Summer is busy. From Memorial to Labor Day, there is no shortage of people to meet, backyard BBQs, lakes to fish, or parks to play in. If you wanted to, you could travel every weekend for vacations, retreats, conferences, camps, and events. But for me, my priority more than any other summer plan is that young people from our churches can come, fellowship, play, and, most of all, hear from our great and awesome God.

 

     I am proud to promote this year's theme, "We the Church." Many beautiful Bible verses describe the church, but Peter's passage in his first letter inspired us the most for this year's camp.

 

     1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

 

     Can you hear the excitement in Peter's tone as he describes what is seemingly impossible: that together, you and I, seemingly ordinary, regular people, are chosen, royal, holy, and owned by God. Because of who God is, We, the Church, are extraordinarily precious.

 

     I can't wait to celebrate Jesus with you all, July 25-29th, back at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. There may not be a lake, but there will be living water. There may not be fishing, but you will be encouraged to be fishers of men. Make your plans today to worship, learn, laugh, play, eat (oh yes), and fellowship as WE, the Church, gather to BE the Church at Standing Stones 2023.

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                                                                                                         - Xf Chris Heng, SS 2022-2023 President