“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV)

Earlier in February, the high schoolers (YSF) had their first YSF Retreat in two years; however, the retreat was only a one-day retreat held at the ECC-Redmond campus. The gathering consisted of the youth from both the Redmond and Seattle campuses. Although this was not a sleepover retreat, many familiar activities were present, such as worship, a message from a speaker, group games, and everyone's favorite: Cup Noodles

The theme for the YSF Retreat was “Kingdom-Minded.” The speaker, Pastor Micah Clark, shared on how our minds need to be focused on the heavenly things, such as peace, justice, love, and mercy. These aspects are to be at the forefront of our minds as we live out each and every day on this terrestrial plane. The foundation for these aspects is love. Everything flows from love. We are transformed by the love of Christ and given a new self; we are a new creation. In turn, the love of Christ needs to flow from each of us. Those whom we encounter will see love first.

The youth were challenged to give God the first fifteen minutes of their day. At the start of the day, instead of grabbing their phones to check likes or updates that might have come overnight, they were to grab the Word of God, read it, spend some time in worship, and pray. This challenge is a great reminder for all followers of Christ, not just for the youth. The start of the day needs this specific prayer lifted up: how will You use me today, Lord?