Celebrate Life 26 Booklet

Page 1


“I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.” — JOHN 10:10

SCHEDULE

TIME

WHAT WHERE

8:45AM Arrive + Registration Great Hall

9:15 AM Worship Doors Open Worship Center

9:30 AM Celebrate Life 2026 Begins Worship Center

10:00 AM Snack Break Great Hall

10:20 AM Breakout #1 Begins

10:45 AM Breakout #2 Begins

11:10 AM Breakout #3 Begins

11:35 AM MIXER Worship Center

12:10 PM Lunch Great Hall

12:40 PM Breakout #4 Begins

1:05 PM Breakout #5 Begins

1:30 PM Closing + Worship Worship Center

2:15 PM Event Ends

MAP

BREAKOUT

Anger: What It Is and What To Do About It

Amanda White, LPC; Counselor; LCCS

Anger isn’t the enemy - there’s usually something underneath it C S Lewis put it this way: “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.” This session helps students recognize what their anger is trying to say, calm their reactions, and respond with wisdom and strength. Sessions 1-3

Building a Healthy Self-Image & Body Confidence

Dr. Alex Ford, Cultivate Well Coaching & Consulting

Learn how to replace comparison and insecurity with confidence rooted in God’s truth about who you are Sessions 1-3

Creation as Devotion

Amy Reavis & Molly Marley, Art Teachers, GFCS & LCCS

"In the beginning, God created..." The Bible's first utterance is about our Creator Shaped by His own hands, we long for a relationship with Him In this session, you will be given an abundance of art supplies to create a miniature work of art that will remind you daily that you are HIS masterpiece. Worship music will be played in a quiet atmosphere of focused devotion through creation, so a connection can be made with Him. Be still and know; create and remember Sessions 1-2 & 4-5 (This breakout is two sessions long.)

Dating with Purpose

Sarah & Brandon Brooks, GFCS Alum

Led by a Faith alum who dated in high school and later married, this session offers a real, honest look at what healthy dating can actually look like in high school Students will learn how to build relationships rooted in friendship, respect, and intentional choices that lead to good memories - not regretwhether you marry your high school sweetheart or not. Sessions 1-3

Faith Over Comparison

Caroline Findley, English Teacher, GFCS

A real conversation about the pressures students face every daycomparison, insecurity, and the need to fit in. This session helps students recognize the traps that steal confidence and teaches them how to anchor their worth in Christ, choose truth over approval, and walk with courage in who God says they are Sessions 1-3

Get Real: Making Authentic Connections with God and Others

Dr. Cliff McNeely, Bible Teacher, GFCS

Drawing from his doctoral research on authentic spiritual formation, Dr McNeely interviewed students and faculty to understand their perspectives This session explores key takeaways from his study and offers practical ways to cultivate a culture of authenticity among students. Sessions 1-3

God’s Purpose for You

Mark Garcia, History Teacher, GFCS

You were built on purpose, with purpose. This session helps students connect their spiritual gifts to the real-life assignments God is inviting them into every day.

Sessions 2-3

DESCRIPTIONS

How

God Uses Ordinary People to Change the World

Natalie Lockhart, English Teacher, LCCS

A powerful reminder that God doesn’t wait for perfection or special qualifications: He works through ordinary people with willing hearts This session encourages students to see how God can use their everyday gifts, choices, and stories to make a real impact right where they are. Sessions 4-5

How

to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say Jamie Garner, Career & Calling Teacher, GFCS

Prayer is our way of reaching out to God, but, sometimes, we just don’t have the words. Whether we’re walking through pain ourselves or sitting beside someone who is, silence can feel like failure. In this session, we’ll explore how to pray when language falls short: how to be present in another’s suffering and allow God’s Spirit to speak, even when our words are few Sessions 4-5

Interactive

Prayer

Mr and Mrs Hall, LCCS + Student Prayer Teams

Step into a peaceful space designed for reflection, connection, and prayer

Students can write on prayer boards, receive prayer from trusted prayer partners, or simply sit with God. This room offers freedom, quiet, and gentle guidance for anyone wanting to draw closer to Him. Open All Sessions

Learning

to Set Boundaries and Say No

Dr. Jackson Greer, English Teacher, GFCS

Saying no is hard. This session teaches students how to set boundaries, stop overcommitting, and make choices that are healthy, wise, and respectful Sessions 1 & 3

Letting Go of Perfect: My Journey through an Eating Disorder

Sheryl Burleson, Executive Administrative Coordinator of Student Development, GFCS

A testimony about wrestling with perfection, body image, and an eating disorder - and how God stepped in with healing and hope. Honest, relatable, and full of encouragement for students who feel like they’re fighting their own battles or want insight on how to help a friend with theirs. Sessions 4-5

