Confirmation Retreat

Let justice flow like a river. Amos 5:24

October 29 - 31, 2021

Introducing our retreat guest: Agape* (Dave Scherer)

Combining rapping, dancing, storytelling and his fluency in Spanish, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really "get it". His energy is contagious, and his stories of faith transcend differences. Even those who do not normally enjoy hip-hop, find themselves dancing to his music and captivated by his unique presentation of the Gospel. AGAPE* brings an authentic approach by translating the theological depth of his seminary training into simple songs and stories that can be understood by every listener. His passion is to bring together people of all backgrounds and let them know about God's love for the whole world. This is "AGAPE*"!  Learn more...

In Greek, the word used to describe God's unconditional love is "Agape" (“For God so loved the world."-John 3:16). This message of God’s love without boundaries is the foundation of AGAPE* Dave's ministry. It's the love that persists in spite of hatred, ignorance and sin. It's the love that conquers death by pouring itself out for the sake of an enemy. AGAPE* has come up with an acronym to explain this name even further: The ‘A’ at the beginning stands for African American/Asian American/Arab American. The ‘E’ at the end represents the European American, and the ‘GAP’ represents the expansive space that currently exists between us in our society. Not just confined to cultural barriers, we also are divided along lines of economics, ideology, politics, etc. The only way to truly bridge this divide is through God's compassionate and boundless love, known as "Agape". 

"An overflowing love, which seeks nothing in return, AGAPE* is the love of God operating in the human heart." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, Oct. 29

4pm - Student Leaders arrive and meet

5pm - Grades 7 - 9 arrive

5:30pm - Opening mixers with Student Leaders

6:15pm - Supper

7pm - Biblical Justice: It's God's Call - activities with Agape

8pm - Snack & Stretch

8:15pm - Empowered for Justice: Spirit Guided

9:30pm - Campfire and closing devotions

10pm - Optional overnight sleepover

Saturday, Oct. 30

8am - Breakfast

8:30am - Living into Justice: Discernment

9:30am - Snack and stretch

9:45am - Justice Initiatives

11am - Let Justice Flow: from Immanuel to our community (intro to workshops)

11:30am - Lunch

12:15pm - Transport to Workshop #1

12:45pm - Justice Workshop #1

• Affordable Housing (Kim Rathjen faciliates activities for students to learn about Immanuel's justice ministries that work to provide affirdable housing: Onward Eden Prairie, Habitat for Humanity, Simpson Shelter, Families Moving Forward)
• Food Insecurity (Pastor Mary Brown, at PROP)
• Redeemer & RCFL (Prayer walk around Redeemer Lutheran Church and Redeemer Center for Life ministries)

2pm - Transportation to Workshop #2

2:30pm - Justice Workshop #2

• Affordable Housing (Kim Rathjen faciliates activities for students to learn about Immanuel's justice ministries that work to provide affirdable housing: Onward Eden Prairie, Habitat for Humanity, Simpson Shelter, Families Moving Forward)
• Food Insecurity (Pastor Mary Brown, at PROP)
• Redeemer & RCFL (Prayer walk around Redeemer Lutheran Church and Redeemer Center for Life ministries)

3:45pm - Snack & Stretch

4pm - Transport to Feed My Starving Children, Chanhassen

4:30 pm - 6:15pm - Feed My Starving Children food packing

6:30pm - Pizza Supper at Immanuel

7pm - Reflecting on the day

7:30pm - What's My Justice Calling?

9pm - Night Games

10pm - Closing Devotions

10:30pm - Home

Sunday, Oct. 31

10:30am - Hip Hop Reformation Sunday Worship with Agape