written by Evie Jones from Beebe UMC, Veritas Chair and the CCYM Chair
This year at Veritas, we experienced all new levels of worship and new passions for God.
Arriving on Friday night, we were greeted by the Task Force adults, who gave us shirts and lanyards with themes and schedules! That night, we experienced a contemporary worship with the Fort Smith First Band leading songs and Rev. Brittany Watson giving the message about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Later that night, we spent time reading a devotional prepared by the Task Force.
The next morning, we started with worship. This worship was led by the Philander Smith University Choir, and Rev. Watson told us about Joseph and the coat of many colors. Throughout the day, we experienced breakout sessions led by many leaders from across the United Methodist Church. Some that my friends and I attended were Science and Faith; Technology, Sexuality, and Boundaries; the Prayer Room; Native American Culture and the UMC connection; and the Q&A with Bishop Laura Merrill. Saturday night, we had the third worship, led by Fort Smith again, and the message was about Esther. After worship, we attended karaoke: many of my friends sang, and we had a really fun time connecting with those all around the conference.
Sunday morning closing worship was led by the UCA Wesley Band, and Rev. Watson gave a message about Jesus’s life. Bishop Merrill came and presided over communion.
The best way to sum up this weekend was what one of my friends, Holley Wisley from First UMC Fort Smith, said: “I experienced Christ through worship. The speaker and singers were one good example, but I especially saw Christ in all of the teens. I loved looking around during worship and seeing people worship and love God. Something that really connected with me that Brittany said was that no matter what you have or what you don’t have, God will always be with you. He won’t leave you. And it is your job to have faith in him. My favorite breakout session was on how to write a devotional. I learned so much from Bart. This year, Veritas was the most fun! I made so many friends and met so many amazing people!”
The theme for Veritas was Ardor, which means passion. I would say we all learned how to be closer to and more passionate about God!