| All The Cool People Are Going To Be In Lexington, This Year! By: Katherine Swenson And they're letting me go anyways! Wow, they must welcome everyone! Seriously though folks, the Winter Family Tournament held in Lexington, KY December 22nd-26th of 2004 is a great time and without a doubt worth the trip! I have gone 5 out of the 7 years, and have learned to make my schedule around it -- and considering that I go to school full time, travel most weekends, and work 3 jobs that is no small feat. More than the activities (which are abundant, inclusive, and just plain fun!) it is the godly spirit of love, acceptance, hard work, and fellowship inherent to the Lexinton Winter Family Weekend that truly makes it woth the travel -- and even the expense. Some of my favorite aspects of Lexington: -- Expectation and achievement of good sportsmanship at all of the games (and the few instances where there were problems have been taken care of swiftly and fairly) -- High quality seminars worth attending (and a choice, so that no one is forced to go to a seminar they won't get anything out of) -- Plenty of activities for all ages, toddlers to seniors! (And while I am an avid volleyball player, although not terribly talented :-), last year I was not able to do any of the sports because I had been in a severe car accident 2 weeks prior. I still had a blast! Thursday and Friday I spent some time chhering on my friends who were playing, but most of my time I spent in the area above the courts talking, playing cards/board games, eating (did I mention the FABULOUS food???), and fellowshipping. There are so many people there, you never get bored, and if you do, as my father would say, start working! We can always use more volunteers!) -- Freedom and encouragement to take initative to fulfill needs not already met -- which means if YOU have a great idea for singles, chidren, young adults, seniors, young marrieds, etc. you are welcome, encouraged, and enabled to bring your idea to fruition! -- Allowing, expecting, and demanding the youth (really everyone who attends) to rise to the highest of standards instead of trying to completely control and pandering to the lowest common denominator--and believe it or not, it works! Look at the fruit! -- People trained in problem solving on site (meaning ministers and others who are trained and skilled in this area and know how to facilitate discussion and bring things to resolution instead of... the alternative). -- Positive attitudes all around :-) -- Open environment that promotes growth -- The fact that EVERYONE is welcome (I cannot stress this enough!). Friends from any and all of the ex-coG's will be there as well as others never a part of our tradition. This weekend is often and effectively used as an evangelism tool -- and that's how it should be! -- Variety! Options! CHOICES! Can you imagine a church activity where you get to decide what you want to do, as opposed to being forced to do what everyone is doing? One of the newest options this year are Craft Activities brought to us by the Kansas City, MO Church of God. We're not just kindergarten crafts, we're talking Martha Stewart (pre incarceration) style crafts! I'm going to give up at least one day of games in favor of the crafts myself! Perfect if you're not a big fan of sports! -- The spirit of love. Need I say more? -- The fact that this is put on by the people, we don't have a big organization paying for everything, instead this year (as in every other year) the Lexington, KY & Cincinnati, OH Churches are raising money, volunteering their skills and time, and organizing this totally themselves. They've done such an awesome job for the past 7 years, and this year will be the best yet! -- Last, but not least, the speakers. GIFTED (meaning not boring) speakers will be coming this year. Ron Dart (one of my personal favorites :-) will be giving the sermon on Sabbath, and all of those giving a seminar (*ahem*checkoutGuySwenson&BillJacobs*ahem*) will be doing so because they are gifted in that area and actually have something worthwhile to say -- not because they were placed there as a matter of politics. There are few things I get more out of than inspired speaking, led by the Holy Spirit! I honestly could go on and on... Buy my point is this, be in Lexington. Period. Cancel your plans, allow us to incoporate your plans into ours (like the Kansas City COG is doing -- and we're so glad they are!), or make plans for hte first time -- whatever you have to do (short of anything unethical or immoral, of course) do it. Trust me, it is worth it! Also, if anyone is concerned about finances, please let me know. We can often times find roommates for people (side note: I stayed in a room with 9 other gals once... which certainly was not my initial plan! I was forced to room with the 8 other gals because I made the mistake of waiting to reserve a room and by the time I did it was all booked! I didn't have my license at the time, so staying somewhere else -- like our overflow hotel we already have arranged -- was not an option. But the upside was that it only cost me $20.00 or so, which for a broke college kid like me was very nice.), or even give you fund raising/car pooling ideas! We know people coming from all across the country, so let us know early and we'll try to get everyone hooked up with a ride. I'm incredibly excited (can you tell?) about this year, especially about the opportunity to serve some constituencies that might not have felt comfortable coming in years past. This is a great opportunity for everyone, so take ownership, take initiative, and most of all -- show up! Because if you don't you'll most certainly regret it (oh, and we'll miss you!)! To register go to: http://www.cogcincinnati.com/tournament.html For more information write Katie at: [email protected] BACK HOME |
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