"Called to Peace" was the theme of the Atlantic Coast Conference Sr. High youth retreat at Refreshing Mountain Retreat. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Melody Pannell, of Eastern Mennonite University, challenged us to be peacemakers as we are children of God. In our calling to peace, we need to be transformed. In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We need to allow this transformation to take place in our minds if we are going to be peacemakers.

On Sunday morning Melody challenged us as children of God to live into Paul’s word of Colossians 3:15: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

The weekend also included many activities; swimming, nighttime zip line, high ropes course obstacle course, and a climbing wall. Youth groups interacted by playing Kickball, Jug Ball, and Kubb. God was moving throughout the weekend both in activities and our worship gathering. It is my prayer our youth will be peacemakers as children of God.