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Post-CHIC2K3: The Reaction Is Worth Smiling About
CHICAGO, IL (August 18, 2003) - The feedback has been positive for the recent
CHIC2K3: Reaction high school conference, according to president of the
Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) Glenn R. Palmberg and CHIC
administrators.
Marti Burger, director of youth and family ministries for the ECC's
Department of Christian Formation, said that the CHIC committee was
encouraged by the initial comments they have received from churches and
youth leaders.
"We were very successful in communicating some of highest values of the
Covenant," said Burger. "We were successful in reflecting the kingdom in
ethnic diversity, in the way the Main Stage performed in worship, and in
the relevancy of the topics that were discussed. We've gotten lots of
positive comments back from people about how wonderful it has been for
youth groups in terms of building leadership and giving kids language in
communicating about the transforming work of the Holy Spirit."
Palmberg's reaction to CHIC seemed as positive as Burger's. He commented
on the challenging messages, lively music, and increased use of
technology for learning and ministry as he reflected on his time at the
University of Tennessee during an interview at the event.
"I think CHIC has become one of the premier events of the Evangelical
Covenant Church," said Palmberg. "I can already see that people
(students) attending this one making their plans to volunteer as staff
for future CHIC events.
"This CHIC is even more encouraging than previous CHICs," Palmberg
continued. "One of the reasons that I say that is that in the Covenant
Church, we want to be a reflection of the kingdom of God in ethnic
diversity and this CHIC is miles ahead of previous ones in terms of
having diversity here. It seemed to me that there were fewer people on
the fringe than CHICs in the past. I think the quality continues to be
well done as we've learned from previous CHICs. And the use of
technology - with all of the lighting and sound and video - was more
sophisticated."
More than being an energizing, fun-packed experience, Palmberg believes
CHIC can alter the future vocations of teens. He witnessed that process
occurring while he was in Knoxville. Palmberg helped lead a morning
Focus seminar on one's call to ministry. Judging from the response he
and his colleagues received, he's confident that the Covenant is in good
hands as it considers its ministry in years to come.
"It's extremely encouraging to see our seminars filled each day with
young people who are at least considering the call to ministry. It's
gratifying and it really bodes well for the future. This generation
understands discipleship and the nature and seriousness of the call to
ministry and are eager to pursue it."
A video portion of the Palmberg interview can be found on the CHIC2K3
website link on www.covchurch.org. It is located on the Wednesday
edition of the daily CHIC2K3 webzine.
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