Chardon United Methodist Church

April 24 - 26, 2009

Youth Conference is a unique weekend for high school students and their youth leaders.  The event was held on Taylor University’s campus in Upland, IN.

Cost:  $75
Conference cost includes all meals, lodging, conference materials and a gift.

NOISE 2009

We live in a noisy world. Our senses are constantly flooded with sound. Imagine a world in which there are no cars or planes speeding by, no speakers blaring, and no roaring televisions. Imagine if there were no iPods attached to our ears or cell phones continually ringing. Would there be any noise left? Our lives would be silent in comparison to today's society. Think about it. Such silence would be uncomfortable. The silence would be deafening.
How does all of this noise affect our relationship with God?

This journey on looking at the affects of noise and faith started during an hour long car ride with no music. It was surprising to find how many things I, Bryant, could think through and the number of ideas I could grasp in this time of silence. Noise had been getting in the way of completing a thought. So often, our inability to tune out the noise leaves us tuned out to what God is doing in our lives. Engaging in the discipline of silence and solitude can be significant ways to learn how to listen again. When was the last time you were in a space of listening to God's voice?

We can find God in both the silence and the noise. In Scripture we see that Jesus spent time away from the crowds in quiet prayer and reflection, as well as time teaching and preaching. The Psalmist exhorts us to "Make a joyful noise to the Lord." This presents an interesting paradox. Though the noise of today's society impedes on our relationship with Christ, we also need to create noise that aligns with the Christian worldview which deafens all falsehoods and allows truth to be heard.  Noise is the starting place for Youth Conference 2009. We are excited to explore this issue and to see where God leads us in this journey. And we want you to join us.

Noise is the starting place for Youth Conference 2009. We are excited to explore this issue and to see where God leads us in this journey. And we want you to join us.

Nate Hulfish - Speaker

When Nate graduated from Taylor in 2001 with his degree in Christian Education and Biblical Literature, he wanted to save the world by reaching the next generation. Eight years later, he just hopes that the next person he meets is reoriented toward Jesus (even if it's only for a few minutes). God is saving the world through Jesus and Nate is trying to partner with God in that redemption project. He's a church planter and pastor with Circle of Hope in Camden, NJ, a husband to Jen, a father to Riley and Grayson, a sporadic blogger, a racial reconciler, an amateur theologian, an incarnational neighbor, a book reader, a justice advocate, and a Jesus follower who is trying to be a part of what God is doing next with the church. When he asked his wife to describe him in one sentence, she said, "Nate, you make me desire to actually follow Jesus in a way that makes me want to embrace the difficult thing of being a disciple." He likes her.

The Klave Worship Band

What do you get when you put together Taylor students from every class and four different dorms who have a passion for Jesus and music? You get The Klave! We believe worshiping is not just about singing and playing our instruments, but about letting our lives and passions be about living humbly, loving God, and loving people. We think that music is a great way to pour out our hearts to God and to share the truth.

Schedule

Friday:

• Registration (begins at 4 p.m.)
• Dinner (5:00-7:00 p.m.)
• Pre-Session Event
• Main Session
• Friday Night Events
• Small Groups

Saturday:

• Two Main Sessions
• Workshops
• Evening Activities
• Small Groups

Sunday:

• Main Session
• Small Groups
• Lunch (12:00 1:00 p.m.)