Living

Out God’s Purpose and Calling

Dr. Will Lorigan, Director of Biblical Worldview, GFCS

God has a plan for you real, personal, and already unfolding. This session helps students learn how to hear God’s voice, use their gifts, and live out their calling faithfully Sessions 1-3

Mattering in Relationships

Dr. Matt Lambro, Assistant Principal, GFCS

Mattering in relationships isn’t about being impressive - it’s about being intentional When we make others feel seen, we mirror God’s heart and we find peace The pathway to peace runs through relationships that remind us: you matter to God, and you matter to us. How do you have those kinds of relationships - whether it’s in dating or in friendships or with your teammates? Sessions 3 & 5

BREAKOUT

Navigate: Introduction & Strategies to Manage Mental Health Care YES! Programs (Youth Equipped to Succeed)

Life is a journey, and this breakout, presented by an engaging professional speaker, helps students learn how to navigate it well. Using a road trip theme, the session explores mental health, emotions, stress, and relationships in a practical and relatable way. Students will learn tools to manage anxiety, sadness, and tough situations, recognize when they need support, and build healthy connections Faith is woven throughout, reminding students that God cares about their whole heart and that no one is meant to walk the road alone. Sessions 2-3 & 4-5 (This breakout is two sessions long.)

Navigating Gossip, Judgment, and People-Pleasing

Anderick Biddle, Campus Pastor, LCCS

A practical, honest conversation about the pressures students face to fit in, stay liked, and avoid being the subject of gossip or judgment. This session helps students recognize unhealthy patterns, set healthy boundaries, and choose integrity over approval Sessions 4-5

Prayer Life Reboot: Practical Ways to Grow in Prayer

Caroline Findley, English Teacher, GFCS

A fresh, honest look at how to build a prayer life that actually feels real and doable Students will learn simple ways to connect with God, break through common barriers, and make prayer a natural part of everyday life not just something they “should” do. Sessions 4-5

Pro-Love: Redefining What It Means to Be Pro-Life Embrace Grace - Erika Porter, Outreach Manager

In a world quick to take sides, this message invites students to take a stand for love. Discover how compassion, grace, and courage can change livesone heart at a time. Being pro-life isn't about politics; it's about people, and it starts with choosing to love first This session will be presented in 40minute increments Sessions 2-3 & 4-5 (This breakout is two sessions long )

Regulated: Tools to calm your mind and enter into God’s presence Luke Dale, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Anxiety doesn’t start in your thoughts - your body feels it first In this session, students will learn how the nervous system works, why stress feels overwhelming, and simple practices they can use anywhere. We’ll also explore Union and Communion, a spiritual grounding practice that helps you slow down, notice God’s presence, and reconnect with peace. Sessions 4-5

Understanding Abortion with Compassion & Truth

Bryan Brigham, History Teacher, LCCS

A thoughtful, grace-filled conversation about abortion that holds both compassion and biblical truth together This session helps students understand the complexity of the issue and learn how to respond with Christlike love, clarity, and courage - honoring both the value of life and the hearts of those who are hurting. Sessions 4-5

DESCRIPTIONS

Unplugged Worship

GFCS & LCCS Worship Teams

A quiet, intimate space to slow down and meet with God. This acoustic worship session focuses on simple songs, heartfelt praise, and a peaceful atmosphere where students can breathe, rest, and reconnect with Him Sessions 2 (GFCS) & 4 (LCCS)

What’s Your Idiot Bucket?

Amy Gallegos, Student Affairs Coordinator, GFCS

We all tend to play favorites - choosing who we respect, include, or admire based on looks, grades, popularity, or status But when we favor some, we unintentionally dishonor others, dishonor God, and distort the gospel. Only by seeing how Jesus chose us over Himself can we move past judgment and learn to love others fully and fairly. Sessions 1 & 4

When Family Looks Different: A safe, honest look at faith, love, and identity when home life doesn’t fit the mold

Scott Hyde, Head Boys Basketball Coach, GFCS

Family looks different for everyone Whether your parents are divorced, remarried, or simply navigating hard seasons, this session is about finding peace, identity, and strength in Christ - no matter what your family story looks like. Sessions 1-3

When the Unplanned Needs a Plan: Adoption is a Loving Option Legacy Adoption Services - Karen Capson, Community Partnership Manager; Todd Dean, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Operations; Danielle Fork, Case Supervisor & Options Counselor

A compassionate look at how God brings hope and purpose into situations that feel unexpected or overwhelming This session explores adoption as a courageous, loving choice one that values life, honors the birth family, and creates new stories of redemption. Students will hear honest perspectives and learn how faith can guide decisions in the face of the unplanned. Sessions 4-5 (This breakout is two sessions long.)

Who Am I in Christ?

Ali Black, Bible Teacher, GFCS

A practical and honest look at identity through a biblical lens. Students will explore what God says about who they are, how to recognize lies that distort identity, and how to anchor their worth in Christ rather than culture, comparison, or performance Sessions 1-2

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