Steadfast in Society: Higher Things: A Retreat Review, Etc

When you think of Higher Things what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Awesome conferences, right? They should! Because the Higher Things conferences are fantastic and because of them Higher Things has become a Lutheran staple in the catechesis of our youth! These conferences are great ways of remembering our heritage as the Church, being catechized in the true faith, and most importantly receiving the forgiveness of sins. But why should these learning opportunities come a few times a year? The truth is that these opportunities don’t only come once a year! Higher Things offers retreats throughout the year that are offered to the Junior Youth.

I had the privilege of attending one of the retreats recently. I was welcomed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Darmstadt, Indiana for the retreat entitled: How to Talk About Your Christian Faith When the World Thinks You’re Crazy, with the Rev. Mark Buetow. As is the norm of Higher Things fashion the retreat was a howling success. The hospitality of Trinity Darmstadt and the Rev. Steve Keiser (not to mention his wonderful chanting) was superb. But, what impressed me the most, and always does with Higher Things, is their ability to speak confessionally and honestly to our youth in a way that keeps them engaged and excited about the faith in which they confess.

Rev. Buetow walked the youth through the Small Catechism in order to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15).” Rev. Buetow did so in a way that was connective to our youth who are “Daring to be Lutheran.” The youth were attentive, excited, and learned in a confessional venue. And as with all Higher Things events the worship and the reception of Christ’s forgiveness for us was at the center. This retreat embodies the spirit of Higher Things; no mission paradigms, no faux-“Christ experience,” there was only Christ and Him crucified for the forgiveness of sins! And the thing is… the youth GETS IT!

For all you who missed this retreat, fear not there is another one coming to your neck of the woods. The next retreat will be at Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry, IL which is the church that is presided over by the Rev. George Borghardt. The speaker will be the Rev. Jonathon Fisk who will be walking you through the 7 “Christian” Rules that Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible” which is his soon-to-come book to be published via Concordia Publishing House. This retreat will be Nov. 9-10 so you don’t have much time left! This retreat is expected to be fantastic so make sure to sign up now here.


But, of course, the Higher Things staple is their conferences, which are now open for registration. This summer’s conferences are expected to be some of the best yet. You have three opportunities to have fun, learn, confess, worship, and be forgiven! Come learn what it means to be born From Above! The first conference is at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA (I’ll see you there!) on June 25-28 2013, or the second at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and finally come join Higher Things at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. You can (and need) to register for these conferences here.

Come and hear what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in an environment of catechesis, fun, and historical worship! Sola Deo Gloria!

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