Hello again everyone! The pun in the title was TOTALLY intended :]

a2f Blue at Sierra Lodge

This weekend was quite special for a2f Blue. Instead of having our normal TFN, acts2fellowship co-hosted GONE with Koinonia Berkeley and Kairos Fellowship on Thursday night. At GONE, many of us had a chance to catch up with some people who we haven’t seen since NSWN and to also meet new people. I think many of us could genuinely relate with the message on how time is precious (because we have a limited amount of it) and that we shouldn’t be wasting our lives. Instead, as Pastor Ed challenged us, let’s think about the big questions of life. 

Hanging around the campfire

On Friday night, a2f Blue members found themselves not in a classroom on campus listening to an awesome message by Pastor Will, but in minivans, driving up to Sierra Lodge for our Fall Semester getaway. Freshmen and others visiting Sierra Lodge for the first time were able to experience, relish, and appreciate the hard work of Gracepoint members that went into building the beautiful retreat site that is Sierra Lodge. On the first night, we cooked marshmallows, shared stories, and sang songs around a nice, toasty bonfire. It actually took like 15 different brothers to get the fire started, the task proving to be much more difficult because of the damp firewood. 

Sisters doing DT on Psalm 73

Hubert and Billy on a random rock above the water. I'm not sure how they got there.

On Saturday morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we all did our DTs in Psalm 73 together and then split up into groups to discuss what we had thought about or had learned. Personally, I really enjoyed this time of sharing where I was able to hear from freshmen and seniors who I normally don’t get to do my DT with. After this time, we headed over to Sardine Lake for some hiking! Unfortunately, because of weather conditions, we had to make a slight change in plans, but I think we all enjoyed the unique experience of eating sandwiches under the protection of minivan trunk doors. During our short hike, we were lucky enough to spot two bald eagles soaring above the waters; also, I think one of the most memorable moments from our trip was when the staff all came out and had a pseudo-dance competition (Remember? “Vamos a la Playa,” “Beautiful,” and “In the Beginning”). As the weather became less hiking-friendly, we rushed back to the vans and headed back for Sierra Lodge.

Senior Sisters + Jackie (From Left: Lois, Yao, Jackie, Christina, Stephany)

For dinner that night, we had carnitas tacos (mm, my favorite) and spicy noodles. Then we played two games as a group: the “blanket name game” and the “three-word game.” For those who don’t know what those are, join us next time to find out :] After these games, we watched Apollo 13. I think we can learn a lesson or two from the bravery, leadership, and teamwork that all the people involved with Apollo 13 displayed. Afterward, we all headed off to sleep, every one of us a little sad that the fun-filled weekend would soon be coming to an end. 

Freshmen Brothers at Sardine Lake

In order to get to Berkeley in time for Sunday Service, we got up bright and early on Sunday morning, ate a quick breakfast, and mobilized as a huge group to help clean Sierra Lodge. Everyone grabbed different cleaning supplies and put in their part to help keep our precious Sierra Lodge clean and ready for the next group that will go up to use it. All in all, this weekend was a great, de-stressing experience. I also got to know the freshmen a lot better, so I’m really happy about that. Thank you to all the staff who spent hours on end planning this trip, preparing the food, driving, and just making sure everyone had a great time!

Pastor Will and Mike Fu (Staff) dancing to "Vamos a la Playa"

This coming Friday (November 14th) we’ll be resuming our normal TFNs. This week’s will be at 7:45PM at the Tilden Room at MLK Union. Also, if you want to see more of our staff doing outrageous(ly funny) dances, check out our Thanksgiving Celebration on the 23rd of November. Check acts2fellowship.org for more information!