Saturday, January 28, 2012
 
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LCU plans 2-day retreat for girls Feb. 3-4

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[January 28, 2012]  "Awaken Boldly." That's what they're calling a two-day retreat for high school girls, planned and executed by Lincoln Christian University students. High school girls from across the region will join college girls on the LCU campus Feb. 3-4 for an '80s- themed weekend that will inspire, encourage, challenge and celebrate their unique identities as young women.

The weekend will feature workshops and two speakers, Lil Wilson and Haley Schell. Both are LCU graduates and both currently serve in youth ministry at Northside Christian Church in New Albany, Ind.

Under the direction of the LCU events coordinator and a local teacher with ties to the university, 15 female students began preparations last September for the February event. The students took on the major roles to plan all aspects of retreat.

LCU's event coordinator Kim Turner explains: "Chantell Mills brought the vision for the theme, I keep track of the budget, but the students are handling the rest. These young women have designed worship sessions, group activities and workshops for this retreat."

The women involved are Alisha Wilson, Amanda Miner, Amy Verkruyse, Autumn Knecht, Ciera Dunham, Danielle Wehmeyer, Elizabeth Langley, Karla Springer, Katrina Gross, Kayla Hislope, Natalie Hood, Samantha Holley, Sharon Albert, Sheldon Allen and Whitney Lea.

This is the second consecutive year Awaken has been planned by students.

Turner explains: "Awaken was started by a group of passionate students and their mentor. Responsibility for planning and organizing eventually drifted to LCU administration. Last year students have reclaimed the leadership role in this project. Capable young women have assumed the responsibilities of planning and organizing."

The organizers expect an attendance of 50-60 high school girls.

A large portion of the planning involved a set of nine workshops that offer hands-on training in arts, crafts, journaling, photography, cake decorating and many others. Each workshop includes a devotional time that draws connections between the project and the Christian faith.

"Awaken" debuted six years ago as a means of filling a gap in Christian conferences. There are youth conferences, women's conferences, men's conferences, but nothing designed specifically for teenage girls.

Sophomore Elizabeth Langley reflects: "There are many other conferences out there designed for youth to grow towards Christ, but this is designed specifically for girls. It is important for girls to have an opportunity to get together and just be girls."

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Freshman Karla Springer can attest to the importance of this environment.

"I decided to volunteer with Awaken because I attended Awaken my last two years of high school," she said. "The girls at Awaken have been great role models and even better at encouragement."

The female LCU students involved are focused on serving their high school counterparts.

Springer comments: "The most rewarding thing about helping with Awaken is seeing God empower young women to stand in their faith and not waiver. He is just awesome."

Sophomore Sharon Albert echoes this sentiment: "It breaks my heart to hear these girls' stories and know that they're going through the same stuff I went through. I just hope to show Christ's love to them through Awaken Boldly."

The registration deadline for Awaken Boldly is Jan. 30, and the cost is $45. This cost includes meals, two main sessions of worship and speaker presentations, two workshops, and various other activities.

For more information or to register, visit www.lincolnchristian.edu/awaken or call Kim Turner at 217-732-3168, ext. 2285.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Christian University]

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