the fourth one about montreat: friends

Niki Ringer

Montreat has to be the thing I look forward to during the summer. This is only my second year going, but after last year, I couldn’t wait to come back this year. I can’t come back next year because I just graduated high school, but if I could, I would in a heartbeat. Today was like any other day with Keynote and small groups this morning. I think today’s keynote was the best one so far. The talked about “doors” that need to be broken down in the church. The topic travelled into our small groups and mine (SG 35!) spent the entire time having a serious discussion about the topic. I enjoy this year’s small group much more than last year just for the fact the people are so much more talkative and involved. I can’t wait for this afternoon when we get to go back to small groups and go to worship and the variety show tonight. Montreat is definitely my favorite part of the summer.

Bethany Ringer

Dear congregation peoples,
My mommy loved my last blog. She was very proud. Things here are well. Our GOOTH family is remembering retelling silly-willy stories from the week. Like any good family stories, they embarrassed me but I still love them. Well, the way it all started was I was chilling with a boy who I won’t name or call a sweetyface, even though it’s true. They were hinting at the fact I called him a cutie pie in last night’s blog. I told them that “cutie pies” are friends, and not “romantic interests.” Oh well, I guess my new friends will have to love my youth family if they want to love me too. Meanwhile the God party isn’t stopping anytime soon. Well at least not in the next 24 hours. Okay. Goodnight Clemmons/Winston-Salem greater area. I love you
Love, Bethany

Mr Cooper wants to know how Jay got a blog and what he has to take to get rid of it……(haha)

the second one about montreat: peach cobbler

Good Morning! we’ve had a great second day at montreat, including good fun, good food, and good devo discussion. the morning keynote is about to start, but i wanted to post what the GOOTH blogged about yesterday. thanks for tuning in!

Erica Chatham (10th grader)

This year’s Montreat was probably better than last year. Sure I ended up in the emergency room on my first day because of rock hopping but I was still able to laugh. Today’s keynote was the best I have seen so far. There was a skit about Abel and Cain where they even danced to the music that was played. One of the songs they danced to was the song “Apologize” by Timberland. The small groups this year are amazing, too. I enjoy talking and laughing with new people. Monday night was so much fun. We played games and Julia drew all the Gooth that went to Montreat as stick figures on a blank door that was being used like a painting canvas. I am really having fun in Montreat and I am always waiting for the next day to come.

Reva Catherine Manikas (12th grader)

“Montreat… the best place in the world.” That is the truth! This is my fourth year at Montreat, and I look forward to it every single summer. This is the second day of Montreat and I have enjoyed every minute of it so far. My small groups haven’t been that great in the past year or two but I still enjoy the Montreat experience. This year has been different in that my small group is interactive with each other and we are just very involved with the lessons. Keynote, Worship and free time are wonderful too. Despite the HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT weather, I still think Montreat is the best place for meeting new friends and getting the chance to have new experiences. It is extremely disappointing to think that I only have one more year left, but I have had a blast the past three years and I am looking forward to this week.

Colleen (12th), Joey (12th), and Julia (11th)

Dear Congregation,
The disciples were teenagers…YAYUH. Davey L told us himself (David Lamotte); we’re personal friends, so it’s okay for us to call him that. He had a concert here tonight and he was phenomenal as always, as some of you might remember from when he came to our church not long ago. The theme for the day was all about “broken doors” in our lives and problems present in the world, also God’s presence in those situations. We make pancakes EVERY MORNING as a family, you know, the special kinds like booberry and choco-choco chip… even BANANARAMA! OOOOooOOooooHHhhh and some kickin’ peach cobbler. Everything is part of God’s plan, that’s what we learned today, especially cobbler. The worship messages each night so far are eye-opening and thought provoking, providing interesting conversations for our devo time as a family. Oh, and some of our group went hiking up Lookout Mountain, which is always a good idea. Others made us tasty dinner or caught up on some needed sleep. So now we’re all gathered at about 1 in the morning to bring you this update, as a family.
Love,
Colleen, Joey, and Julia