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Dallas hears about 'eternal future'
By John Warren
DALLAS, Texas--The Dallas congregation of the United Church of God used Presidents' Day weekend, Feb. 15-17, as a chance to gather 180 young adults from around the country. Included in the long weekend of education and entertainment were seminars, Bible studies, games, meals, sight-seeing and a dance.
Some who traveled to Dallas stayed in rooms at the Holiday Inn Select, where many of the meetings took place. Others found lodging with members of the local congregation.
The weekend was billed as "Texas Hospitality 2002: Moving Beyond the Status Quo." Activities began Friday evening with a hospitality gathering at the Holiday Inn. On Saturday morning the day began with a brunch followed by Bible seminars, afternoon church services and an evening of recreation, including games.
Eternal future
The morning session began at 9:30 with a welcome and presentation by Ken Giese, a United pastor from Sugar Land, Texas. Mr. Giese spoke to the young adults about realizing their potential.
"We are all being prepared for an eternal future of serving with Jesus Christ in His government and family," he said.
Other presenters were church pastors Britt Taylor and Doug Horchak from the Dallas area and Jim Franks, from Houston.
David Treybig of Dallas (not to be confused with his father of the same name) is a young person who was impressed with the Bible studies and seminars.
Mr. Treybig told The Journal about a presentation by Mr. Giese on "service."
"He told us that a lot of young people serve in the church, and, although that is appreciated, that was not what he was talking about. He talked about dealing with other people's emotional needs. Mr. Giese stressed the need for us to serve by encouraging each other with our words."
Speaking of motivation
Saturday evening the group gathered at a clubhouse in downtown Dallas. The participants took advantage of the facilities, which included a pool table, lounge, basketball courts and movie room.
On Sunday morning a keynote address was delivered during brunch by Mike Moore of Providence, R.I. Mr. Moore owns Recourse Communications, Inc., which produces Employment Review magazine and the careers section of USA Today.
Mr. Moore, who has delivered 450 motivational seminars on success and career management, touched on the elements of success.
Another Sunday seminar speaker was Howard Baker of Hawkins, Texas. Dr. Baker, a UCG member, is assistant professor of computer information systems at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Texas at Tyler in personal and organizational leadership.
Dr. Baker examined principles and ways of thinking that will result in personal growth.
After the morning seminars the venue changed to Canyon Lake Ranch, on Lake Lewisville, for a Texas-style barbecue meal. Canyon Lake Ranch is on 250 acres of wooded hills and canyons with a 20-acre private lake. Activities there included hiking, sand volleyball, softball, basketball, fishing, horseshoes, table tennis, hayrides and horseback riding.
Western music
Sunday evening everyone enjoyed a bonfire and a Western dance. John Elliott of Dallas commented to The Journal that "the music was excellent. It was interesting to see people from all across the country dancing to Western music."
For those who stayed through Presidents' Day, Feb. 18, the organizers provided a tour of Dallas-area attractions. The tour included visits to Reunion Tower and Dealy Plaza, the site of the assassination of President Kennedy.
The organizers of the young adults' weekend included Sam Sweat of Dallas and Phil and Jenni Dick of Sulphur Springs, Texas.