April 22nd, 2025Reflections on Youth Gatherings - Stephen Kennedy
A Glimpse of Unconditional Love
by Stephen Kennedy
20 years ago I signed up for my first Youth Retreat. I was an awkward teen, equal parts excited and wracked with nerves. Yet, I still went for it, without knowing that this first Christian retreat experience would become the catalyst that brought me to faith. Among caring adults and supportive peers, I was gifted the time to ask tough questions and a community patient enough to let me look for answers in unexpected places. To a struggling student searching for purpose, this felt like home. I left that weekend with a sense of belonging and a glimpse of unconditional love that eventually swept me into the work of ministry, where I have been for over 12 years now, serving youth and creating opportunities for young people to discover that they can be a part of something bigger than themselves, that they have value.
Youth retreats are this amazing space where students press pause on their regular lives and dive deep into an accepting community. That’s why I love these gatherings and why I think you’ll love joining us at the Nationwide Youth Gathering in July. I would not be where I am today if it was not for youth retreats filled with caring adults who shared God’s unconditional love with me. Whether it’s worship and teaching, small group discussion or even beach volleyball and games, these are spaces just for you: spaces full of fun, energy, great conversations and life-long memories. We can’t wait to meet you.
Stephen Kennedy is on the planning committee for Youth Gathering 2025. He is the Youth Pastor at Avon Mennonite Church in Stratford, ON.
Registration for Youth Gathering 2025 is open. Join us this summer in celebrating the unique gifts that make up our community. For more information, please visit Youth Gathering 2025.