about myself. We always start the lock ins off with games such as Monopoly, Apples to Apples, Fluxx, cards, etc. We then move into our meditation which is different at each lock in. Sometimes we have it where we all go to a different part of the Church and have music playing, dim lights, and it is just you and God. The most recent new form of meditation was a station form, six stations, twenty minutes each. I personally really enjoyed this style of meditation because it allowed me to release stress, secrets, and burdens I never thought to release when it was just God and I. After the meditation/stations are over we all get back together and while we all return to in front of the alter we sing Sanctuary. A small service and prayers are read. Our lock ins tend to have a theme depending on when we have them. Our first lock in of the year was a Halloween/Thanksgiving theme. St. James' youth group has had a huge impact on my life, without them I don't know where I would be. These lock ins are a way to have us all grow closer as a group. I love the events, activities, and everything about youth group. The lock ins are especially dear to my heart.

Kaley H. Opens Up About Her First Lock-In

This is my first lock-in and it has been so much fun. At first we all came in and played Monopoly and ate chips and salsa, for the first hour or two. One of my favorite parts is the movie. We picked it out then sat and watched Edward Scissorhands. My absolute favorite activity was the prayer stations. We went through six prayer stations and it was very calm and easy to let out feelings freely. I love how laid back and fun it is. I had so much fun tonight!

Katie M. Explores New York City at Nightwatch

My experience from nightwatch was amazing. I met so many new people at nightwatch and made many new friends and hope to keep them. I learned so much about St. John the Divine and the cathedral is beautiful. Most of the group went on a vertical tour on Saturday night and all the views were beautiful. We were able to tour New York City and go to FAO Schwartz, M&Ms World, and Toys R Us. I was able to go on the big piano in FAO Schwartz which was a great experience.  The services were amazing and very touching. All the songs were great and I knew most of them. We were able to see a peacock while walking out of the cathedral; it was albino too! At the Saturday night service of nightwatch we were able to see a bat, the organ was so beautiful and amazing as well. Overall it was a great experience and I hope there will be more to come. :)

Jordan W. Steps Out of Her Comfort Zone at Nightwatch

I had a great time at nightwatch. Since I was forced to socialize I made new friends. Being in such a gorgeous cathedral was magical (especially if it brings alive your dreams of becoming a shadowhunter). The vertical tour was as extraordinary as the general tour. Though a tad frightening at first, you got used to it and it was worn it. The view of New York City was postcard worthy. We also played intense games of Flux, a card game that constantly changes and causes people to do despicable things, such as cause dear friends to lose the game. On Saturday we walked around NYC, we went to Toys R Us, Rockefeller Center, and FAO Schwartz. Than we walked around Central Park. The giant piano at FAO was AMAZING. Well worth time in line.  Overall I enjoyed the experience and hope there is another nightwatch next year to go to.

Katie M. Extolls the Value of Her P3 Experience

Day 1

This was the first day of the Province III Retreat. When I was picked up along with the rest of the youth going from my church, we piled into a van headed to West Virginia, and I instantly started/tried to have a conversation with the other people I didn’t know. We started with each of us introducing ourselves: Grace, Raphael, Erin, Scott, Andy, Greg, and Jordan. After introducing myself I was thinking and reminding myself this trip is about meeting new people and having new experiences, getting away from reality and just spending a weekend in the middle of nowhere with people I don't know. I took a risk and just went for it, I actually started a conversation with people I didn't know and it got pretty much the entire van involved. I will admit I can be outgoing most of the time but some times I can be shy; it all depends on the situation I am in. The great thing was, I actually had a lot in common with people I had just met. We found ways to entertain ourselves on the 2 ½ hour drive. Multiple conversation topics, (sports, school, likes/dislikes) we also played Never Have I Ever, and Would You Rather. As soon as the ice was broken it felt as if we had known each other our whole lives, when in reality it had only been a few minutes. We finally arrived at the camp, which is surrounded by millions of trees and wildlife. Then we went to the lodges where we were going to sleep, unloaded our bags, headed to the pavilion, and unloaded the rest of the van. When we had finished with all that we went and mingled with the rest of the people who were already there. We got small beach balls thrown to us, and at first we didn't know what to do with them. We made up our own game and rules: we had to keep the ball off the ground and keep passing it around the circle. We also played games to learn everyone's name, and get to know each other better. Close to the end of the night we got into small groups and got to know each other, then had our evening service. After all of the excitement we went to our lodges and had devotions. Overall a great start to the weekend.

Day 2

The second day it was raining. We had breakfast by Birthdays and a morning service. We met as a large group and learned about living purposefully, loving recklessly, and acting fearlessly. I was able to hear so many different stories of how people could relate to one of the sayings. We saw videos on how people's lives were connected with god. The stories I heard I could relate to some. Everyone who read did an amazing job. We also met with our small groups to discuss the themes of the weekend. We had lots of free time that day, so a few of us went to prayer hill; it has an outside alter that is maintained by/was built by campers. That night after chapel we had a campfire, made s’mores, sang songs, and just hung out under the stars with everyone. Later that night we went back to the lodges and had devotions/reflected on the day.

Day 3

This day was a good but upsetting day. It was the last day of the Province III Retreat, and it had gone faster than I had wanted it to. We had breakfast then our last service of the weekend. Afterwards we said our goodbyes and exchanged contact information. It was upsetting to have to leave a place where so many people that love you surround you, and you connect so strongly with people that you just met.

My overall experience from PYE was amazing. I cannot wait till next year, when I get to make new friendships and have so many new experiences. This trip helped me get closer to God and I will never forget what I gained from this trip. I hope to keep these friendships strong and make them stronger. I hope to hangout with them again soon.

Take advantage of the experiences you get to have and never forget what you gain from them; I know I never will.

Greg P. Talks About P3

This was like nothing I have been to in my life! This was my first time doing the Province III Retreat and I had so much fun. The fun started before I even got to the camp, it started on the car ride. It was about a two and a half hour drive but it did not feel that way! I talked with everyone and almost immediately made bonds or connections. When we got to the camp, the fun kept on going with icebreaker games and hanging out with strangers, future friends. That is how the whole weekend went in a nut shell. That and strengthening our relationship with God. It was fun, entertaining, and a perfect way to spend the weekend. I strongly recommend it to people.