Thursday: My weekend started yesterday (Thursday, March 3, 2011) at about 1pm with the drive to the Chicago area. I borrowed my brother's GPS unit which got me within 2 miles of the hotel. The road the hotel is on zigs a lot. (Seriously, go look up West Bryn Mawr Road...I'll wait...see what I mean!?) I had to call the hotel to get me from East River Road to the other East River Road. Apparently there are 2 of them. Craziness! I arrived at the hotel about 4:30, tried to go in the main entrance to register and was told by the parking attendants that I needed to drive around the back of the hotel to the parking garage to park my car. I could then take the walkway from level 3 into the hotel lobby to register. They offered to help me with my bags, to which I foolishly replied that I could handle them on my own. Little did I know how far parking was from any of the rooms. After check-in, I asked to use a luggage cart. I was told that only the bell-hops could use the racks and they would be happy to help me with my bags...right...You see where this is going? I had to walk back to the parking garage, exit the parking, and go back to the main entrance to have them help me with my bags. The attendant was very nice about it all and graciously unloaded all my stuff from the back seat of my car. Then...I had to go re-park my car, walk back to the lobby and retrieve my bags, and follow the bell-hop to my room. Such a process...
Once in the room, I unpacked and unwound a bit. Then I went down and got registered for the weekend. I received my welcome packet, which included a journal type book that includes the schedule, space to write during the morning and evening sessions, space to follow up with thoughts afterwards, and devotions written by youth workers for youth workers. I returned to my room for dinner and to try to plan my weekend a little. Being a first time attendant, this event is rather overwhelming with all the options that are available. There are almost 200 workshops to attend. In addition, there are peer panels, connect groups, and opportunities to connect with other workers from anywhere and everywhere.
There are 3000 attendees here this weekend. I won't even try to guess how many people are here as speakers, leaders, and performers.
Friday: I am still processing all I've heard today at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference (symc). Today started at 9am with a pre-conference track called, "Secrets to Sustainable Youth Ministry", led by Mark Devries and Jeff Dun-Rankin. I thoroughly enjoyed this class. It went until 4pm and gave some great ideas on how to develop a ministry that will be sustainable for years (generations) to come. I'll make a separate post about this.
Opening general session and worship this evening started at 7pm and finished at 10pm. We enjoyed a message from Doug Fields, the Skit Guys, and worship with Shane and Shane as well as Matt Maher. Such an amazing evening. I wandered around and happened on a couple booths that continue the thread of connecting youth workers. At one of these I signed up for a session with a discernment coach. I am eager to meet with her to gain some insight.
If you'd like to know more check out www.youthministry.com/symc
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