| Submitted by Dave Trippett
If you think you might need a post Christmas mid winter pick me up Teen Fest 2006 might just give you the lift you're looking for. This third annual event will be held at the Calhoun County Park Barn on January 15th and 16th from 3 p.m. on Sunday to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Several changes have been adapted to the program as a result of feed-back and suggestions given on prior critique forms. The changes do not however, affect the ultimate goal of this retreat in any way. That goal being to provide a safe and secure environment for teenagers to interact, fellowship, and worship with their peers regardless of where they come from or where they're going.
The first, and most obvious change, is moving to a Sunday/Monday format. This was done to facilitate those who were uncomfortable missing services at their own churches on Sunday morning. The second change is holding Teen Fest in the winter in an attempt to not have any conflict with graduation, Follies, sports banquets and the likes.
The overnight event will still feature two performances by the acclaimed Christian band "Higher Ground." Traveling up from Beckley for their second consecutive Teenfest, the musicians of this highly acclaimed group play a wide range of music including Praise, Contemporary, and traditional hymns. On top of that they will serve as our Evangelists for the event. Joining them this year will be Cartoonist JD Williams using his art work and humor to depict the advantages of following Jesus. On Monday they will be joined by Christian Comedian Dan Wolfe. He will be presenting a comedy program titled "Magic, Mirth, & Ministry."
All meals and snacks will be provided so the only thing anyone needs to bring is a sleeping bag, or blankets, and a change of clothes in case there's a little snow to enjoy.
There is no requirements or prerequisites needed to attend Teen Fest. It makes no difference what church you attend or if you attend one at all. You will be welcome. There are no denominational preferences. If your Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist, or what-ever, you will be welcome. You will need to be 13 years old during the 2006 calendar year and a parent or guardian will have to sign the registration form. Forms can be acquired from your Pastor or any member of the planning committee. Registration forms can also be filled out upon your arrival.
Even though Teen Fest is sponsored by approximately 20 regional churches donations are still needed to help this project along. This mostly to offset the costs of the bands and the travel expenses for all the people traveling long distances to help. We are also asking area churches to adopt any of the needed meals. We have one meal open as yet and if you wish to provide it contact one of the people listed below. This can be done as an individual church or two or three could go together to purchase and prepare one of the meals.
If you would like to make a donation or have any other question contact Rick Metheney at 354-6277, Kevin Church at 354-6066, or Mary Zimmer at 354-6012. If you would like to volunteer to help, contact Dave Trippett at 354-9341. The next planning meeting is 6 p.m. on the 5th of January at Knott's Memorial United Methodist Church. Stop by and lend a hand. You will be welcome!
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