H7 Story: Winter Retreat Recap
Winter Retreat at Longview Camp, once again, proved to be the recharge students and leaders needed during a gloomy time of year. Students heard three sermons expounded from Romans chapter 12. These sermons focused on what a transformed life by the grace of God in Christ looks like in this world. Students were challenged to live out their faith and hope, found in the gracious work of God in Christ, in every area of life – within the church among fellow believers as well as within an unbelieving world. It was an activity-filled, gospel-saturated weekend where community was built and souls were nourished from God's Word.
Below are some comments from students who had the opportunity to attend this year.
“It was very fun being able to worship and learn about while being with all my friends!”
–Freshman Wyatt Harrison
“I enjoyed the time and fellowship with friends and the theme of the sermons. The theme was transformed living, and it was about giving your life to God, our life with the church, and letting our love be genuine.” –Sophomore Ella Harrison
“My experience at Winter Retreat was strengthening and eye-opening. I spent more time with my small group, getting to know them better, and talking to other people who were not a priority in my day-to-day life. I know that it is not an easy job making sure everyone is feeling cared for, but I felt as if God gave me the strength and patience to take time to see things as others do. And the worship time that we had was just awesome. It impacted the way I sing lyrics and read the Word. As the worship leader for our amazing 180 Students, I have an obligation to lead them in the worship of God, but if I don't take time to understand it myself, then am I really helping them? That's what Winter Retreat helped me with. I now sing praises to God and know exactly why I do it.” –Sophomore David Chapman
“Winter restart was an amazing opportunity to spend the weekend in Christian community, while also enjoying the amazing view and awesome activities. The topic of “transformed living” was an extremely important topic for me and my small group to work as Jesus’ hands and feet. Longview is such a great opportunity to grow together with your small group and in your walk with Christ. I loved Winter Retreat and highly recommend it.”
–Senior Brenna Widmaier
“Winter retreat was extremely beneficial for my small groups growing closer together as a unit, and closer together in Christ. Team bonding activities reminded us that we are not meant to live life alone, but with Christ centered community. We enjoyed the chance to spend time together, play games, and grow together in small group.” –Junior Kendal Baughman
“Winter Retreat was a fantastic weekend, as always. Just enough activities and free time where I wasn’t overwhelmed, but I also wasn't bored. Lots of great worship and sermons and great food too! The message topic was Romans 12: Transformed Living, and it really hit close to home for me. The messages encouraged my small group to have good conversation as well, and we grew closer together over the weekend. Great camp!
–Junior Charlie Larson
“Winter Retreat was really helpful for me. The teaching and worship was a wonderful opportunity to refocus my heart on what really matters. I was more enlightened to certain struggles and I found new ways to grow. I think the best part was the time I spent with my friends and small group. It is very encouraging to be in community with other believers and know that you are not alone.” –Sophomore Lily Shrader
“It was very fun being able to worship and learn about while being with all my friends!”
–Freshman Wyatt Harrison
“I enjoyed the time and fellowship with friends and the theme of the sermons. The theme was transformed living, and it was about giving your life to God, our life with the church, and letting our love be genuine.” –Sophomore Ella Harrison
“My experience at Winter Retreat was strengthening and eye-opening. I spent more time with my small group, getting to know them better, and talking to other people who were not a priority in my day-to-day life. I know that it is not an easy job making sure everyone is feeling cared for, but I felt as if God gave me the strength and patience to take time to see things as others do. And the worship time that we had was just awesome. It impacted the way I sing lyrics and read the Word. As the worship leader for our amazing 180 Students, I have an obligation to lead them in the worship of God, but if I don't take time to understand it myself, then am I really helping them? That's what Winter Retreat helped me with. I now sing praises to God and know exactly why I do it.” –Sophomore David Chapman
“Winter restart was an amazing opportunity to spend the weekend in Christian community, while also enjoying the amazing view and awesome activities. The topic of “transformed living” was an extremely important topic for me and my small group to work as Jesus’ hands and feet. Longview is such a great opportunity to grow together with your small group and in your walk with Christ. I loved Winter Retreat and highly recommend it.”
–Senior Brenna Widmaier
“Winter retreat was extremely beneficial for my small groups growing closer together as a unit, and closer together in Christ. Team bonding activities reminded us that we are not meant to live life alone, but with Christ centered community. We enjoyed the chance to spend time together, play games, and grow together in small group.” –Junior Kendal Baughman
“Winter Retreat was a fantastic weekend, as always. Just enough activities and free time where I wasn’t overwhelmed, but I also wasn't bored. Lots of great worship and sermons and great food too! The message topic was Romans 12: Transformed Living, and it really hit close to home for me. The messages encouraged my small group to have good conversation as well, and we grew closer together over the weekend. Great camp!
–Junior Charlie Larson
“Winter Retreat was really helpful for me. The teaching and worship was a wonderful opportunity to refocus my heart on what really matters. I was more enlightened to certain struggles and I found new ways to grow. I think the best part was the time I spent with my friends and small group. It is very encouraging to be in community with other believers and know that you are not alone.” –Sophomore Lily Shrader
