Before every game, youth take time out for prayer. Photo by Alan Roberson

Someday Is Now—
SPECTACULAR 2008

Nearly 1,100 senior high youth and staff members from across the USA and Canada descended on the Graceland University campus with an air of expectation for the annual youth event—SPECTACULAR!

Each day, campers had the opportunity to explore their talents through visual arts, the “Godspell” musical, leadership, and a wide variety of activities. Evenings were filled with concerts, comedic actors, a Communion service, campfire, and the talent show “Extravaganza.” SPEC was even the official launch site of the new Community of Christ Peace Support Network on Tuesday night during worship with President Veazey. Visit www.PeaceSupportNetwork.org to check it out.

SPEC’s theme was “Someday Is Now,” and each day we explored a different topic together. Each day we were challenged to discover how God is calling us to live the “Someday Is Now” theme as we tried to “walk humbly, be just, create peace, heal the planet, love courageously, live generously, and build community."

Youth participate in a wide variety of 'spectacular' activities. Photo by Lynda Roberson

The spirit of SPECTACULAR is a tangible manifestation of God’s everlasting love for each of us. It is completely contagious and transforms all those in its path, both camper and staff alike.

“What an incredible ten days! Coming from different geographic areas, backgrounds, vocations, careers, and experiences, we came together with a single goal and purpose: building a community of Christ and giving our youth the opportunity to be part of something ‘spectacular.’ Together I believe we were able to show them that not only is it possible to live in a community of Christ, but that they have the power to build communities of Christ where they live.”—Dick (Jake) Harrison, leader, Northwest Delegation

“SPEC is my favorite part of the summer. I love that we have so many options of classes and activities. I had a chance to take a religion class, art class, a volleyball game, and see a concert, all in one day! The atmosphere at SPEC is one of openness, positivity, and love. Everyone is there to get to know people and learn something new. So many times I had people I didn’t even know come up to me, just to have a conversation and get to know me.”—June Wiley, camper, Midwest Crossroads Delegation

As we look to 2009, SPECTACULAR is excited to discover a new theme, “We Are…” Visit www.CofChrist.org/Spec/ for photos from 2008 and more information about the 2009 experience.