My lofty goal in London was to write a daily blog during CLAY, however the 20 hour workdays for NPC members on Thursday, Friday and Saturday left no time for quasi-journalism. This Clay-Nation Report will attempt to tie up loose ends.
Father Bill Cliff delivered and then some as keynote speaker at Large Group Gatherings and through his forum offering, "Bull with Bill." When observing Father Bill in action speaking to a group of 1000 youth, it was apparent his sincerity and credibility like cream rose to the top. This would explain why youth raced to get good seats as soon as the doors to the LGG sessions were opened. Youth will likely remember for a long time Father Bill's definition of grace and mercy and "when enough is enough."
Another Forum event youth could attend Friday afternoon was "Jam With The Band." Members of the CLAY band drew a crowd of 200 youth for an up close and personal discussion with the band. Brian Rude, a Lutheran missionary in El Salvador for over two decades lead a forum titled Vitality in El Salvador. Forums proved to be popular with youth and had something for every palate.
Youth and Home Team Leaders were divided into two groups for an excursion on successive afternoons at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Even went the first day and oddly enough I was lumped in with the odd. Participants on Friday enjoyed near-perfect weather while those who attended Saturday afternoon (including the blogger) had an old fashioned bbq in the rain. The rain also washed out plans for youth to walk as a group to attend a service Saturday evening in Victoria Park. The solution was to have the LGG evening session run longer and for Late Night Spots to begin earlier and run from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The Hands On Drama Team of Martine Teetaert, Peter Reinhardt, Caroline Wintoniw and Kristian Jordan proved to be a crowd favorite under the direction of Whitehorse drama-alumnus Andraea Sartison. The drama team retold the story of the Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son as a prequel to Father Bill's biblical message. The antics of Kyrie George portrayed by Peter Reinhardt as a youngster with more questions than any parent could be reasonably expected to provide answers to were memorable.
Late Night Spots in the Hilton Hotel advertised Saturday night as "Battle of the Bishops." Four Bishops joined forces to sing, the Helen Reddy classic, "I am Woman" to a delighted crowd of 250 youth and adults.
A popular Sunday morning activity outside the Convention Centre saw youth create a mosaic comprised of broken dish pieces on 12 inch by 12 inch plywood boards inset into mortar.
The partnership between the Lutheran and Anglican churches was deftly reinforced when the head of both churches answered the statement, "So You Think You Can Dance!" The final Large Group Gathering on Sunday included the announcement that Saskatoon will host CLAY on the 3rd weekend in August 2012.
As in Whitehorse, the blogger received a loud chorus of boos for proudly sharing his fashion passion for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Good thing he isn't sensitive!
Come to Saskatoon in 2012...the table will be set.!
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