The advertising materials promised, "an uplifting weekend, where faith is taken to the next level, life-changing discussions take place, friends are made, and lives are transformed!." A number of St. Mark's youth and parents experienced the YouthQuake event in Pittsburgh over the weekend of January 27-29, 2012.

St. Mark's at YouthQuake The theme of the event was “Rooted,” based on Colossians 2:6-7: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

The featured speaker, Scott Phelps, presented this theme beautifully, illustrating how we can live our life according to God’s plan by inviting the youth onstage to participate in visual examples to get his point across. While the world tells us to live one way and temptations surround us, we can stand strong and live life “God’s way” if we are rooted in the Word. Even when we succumb to temptation, the grace of Christ abounds and calls us back to our loving Father.

Youth Encounter’s own Captive Free performed, raising the energy level of the youth Captive Free is Youth Encounter’s team ministry band, a group of young adults who volunteer to tour while engaging in relational ministry through music.

The highlight of this year’s event was the guest band. Echelon began as a Christian band in 1980. The four men who currently make up the group have been together since 1994. Their music is Christ-centered, easy to sing, uplifting, and worshipful. But best of all, they are a group that transcends all ages, touching the hearts of young and old alike. They touched the hearts of our youth and engaged them in worship and praise while having a great deal of fun.

The St. Mark's group included the Comini, Jones and Barone families, Ezra Buckman and Max Hospes. Families from Messiah shared transportation and together the two groups participated in the activities.

St. Mark's and Messiah participants in YouthQuake 2012