Reflecting on Celebration 2022

A Testimony About God’s Goodness

We’ve been talking a lot about Celebration. Now, we want you to hear about it from some of our members. Last Sunday, Keith and Stephanie told the church about their Celebration experience. As you read, take a moment to stop and reflect about your own experience. Think about the friends you made, mediate on and review what you learned, and of course, praise the Lord for his kindness. If you weren’t able to join us, use this to get excited for next year! Be sure and check out our Celebration 2022 photo album as well.

Hi everyone, we’re Keith and Stephanie, Nathan and James.

Our excitement and expectations for Celebration California go back to fall of 2021, when we were all registered and set to go. I think we may have already had some bags packed, when we all got sick and had to cancel last minute. So when we heard the retreat was being held again this year, we were determined to come along. 

Spending extended time in community with our church family sounded great, but the prospect wasn’t without its stresses. Traveling with little ones can be difficult, there are always worries about how meal times and sleep will go, how much attention we would be able to give to sermons and conversations, and whether we might be unwitting participants in the spread of germs. 

One of the obvious ways God met us on the trip was through His provision in these worries. Despite missing some of the sermons, we both felt we were able to engage in a meaningful way. It was truly a blessing to see each of our sons engaging in their own way – Nathan having fun exploring the grounds and seeing other little ones, and James running around with other kids and talking to so many other members of the church. 

I was particularly encouraged by Jon’s words on taking satisfaction in Christ and confession of sins. If we confess ours sins and accept Christ’s completed work to forgive them, we can be freed from trying to overcome them on our own and free to enjoy Christ as He intends us to.  So many things compete for my attention and promise satisfaction, it was a blessing to be reminded that only Christ can give the joy and satisfaction in life that I desire.  

For me (Stephanie), I didn’t know what to expect of this retreat. As Keith said there was some anxiety over how the children would sleep and how things would play out with little ones. 

However, I found myself feeling encouraged listening to Jon’s  sermon about confession. I was reminded that confession is such a core part of relationship with Christ. What a sweet gift it is that he Christ calls us to confess and repent and that we are instantly forgiven through Christ. 

 Saturday night was also special in that we broke off into groups and were able to share our testimonies of how God saved us. It was a blessing to hear the redemptive work that God has done in the Life of the members of this church. 

Here’s the truth, traveling with two little ones can be busy. We only heard two of the 4 sermons, sometimes had our conversations with friends cut short, and had to go to bed early.  But God was not limited by those circumstances. He spoke so clearly to us and our family through the sermons we did get to hear and the conversations we did have with friends. 

We’re so thankful for the opportunity to go, and for everyone who worked to make the trip possible. Celebration is the kind of event where it’s easy to see Christ’s grace and love at work, and we can’t wait to see how He’ll continue to use the time in future years.