2009 Fall Retreat a Success

On September 11th, five busloads of King’s students arrived at the Harvey Cedars Bible Conference compound in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, ready for a weekend away after just a couple of weeks in New York. They were greeted not only by beautiful weather, but with three days of great worship services, hard-hitting lectures from an internationally renowned speaker, and hours of get-to-know-you-time with classmates new and old.

Each fall, The King’s College holds the Fall Retreat to give students some time outside New York City to adjust to life as a college student. Freshmen are required to attend, but although the event is optional for upperclassmen, most still choose to attend. Held for many years at CitiVision, a camp in upstate New York, the Fall Retreat was relocated to Long Beach Island this year to accommodate the growing student population, and to offer a welcome change of scenery.

The Tent, a student organization focused on creating opportunities for worship in the busy lives of King’s students, provided the equipment and musicians necessary to begin each session with rousing renditions of great hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and with newer songs from Christian and mainstream artists—Snow Patrol’s “Open Your Eyes,” a radio hit a couple of years ago, was featured prominently.

The highlight of the weekend for many students and staff members alike, however, was Sy Rogers, a pastor and speaker of international recognition and longtime friend of the college. Sy spoke to students about his former life as a homosexual and the healing process Christ effected in his life, and how his story can help all Christians achieve a healthy understanding of sexuality and its place in God’s design.

Another high point of the Retreat was the annual Drama Competition. A dominating performance from the House of Elizabeth resulted in a near-perfect score, stealing the hearts of the judges with a tale of greed transformed into charity. Skits were required to connect to this year’s Interregnum theme of “avarice.”

By the time the buses pulled up outside the Empire State Building on Sunday afternoon, though sleep-deprived and road-weary, the students were fortified by the rest only a weekend away can provide. For now, it’s back to the books, but there’s always next year to look forward to.