Imagine: a weekend characterized by a few hundred junior high and high school students joining together to proclaim the goodness of God loudly in worship, humbly in service to the community, with intrigue as they seek to learn more in classes, and in fellowship through a dance party and meals both with the friends they came with and friends they’ve met for the first time.
This and more will be the scene at The Gathering, an annual youth conference hosted by Trinity, Roselle where students are equipped and encouraged to be bold in their faith. Join them the evening of Friday, April 6 and all day long Saturday, April 7.
17 churches from four different states have already registered for the two day conference for students in grades 6-12. This year, the 6th annual conference garners its theme, Wonder, from Psalm 40:5 (NIV), “Many, Lord my God are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
Students have the joy of serving the local park district and a food pantry in the neighborhood of Trinity, Roselle in addition to the on campus events of The Gathering.
Back on campus, students will participate in three worship sessions led by The Gathering house band. Students have the opportunity to attend break out classes including a session on Evolution vs. Christianity led by Rev. Micah Greiner, a freedom charged Girls Only session titled “Insecurity Sells,” and a Guys Only message.
The Gathering’s special guests this year are the Skit Guys! Pastors by day and comedians by night, Tommy Woodard, Eddie James, and the Skit Guys team have 1.4 million views on some of their skits and sermons. Woodard and James have been best friends since high school and have spent the last twenty years “teaching God’s word using comedy, drama, and whatever category talking action figures fit into.”
The $50 per student registration fee includes all meals on Saturday, all on and off-campus events, including the after-hours dance party, and an overnight stay at the youth center just two blocks from the church. Lodging is separated by gender.
If you’re unable to attend the entire event but would like to attend the Night of Worship concert at 7 p.m. Saturday night, tickets can be purchased for $15 per person online. For just $5 more, attend the entire evening of closing worship, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes an additional fifteen minutes of the Skit Guys.
We prayerfully look forward to the work the Lord will do in and through Trinity, Roselle and the youth and leaders in attendance in April. For more information, please visit www.gatheringtrinityroselle.com.