Recapping Bedlam 2024
Ilana Lobbezoo
November 12, 2024
On Friday, October 25 eleven Central District Alliance church groups descended upon Muskoka Woods campground for another Jr. High weekend retreat, known for decades as Bedlam. At 9 p.m. 169 students, accompanied by 69 pastors, leaders and volunteers began to fill in the seats in the Hangar in anticipation of a fun-filled weekend complete with games, worship and excellent Bible teaching. The weekend was kicked off, as usual, with a worship and teaching session. This was the first of four sessions led by a Spirit-directed worship band from Wellspring Church, Burlington and our speaker, Wes Dickson from Gateway Church, Caledonia.
Watch the recap video:
The band members were a mixture of high schoolers and young adults who skillfully led us in dynamic musical worship. I never tire of witnessing unreserved youthful expression of praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. Over four teaching sessions Wes took us through the Gospel accounts with a look at Jesus and the people he interacts with. Consistently over the gospels, we see Jesus interacting with people who either culturally or personally view themselves in a certain way… and yet, Jesus has a radically different way of seeing them. In the same way, Wes reminded us that though we may have pre-conceived notions of who we are, which are given to us by ourselves or by our culture, Jesus sees us differently.
Jesus radically redefines our notions of who we are, and in Him we rediscover our identity as seen, dearly loved, chosen and welcome.
It is true that it takes many to pull off a Jr. High retreat like Bedlam but doubtful if it would be as successful without the assistance and leadership of the high school Student Leader Team (SLTs). SLT students are nominated by their local pastors who identify these teenagers as demonstrating leadership potential and a desire to grow deeper in their faith walk. This year we had a team of 10 who worked hard to build a team that served successfully and skillfully at Bedlam. Traditionally this group gathers on Wednesday before Bedlam to retreat together, receive teaching and plan games and prepare to provide leadership for the weekend. This year they received teaching from Nick Kennedy (Owen Sound Alliance Church) and Shane Gould on the meaning of servant leadership. This year we were also blessed to welcome Kyle Kim from our Alliance National Ministry Centre who offered his time and expertise in photography and videography, directing 3 SLTs in capturing the weekend on camera.
Though there is a committee of pastors and youth workers from around the district that meet to prepare the overall planning of the weekend, it is truly the SLTs, in partnership with the worship band and the speaker that keep all the practical up-front wheels in motion. One might ask why we would spend the money and time on these 10 teenagers, and the answer is simple and clear. We believe that now is the time to be strategic about building into the lives of our youth and young adults, and providing them with opportunities to explore how God has gifted them to serve His Church in our world today. Nick reminded the team of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
I know for a fact that, if invited, these individuals would do it again.
When the weekend was over Adora, Alyssa and Mila had this to say:
[I] had such an awesome time serving with all of you guys!
I had so much fun and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity
Thank you … for making this such a wonderful opportunity
Who will you nominate to serve on Student Leader Team 2025?
Join us for Bedlam next October...
I am excited to see what God will do!
