Day 5 in Berlin “The Last Day” (Katie and Emily)

July 25, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged , ,

Hello readers! A wonderful breakfast was served to us as usual here, and a fun filled lunch with our new friends we met during the week. One of the German translators, Katherine, and Ann from Pennsylvania shared lunch out on the patio with the sun shining and plenty of smiles. Today was the major and final portion of the Legislative Assembly. There were a total of 22 pieces of legislation, four of which didn’t get to be discussed due to the time crunch. Although not all the pieces were discussed, the assembly successfully ended the political segment of the GYPC.

After the assembly, we gathered together and shared a marvelous buffet and music. After dinner, the Cultural Celebration began. We saw many talents and learned many things about different cultures including Russian games, German songs, African songs, a Hungarian song, a Philippine dance and thanks to Barbara, facts about Montana!

It is sad to see GYPC come to end so soon, but we will remember the great and life-changing memories we shared in the wonderful city of  Berlin. Friendships were made which will never break, and legslation accured which will change the United Methodist Church for the better. We were reminded in a video was saw this evening of the German bishop who said, ” The youth are not just the future, they are the present.” It is important we remember our youth and keep them involved, for we can make positive, important and wonderful changes not only to the church, but to the world and ourselves as well.

This concludes our blog for GYPC. However, if you’d like to see pictures and videos to get a better insight of what happened at the GYPC-LA 2010, you can go to the website: www.globalyoungpeople.org 

We hope you enjoyed our blog! See you soon in America!

- Katie and Emily

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Day 5 – Barbara’s Last Day at GYPC

July 25, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged ,

Hello all!

Today is the last day at GYPC, and it has been a good experience and time of growth for me. Over the past few days, we have not only explored parts of Berlin, but also started with the legislative assemblies: a long process of debating, discussing, amending, making motions, and voting. We had a morning session yesterday, then our excursion in the afternoon (I saw the remaining part of the wall), and then another legislative session from 9-12. Needless to say, we are all very tired today.

We had one morning legislation session, and now another this afternoon until 7:30 when we will have dinner, our final worship service, and the Cultural Celebration. I am so grateful for all that I have learned here, but I am also ready to be home where I can share my wonderful experiences in more detail with all of you.

I ask for your prayers for safe travels home for everyone here tomorrow and in the next few days. An image on the remaining section of the wall which is now replicated on our GYPC shirts

In God’s Grace,

Barbara Otey

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Day 4 in Berlin (Katie and Emily)

July 24, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin

Hello readers! This morning we attented the legislative assembly. So far, two legislations referring to Church and Society were passed on to the General Conference and one piece of legislation was put on the table for further translation due to revising at the committee meeting. After that, we broke off for lunch then went off to do more excursions in and around Berlin. Today we went to the GDR Stasi prison. It was a very interesting tour with an extensive history. It was a interigaton prison by the Soviet  Ministry of State Security (MfS). We walked through the cells and the interigation rooms and the grounds of the prison.

After the tour, we went to a local German church where another excellent meal and worship service took place. At this church  however, we learned some folk dances. Everyone in our group had a wonderful time.  

Just a quick reminder, tomorrow night will be our last blog in Berlin as tomorrow is the last day of the legislative assembly. We hope you will continue to keep us in your prayers. Thank you again for your support.

- Katie and Emily

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Day 3 in Berlin (Katie and Emily)

July 23, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin

Hello readers! Althought today started as a rainy and dreary day, things were really heating up as your excitement grew for todays excursions in Berlin and surrounding areas. This morning, we held worship in the famous Berlin Dome with the German Bishop and others. We sang songs and partaked in different areas in the sanctuary where people could ask for prayer and receive blessings. From there, we walked to our seperate excursions to learn about the culture in and around Berlin.

Our excursion was to Potsdam, where we walked to Brandenburger Tor (the small replica), followed by the Schloss Sanssouci. There they had many gardens, a very large vineyard, a church and two palaces. Although we weren’t allowed in the palaces, we did see the king’s grave as well as other parts of the palace grounds. Our tourguide was the minister from the Ecumenical Community Center Church of Reconciliation. After the tour, we went to the Ecumenical Center for dinner and a small worship service. The congregation was very nice and the food was great as always.

After a long day of site-seeing, we finally got a chance to relax, hangout with new friends over a friendly game of cards and partake in  an exciting late night trip to McDonalds. Today was obviously adventurous and fun, and we plan on creating more memories such as these as the week goes on. Thank you for your interest and support. Talk to you later!

 - Katie and Emily

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Day 2 in Berlin (Katie and Emily)

July 22, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged , , ,

Hello readers! We woke up this morning to a delightful and nutritious breakfast that gave us plentyof energy for the upbeat and exciting morning worship. Today’s singer was from Russia. It was very cool to hear some Russian songs and partake in a worship that was very diverse. The Russian theme continued throughout the service with a Russian minister. He gave a sermon describing the Unity with one another. He showed us a broken glass which represented different countries that weren’t united. When he poured the water, the glass obvioulsy didn’t hold the water. But then he showed a glass intacted. He poured the water and the glass held the water in. If we all unite as one body, we can then hold the Holy Spirit.

After hearing this wonderful message, we had a delicious lunch then broke off into four different legislative groups which discussed different issues. We participated in the Church and Society committee, where we discussed many issues from Genocide to same sex marriages within the church. After 5 hours of productive discussion and debate, we came to a conclusion with every resolution.

