Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Day 1
Greeting:
(Welcome the Youth to the space you are in and invite them to relax)
Today was our first day at Western States! Over the next five days, we are going to have so much to do and each night we will come together to reflect on what we have learned and experienced that day.
Tonight we had our first Main Stage Session, and got introduced to our theme for the week: Dream Big! What did you all think about this evening? What was your favorite part?
Scripture: Genesis 22: 15-18
Now we will read the Word of God. We will read it twice, so relax, listen, and try to connect this to what we learned today.
Reflection
God provided Abraham a Big promise that turned into a Big Dream: to have descendants as numerous as the stars. What dreams do you have? What is God promising you?
(Allow the youth to ask questions and lead the conversation where they need it to go)
Prayer:
(Feel free to add your own petitions)
Dear God,
Thank you for bringing us here safely. Thank you for giving us dreams and help us discover our dreams daily. Please help us enjoy this week, stay safe, and grow closer to you.
Amen.
Thursday, June 29, 2017. Day 2
Greeting:
(Welcome the Youth to the space you are in and invite them to relax)
Today we did some team building, got a couple more main stage events, and ate dinner at some awesome food trucks! Are you all tired yet? (Invite youth to share their day with their low and high of the day, or choose your favorite check-in)
Scripture: Ruth 1:15-17
Now we will read the Word of God. We will read it twice, so relax, listen, and try to connect this to what we learned today.
Reflection:
Ruth says “Your people are my people.” We can say that to each other, but first we must determine who our “people” are. So, who are your people? What connects you to them?
(Allow the youth to ask questions and lead the conversation where they need it to go)
Prayer:
(Feel free to add your own petitions)
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us communities that we belong to. Please help us understand who your people are and make them our people.
Amen.
Friday, June 30, 2017. Day 3
Greeting:
(Welcome the Youth to the space you are in and invite them to relax)
Good evening! Today we did a couple of different things, some fun, some intense, all surrounded by God. This is all tied together when we talk about wrestling with God.
Scripture: Genesis 32: 22-32
Now we will read the Word of God. We will read it twice, so relax, listen, and try to connect this to what we learned today.
Reflection:
In this scripture we see Jacob wrestling with The Angel of God. Some of the things we saw today, the contrast between different areas of LA, might make us wrestle with God. Have you ever wrestled with God? What was it about?
(Allow the youth to ask questions and lead the conversation where they need it to go)
Prayer:
(Feel free to add your own petitions)
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to wrestle with you. Help us to listen to you as we struggle.
Amen.
Saturday, July 1, 2017. Day 4
Greeting:
(Welcome the Youth to the space you are in and invite them to relax)
Today you all went to a couple of workshops. (Invite them to share which ones the went to) How were they? Which was your favorite?
Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15
Now lets read the Word of God. We will read it twice, so relax, listen, and try to connect this to what we learned today.
Reflection:
We are God’s children, and as this scripture reads, we are all invited to sit by Jesus. Think back the big “game” of Guess Who tonight at Main Stage. How did that feel? How does it feel that will all the things we sat or stood for, we are still invited to the Kingdom of Heaven?
(Allow the youth to ask questions and lead the conversation where they need it to go)
Prayer:
(Feel free to add your own petitions)
Dear God,
Thank you for calling all of your children to sit by your side. Please help us understand that we are your children and that we are loved.
Amen.
Sunday, July 2, 2017. Day 5
Use this resource on the trip home or at a later date.
Greeting :
(Welcome the Youth to the space you are in and invite them to relax)
So, Western States 2017 is over, but we did so many great things over the 5 days! (Invite the youth to share their favorite parts). That last Main Stage session was such a cool church service right? Not to mention that sing along!
Scripture: Matthew 16: 13-18
Now lets read the Word of God. We will read it twice, so relax, listen, and try to connect this to what we learned today.
Reflection:
Jesus asks who others think he is, and then who his followers say he is. Who do you say Jesus is? (This reflection time can include an opportunity for youth to share with the group what they learned or experiences during WSYG17)
(Allow the youth to ask questions and lead the conversation where they need it to go)
Prayer:
(Feel free to add your own petitions)
Dear God,
Thank you for keeping us safe this week and for being with us while we had so much fun! Help us remember what we learned and who we are: Your children.
Amen.