2024 | One Conference

2024 - CALLED OUT

“Do I matter?” In the past 10 years, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness—as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors—increased by about 40% among young people. And one thing at the heart of this struggle is that uncertain question: “Do I matter?” It is a search for understanding and identity, and while there are more places to go to for answers these days - online, social media, influencers, etc. - most young people seem to be having a harder and harder time finding meaning and purpose.

In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter reminds us who we are: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

At our first ONE Conference, we’re going to be exploring the truth that we are CALLED OUT of the darkness of feeling insignificant and unknown. Each of us is Pursued, has a Purpose, a Place we belong, and is God’s special Possession. Our prayer is that middle schoolers will come away from the weekend understanding how much they matter to God, and with a clear idea of how to live into that.

Conference Breakdown

Session 1 - Friday Night

As students gathered for the first time, we played a silly game, spent time in worship, laughed a lot, and dove into Scripture. Students were reminded that they are PURSUED by the One True God.

Session 2 - Saturday Morning

As students rejoined on Saturday morning, they played some gross games, danced to their heart's content, spent time in worship, and returned to 1 Peter 2:9. Students were reminded that God has created them with a PURPOSE, and that He has also created a PLACE where they belong.

Fun - Saturday Afternoon

After dispersing for lunch, students returned to NorthEast and discovered a red carpet. Dressing their leaders in funny costumes, students walked down the red carpet and were presented with ONEsie awards.

Session 3 - Saturday Evening

As students joined together for a final time, they worshipped together once more, and concluded the weekend in Scripture. Students were reminded that they are God's special POSSESSION, and that He values us all in a way the world never could. As students were dismissed, they were encouraged to declare God's praises that He may bring more people out of the darkness and into the Wonderful Light.