WAKE: A Student Missions Experience at the General Assembly
A unique opportunity for young people will take place at the upcoming Church of God 76th International General Assembly, scheduled for Nashville, Tennessee July 19-22 at the Music City Center.
Over the course of four days, young people are invited to join fellow students, community leaders, and local church members in the heart of Nashville to share in acts of life-changing service toward those most in need.
“We continue to search for ways to make the General Assembly even more family-friendly,” said David Ray, director of the General Assembly cabinet. “WAKE is a big part of that commitment to provide opportunities at little or no cost to our delegates.”
The four days of events begins on Tuesday, May 19 with registration and a kick-off gathering at noon. For the next two hours, groups will canvas neighborhoods handing out flyers for the event the following day, meeting people and praying for the event. Tuesday’s activities also include organizing of school supplies for distribution to schools on Wednesday. Following a free pizza party for WAKE participants there will be ministry to homeless and handing out food and clothing.
Wednesday will begin with a short worship service before travel to selected schools. A cook-out will be held with the neighborhood and WAKE participants, followed by activities, including inflatables, games, and live music. With the help of the Grocer’s Association, Operation Compassion, Second Harvest, and Office Max/Staples, WAKE will distribute food and school supplies. Wednesday will end back at the Music City Center with the opening night service of the General Assembly. A special concert at a Nashville venue will follow the evening service.
Thursday’s activities will include opportunities with the City of Nashville and could include a cleanup project, such as graffiti removal, park clean up, etc. In the afternoon, WAKE participants are invited to a mass youth choir rehearsal, with Danny Murray and custom arranged songs for this event. The choir will perform that night on the General Assembly main stage.
During rehearsal, youth leaders are invited to a Youth Leaders Forum to discuss cultural challenges, church doctrine, polity, and challenges the church faces.
Following the evening service there will be a Block Party (also called Throwback Thursday) and will be staged on the street between the convention center and Omni Hotel. The event will include multiple food trucks and food vendors, a second performance by the youth choir, and a concert featuring Jason Crabb and other performers.
Friday morning, WAKE concludes with an early morning commissioning service.
“In addition to hands-on service, there will be times to learn, and incredible moments of worship!” said David Blair, assistant director of Youth and Discipleship. “No matter where you’re from or what you’re expecting, WAKE on July 19th – 22 will be the service event of a lifetime.”
Registration for WAKE takes place at GA16.org and includes all activities, pizza parties, cookout, a t-shirt and transportation in Nashville. Participants are responsible for their housing, food and transportation to and from Nashville.
