God @ Work: 2026 Young Adult Retreat "Abide"
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The third annual Young Adult Retreat, co-led by Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, Oregon, and Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, California, brought together more than 30 young adults this past July. Far more than a weekend away in Oregon, it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when young adults, congregations, and districts work together to create opportunities to grow in faith, serve others, and build community.
Centered on the theme “Abide” from John 15:4, the retreat encouraged participants to remain rooted in Christ through every season and step of life, trusting that He remains rooted in us and walks alongside us each and every day.
The weekend offered a wonderful balance of adventure, fellowship, worship, and service. After exploring Portland, the Abiding Savior young adult group traveled to Bend, settled into their host home, and connected with young adults from Trinity. Friday began with breakfast and a morning devotion led by Reese Rountree, DCE at Trinity. Then they enjoyed the beautiful weather while floating on the Deschutes River and playing volleyball. The evening concluded with a worship night at Trinity, with music and worship led by Pastor Caleb Adams and his family.
Saturday provided an opportunity for faith to be put into action. The group divided into two teams, with one serving at Bend’s annual river cleanup and the other helping Trinity prepare for their Vacation Bible School the following week. After serving in the community, the group gathered at Trinity for a friendly team competition and another worship night led by Trinity Staff members, Dr. Heather Stueve and Joel Endicott. On their final day, they worshiped together at Trinity and enjoyed fellowship with members of the congregation before the Southern California group headed home.
Through each experience, this amazing group of young adults was reminded that abiding in Christ leads them to love and serve others with joy and purpose.
One of the greatest blessings of the retreat was the collaboration between young adults, congregations, and the Pacific Southwest District and Northwest District. Because of that, they were given the opportunity to explore God's creation, form lots of new friendships across the West Coast, and each person returned home with renewed excitement for their faith and their place within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Stay tuned for the location and dates of their 2027 Young Adult Retreat; we would love more PSD churches to be part of this growing community!
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