Maranatha Class of 2018 Bonds on the 3rd Annual Freshmen Retreat

On Tuesday, September 30, Maranatha High School celebrated its freshman by taking the entire class to Mt. Crags, a Salvation Army retreat center in Malibu, for its 3rd annual freshman retreat. The goal of this yearly retreat is to foster spiritual growth and bonding amongst the incoming freshman class, immersing them in the uniquely spiritual culture of Maranatha.

“It was very eye-opening,” freshman Marty Martinez said. “I learned a lot of new things about the spiritual life at Maranatha.”

Many of Maranatha’s seniors in leadership positions joined the freshmen and facilitated the retreat by leading small group sessions with the freshmen and leading them in team games, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and many other activities. Small group time and communal worship allowed the freshmen to experience the presence of God in the unique way Maranatha offers, while the activities helped the freshmen bond as a class and have a blast in their day of play.

“Whenever students can be taken out of the classroom and interact with their peers in a different setting, it always results in the strengthening of community,” Theology faculty Wayne Randolph, who attended the retreat, said.

The retreat ended with an inspirational message by Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life Joel Murphy that encouraged the freshmen to be open and honest with one another so that they could grow closer as a class. Mr. Murphy remarked, “I think what we often forget is that it’s our humanity and inherent imperfections which draw us near to each other. Ultimately, Biblical communities are about being transparent and authentic so that Christ might be glorified.”

Freshman Natalie Ter-Martirosian remarked, “The retreat was a great way to meet people.” Overall, the freshmen certainly seemed to appreciate the atmosphere of openness and community.

Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranatha-hs.org.