Feb 7   Alpha Youth Week 4 6:00-8:00 pm

Feb 11 Youth Bible Study 9:15-10:10 am

Feb 14 Alpha Youth 7:30-8:30 pm (After Ash Wednesday Service)

Feb 16-18 Winter Retreat / Alpha Weekend Away

Feb 21 Alpha Youth 6:00-8:00 pm

Feb 25 Youth Bible Study 9:15-10:10 am

Feb 28 Alpha Youth 6:00-8:00 pm  

Last Call! The registration deadline has been extended until February 7

Although the concept of organized retreats is not explicitly written in the Bible, we know that Jesus himself practiced and mentioned the importance of retreating away, pausing, and spending time with God and his disciples. In the Gospels, we read about Jesus inviting his disciples to come away to a quiet place.

We live in a fast-paced world, and that affects not only working adults but overscheduled students as well.



Youth Trips and Retreats play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young people, offering them a unique and transformative experience that goes beyond their regular traditional youth groups. Retreats provide a sacred space where the youth can disconnect from the distractions of daily life, fostering stronger connections with their faith and peers. That is why we intentionally put so much effort, dedication, and resources into making sure the youth of our congregation have the opportunity to attend these retreats.

Don’t hesitate to contact Gonzo with any questions: gsantillan@marionmethodist.org

What have we been talking about at Alpha Week 2 & 3

Alpha has been a blast, many young people have been joining us for the first time, which is awesome! And we have been discussing some important topics:

Week 2: Jesus, who is he?

BIG IDEA

Jesus Christ is the most famous person in history and there’s evidence to suggest Jesus was more than a great religious teacher. His life, death and resurrection is the centerpiece of the Christian faith. The resurrection not only suggests that God exists, but also that God has revealed himself through Jesus.

KEY QUOTES & SCRIPTURES

When other religious teachers might say, ‘This is the way to a full life.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the life.’ When others might say, ‘Here is the truth’. Jesus said, ‘I am the truth.’

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  JESUS (MATTHEW 11:28)

Christianity is not an emotion – it’s not true because I want it to be true. It’s true because the actual tomb is empty. It’s based on a historical event. MARK CLARK

I and the Father are one.  JESUS (JOHN 10:30)

Week 3: Cross, why did Jesus die?

BIG IDEA

This session is all about the question, why did Jesus die? Although sin has real consequences, Jesus’ death and resurrection are the solution to the problem of sin. The cross shows us that God loves us, death has been defeated, the power of sin has been broken and we can have a relationship with our heavenly Father.

KEY QUOTES & SCRIPTURES

The Son of God... loved me and gave himself for me.

GALATIANS 2:20

...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

ROMANS 3:23

Jesus’ death and resurrection are God’s solution to the problem of sin.

...the Lord has laid on [Jesus] the iniquity of us all.

ISAIAH 53:6

God loves you, Jesus died for you, and through the cross, we are invited into a relationship with God. 

For students in 8^th grade and up, this conference is geared toward students who want to grow in their leadership skills as Christians. Perfect for students who want to grow in their faith and share God with their talents.

This will be the 2^nd year going as a group from our church and the plan is to drive all together on Friday, spend the night at a local church, and return on Saturday evening. Our church is covering the conference ticket, but seats are limited. If you or your child is interested, please contact Gonzo to sign up! gsantillan@marionmethodist.org



More information about the conference can be found at https://www.igniteyouthleadership.org

Mark your calendars for our first 4:12 Faith & Relationship Event. With our guest from IL, Pastor and Speaker Tony West.

We want our kids to succeed in life, we want to equip them to have successful academic lives and careers, we spend money on their education activities, and we want them to grow and be outstanding citizens with healthy families. But how much time do we spend equipping them to have relationships? As people, we are relational beings. When we have healthy meaningful relationships our lives thrive.

That is the reason we are putting on this event for Middle School and High School students, to be equipped with what it means to have healthy God-honoring relationships that will bless them and help them avoid many mistakes. God created relationships and has a plan for all of us.

Some of the topics that will be covered are romantic relationships, healthy friendships, dating, and sex. All from a faith perspective and according to their grade level.

We will also have an optional Parent Session at 5 pm on the same day.

Join us as we welcome a renowned speaker on this topic Tony West who has been speaking to teens in churches and schools from the Chicago land area for over a decade.



More details are coming soon!

This week: Helping Parents Talk About Social Media

This simple, very practical 2-page article will help parents with some realistic insight and advice on the challenges they face in talking to their teens. 

Marion Methodist Church

5050 REC Drive

Marion, IA 52302

(319) 377-4856