Maranatha Students Go to the Mountains for Annual Spiritual Life Retreat

Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, over 290 students, staff, and pastors recently attended Maranatha High School’s annual Spiritual Life Retreat at Camp Cedar Crest in the San Bernardino Mountains. The weekend was packed with intentional community and faith building activities. Students enjoyed four key chapel sessions led by one of their favorite speakers, Pastor Brian Holland of Pomona First Baptist. Students entered into each session with worship led by a full worship band from The Gathering, a missional Church located in Azusa. Group games, led by student emcee Noah Daniels, helped the students from varying grades get to know each other and build community.

Games ranged from cracking eggs on each other’s heads, to full contact musical chairs, eating a variety of disgusting food items, and a lively talent show.  An extra time of connection in small groups, led by Student Ministry Team members, not only helped solidify the teachings, but continued to develop community and provide more time to process. A variety of local youth pastors were on hand from Lake Avenue Church, Fellowship Monrovia, Foothill Community Church, Sunrise L.A. Church, and Pomona First Baptist to give students an opportunity to connect with a local church.

In addition, the youth pastors led several optional seminars during the afternoon on worship, prayer, and community. Since the retreat, many students have commented about a renewed sense of joy and commitment to their faith. Maranatha is committed to an outstanding college preparatory program in an intentionally Christ-centered setting. Maranatha will host “A Closer Look” on February 11 at 7:00 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more.

Maranatha School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranatha-hs.org.