Hello, Seventh Day Baptist family! If you missed out on Conference this year, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let me take you on a whirlwind ride through the most vibrant, joy-filled corners of our gathering.
As we heard loud and clear at the General Council presentation on Wednesday morning, there is a fresh, electric current of excitement pulsing through our young adults. They are ready to roll up their sleeves and serve both their local churches and our wider conference with a renewed passion. True to that eager spirit, our emerging leaders hit the ground running this week by leading worship, participating in interest committees, lending a hand in the associated conferences, snapping photos, and zipping around on golf carts. Watching them take these brave, beautiful steps on their faith journeys is absolutely thrilling, and their eagerness to serve is truly contagious!
This week, I also had the joy of spending time with our Pre-Emerging Leaders. From the little ones just tying their spiritual sneakers to the high school seniors getting ready to soar, watching them take those steps on their faith journeys is enough to melt even the most stubborn heart. Altogether, our kids and youth programs proved to be an absolute explosion of life, laughter, and learning.
Casting Nets with KidsCon
Let’s start with the little ones! KidsCon, designed for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade, was expertly steered by Kristin Camega from the Salemville Church in PA, backed by a veritable gaggle of enthusiastic helpers. Together, they corralled and inspired 25 children through a whirlpool of games, songs, and skits—all anchored around the fun, hands-on theme of becoming a “fisherman.” Rosie Evans from the First Hopkinton Church in RI confessed she couldn’t even pick a favorite part between the high-energy songs and the hilarious skits. But mom Ginny confirmed the verdict is already in: Rosie has been singing the songs she learned nonstop ever since! Talk about planting seeds that sprout instantly into melody.
Making Incredible Disciples at MidCon
Hold onto your hats, because this year marked the debut of Midcon! Before anyone dares say, “Oh, that is so mid,” let me stop you right there—they officially rebranded it as Making Incredible Disciples, and a roaring success it was. Led by Kaleb Wilson and Marianna Mazza (both from Shiloh), alongside Chris Galarneau from Frontier Church Longmont, this brand-new Associated Conference targeted our middle schoolers. The focus was razor-sharp on building relationships and diving deep into the “Follow Me” portion of the conference theme. What does it actually mean to follow Christ in the messy real world? These kids found out.
The week was packed with unforgettable highlights. Brayden Chroniger from Shiloh, NJ, loved the epic “Wet Day,” while Clara Boefinger (also from Shiloh) cast her vote for “Glow Night” and the high-energy games. Rafael Jara from Anchor of Hope in Dodge Center, MN, loved hanging out with kids his own age. Malachi Ashley from Toronto gave high praise to Kaleb’s teaching style, noting, “He taught in a way that we could actually understand it.” And Roper Uhlich from Milton, WI, kept it wonderfully simple when asked his favorite part: “All of it.”
MidCon wrapped up in the best way possible: the youth cashed in the ticket stubs they’d earned all week for the ultimate grand finale—pieing and water-ballooning our fearless leaders! A massive, soggy shoutout of thanks goes to General Council Chair Pastor Steve Osborn and Executive Director Carl Greene for being such good sports (and such excellent targets!).
Reeling Them In at YouthCon
Moving up the ladder, YouthCon was captained by Debbie Bond and Val Probasco, supported by stellar helpers Jonah Bond and William “Liam” Probasco Jr. (all hailing from Shiloh). They guided 32 youth in exploring what it means to be true fishers of men. Through soaring worship and deeply powerful devotions, the youth were lovingly challenged to make their faith real every single day of the week. They also spearheaded the Youth Interest Committee, issuing a gentle yet profound challenge to our wider conference: remember us, listen to us, and honor the voice that the Lord has given us.
The students’ hearts were deeply moved. Luke Ashley from Toronto loved the fellowship, noting how well everyone got along and how great the leaders were. Elijah Berg from Frontier Church Longmont found his anchor in the worship, while his sister Sophia floated happily between the incredible community and the worship sessions, unable to choose just one favorite.
Looking Forward with Joy
Friends, looking back at this week is like looking through a telescope into a brilliantly bright future. The enthusiasm, the curiosity, and the deep love for Jesus running through our kids and youth are nothing short of miraculous. I simply cannot wait to see how these pre-emerging leaders continue to grow, ripple out, and transform our churches and communities in the days to come.
The future isn’t just coming—it’s already here, and it is swimming with potential!
