On Saturday, June 5, several youth groups from Mosaic congregations gathered at Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center for a youth gathering involving games, art, and spiritual input.
The genesis of this event was found in some blank ceramic tiles and paint that were donated to the Mosaic Office last fall. The tiles and paint eventually found their way to Jenna and Emmanuel Villatoro (Youth Pastors of Philadelphia Praise Center). The Villatoros wanted to create a joint youth event with other local youth from Mosaic Conference and anticipated using the tiles and paint as one of the activities.
Including Philadelphia Praise Center, who hosted, youth from Centro de Alabanza (South Philadelphia, PA), Ripple (Allentown, PA), and Whitehall Mennonite Church (Whitehall, PA) attended the event.
The gathering started with high energy as participants played a rousing game of “Never have I ever” and other ice-breaking activities. Hendy Matahelemual, of Mosaic Conference, continued the activities with a short reflection about being the salt and light of the world.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent with a painting lesson, led by Donna Backues, a local artist. Backues encouraged the youth to paint the tiles using themes of fire, flames, and water, to represent Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, and baptism.
The finished tiles were then baked in hot ovens to set the artwork. The tiles will be transported to the Mosaic Office in Lansdale, PA to be used as coasters.
Watch the video to learn more about the festivities!