From there we enjoyed dinner and Ministry Market.

Now we are getting ready for bed. We are resting up for another fun filled day in Berlin. We begin site-seeing tomorrow at the historic Berlin Dome.

Thanks again for all of you support. Until tomorrow, Goodnight!

- Katie and Emily

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Day 2 in Berlin (Barbara)

July 22, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged , ,

I just have to say that I am so grateful for all your  support, because this is truly a life-changing experience.

Imagine a band on a stage lit up with all different colors, and the lead singer singing an energetic Russian praise song. Now try to picture hundreds and hundreds of youth, young adults, and clergy all jumping, dancing , swaying, and clapping to the beat. Does that give you goosebumps? It gave me goosebumps, and it wasn’t the air-conditioning.

The spirit of God truly is amazing. I have never felt more at peace or with unity than I did in this group of people from all over the world, most of whom I have never met before. I am continually amazing by the talent and knowledge and perspective that every person here brings to Convo.

Yesterday we had dinner and worship; dinner was great for meeting people and fellowship, and worship was just incredible. It was so cool having it in five languages: English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and German, and being able to listen to multiple languages at once. This morning we had another incredible worship service, and the sermon was in Russian. The pastor from Russia used the analogy of a broken cup not being able to hold water (the holy spirit). But, when we are united in Christ and our faith, we can be filled to the top with the Holy Spirit.

In the afternoon we had legislation groups. I was in the Health and Welfare one, so we had five pieces of legislation on abortion and homosexuality. It was very long, and the process takes some getting used to, but everyone was very respectful, and disagreed very diplomatically, so you could see the holy spirit working through everyone to provide wisdom and understanding.

We will worship tomorrow at the historic dome in Berlin, and in the service, we will use our very own version of the Berlin Wall: chunks of foam spray-painted with our words of wisdom and pictures. I am so excited for the rest of the convo! I don’t know if I will be able to get on every day, but when I do, I will be sure to keep you all posted with what’s happening!

The alter and stage in the convention center
Communion at the service this morning

 In God’s Blessing,

Barbara

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Day 1 in Berlin (Katie and Emily)

July 21, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged

Hello readers! After 10 hours in a car, 1 night in a hotel and about 9 hours on a plane, we arrived in Berlin. Only then did we have to get on a bus and travel to Jungfernheide. Then we switched to an S 42 to reach Sonnenallee, from which we walked about 4 blocks to our marvolous hotel called the Estrel Hotel. We entered the hotel and were amazed. The main lobby/eating area resembles a greenhouse. Glass ceiling and plenty of sunshine. There is a artistic fountain in the center of the hotel, with fish and teapots and all sorts of other things. There are 14 floors in the hotel, and it is extremely large in size. So far, the food here is spectacular!!

The opening worship ceremony was short but very enlightning and fun. We sang songs, read scripture and shared uplifting stories about unity.

We have met  friends already, many from all around the United States. They traveled with us to Berlin from Denver.

We can’t wait to explore the wonderful city of Berlin and develop more friendships and experience this trip of a lifetime to the fullest.

Talk to you soon!

- Katie and Emily

Editors Note: We will try to upload some of the short videos that Global Young People’s Video Blog has so that you guys don’t have to click multiple links to see the action. -Janna-

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Watch Live Video Stream from GYPC – Berlin

July 21, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged

Go to http://www.globalyoungpeople.org/

And watch the sessions at GYPC live!
One Church, One Lord, One World!

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Yellowstone’s Delegates to Global Young People’s Convocation are on their way!

July 20, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged

Guten Tag (Good Day!)

Our three young delegates are on their way to Berlin, Germany (Tuesday July 20) to engage with other young United Methodists from all over the world at the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly.

You can learn more about this event at: www.globalyoungpeople.org and even follow the live feeds from the convocation and assembly starting Wednesday at 7:30pm CEST (Central European Summer Time) which converts as Wednesday at 11:30am Mountain Standard Time.

Barbara Otey, Katie Shelton and Emily Shelton are representing all of us in the Yellowstone Annual Conference at this global event. They will share our stories and bringing back tools and stories from others to share with our churches.

Follow them on their journey and hear their experiences at GYPC by subscribing to their blog (updated daily): http://gypcyellowstone.wordpress.com

It’s easy.. click the link above and read the latest posts! Then on the right hand side of the page you can subscribe via email and you won’t miss a single post. They will go right to your inbox. No junk mail…just posts by the girls!

Please take time  to support these young women as they share their faith, their experiences and the story of our conference with the world. Write them encouraging comments and tell them how much we value their commitment to growing youth and young adult ministries back home!

Auf Wiedersehen (Good bye!) and Gott segnen (God bless!),

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Katie Shelton

July 19, 2010 · Filed under GYPC Berlin · Tagged , , ,

                                                                                                             Hey! My name is Katie Shelton. I’m 19 years old and currently a student at MSU-Billings majoring in Criminal Justice. I have been active with the Laurel United Methodist Youth Group for eight years. In that time, I have traveled to different youth conventions around the country. Among those are Dare 2 Share, Aquire the Fire, Revolve Tour, etc. I have held leadership roles in many youth programs including Flathead Church Camp and CONVO. I am proud to include GYCP to this list. I can’t wait to bring back my experiences to share with the fellow Montana youth groups. Emily and I will be blogging together on this trip, posting pictures and videos as much as possible. Thank you for your support and prayers. Talk to you soon! 

Katie

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