Youth rally draws together in the midst of divisions
BY MICHAELA DRAIN
In the wake of many churches finding their way to separate, the Wichitas District Youth found a way to draw closer together. The inaugural Wichitas District Youth Rally on November 4, radiated hope and connection to all who came.
District Youth Coordinators John Hiller and Michaela Drain aimed to empower the young faithful to participate more in District and Conference events. They wanted to encourage students by creating spaces where students could easily build those cross-district friendships more easily like being at a minichurch camp throughout the year.
This first Wichitas District Youth Rally set a high bar of collaboration amongst church adult and youth leaders. The host church, Centenary United Methodist Church, came out in full force to cook, serve, and sing for the students and their leaders. Student leaders also stepped up by praying during the worship service and taking the initiative to make friends from other churches. Corey Shirey, the SWOSU Wesley Director, shared a message about the importance of doing our best to love others despite our differences. With all of that love and support this event went off without a hitch.
Students and their leaders from across the district were able to gather together to eat, play, games, and worship. This rally serves as the beginning of many more rallies that reaffirm the connectionalism of youth groups across the Wichitas District. The other rallies may be worship events but there was also overheard talks of a game night and maybe a cornhole tournament. Whatever they plan to do, it sounds like exciting things are happening with the combined efforts of the Wichitas District Youth.