Photography by Alex Luyckx
There are a few key things about a Presbyterian Young People's Society weekend that make it, well, a PYPS weekend. First, there is a speaker chosen for the weekend. I'm not sure how these speakers are chosen because I have yet to run a weekend, but they are chosen well. The speaker has several time spots allocated for talking to us about the theme that was chosen for the weekend. We like to call this a theme address. After the theme address, the group (i.e. all the youth at the weekend) breaks down into smaller discussion groups. These smaller groups go off and find a spot somewhere where they can talk about what they've heard.
Another key component of a PYPS weekend is the worship service. Ah yes, the worship service, possibly one of my favourite times. This is where things really get fun. at PYPS we do worship like most churches do: some readings from the Bible, a responsive reading here and there, and, of course you can't forget the music. Here is where things change drastically from any church that I've ever been to. First, the music that we play and the songs that we sing are far from the traditional pipe organ and choir music that you may be used to. These songs are played on the guitar, on the keyboard. There are drums, and people sing and dance. Yes, that's right. Dance. It's an amazing experience. I believe that we've actually scared some people with the amount of dancing that we have during certain songs. I will have to point out here that you don't have to dance when you go to PYPS. There are actually a good number of people who just like to watch the others dance. It doesn't matter to anyone, and that's the beauty of it.
After the worship service and the theme address, there is free time and organized games and fun stuff. These events have varied greatly. From curling to square dancing to taking a ferry ride, almost anything is possible, provided it's within the budget. And the free time is exactly what it sounds like. Free time to go find your friends and just hang out and relax, because, believe me, you need time to rest during the day.
When you're at PYPS, you know that you're going to be with friends. Friends who know God and who won't judge you based on your religion or way of praising his honour. It's a liberating experience, being able to just cut loose and sing at the top of your lungs and dance like a fool because you know that there are at least a dozen others dancing and singing with you. You also know when you're at PYPS, you won't be alone. There are so many diverse youth who attend a weekend that you'll always find someone you can talk to because everyone there has something in common. This is not to say that no groups are formed. That's just human nature. It happens any time a large group gets together, but at PYPS, these groups are completely open. there is no other place that I know of where different groups of people are so open and understanding.
I'm not going to lie. When I first showed up at PYPS, my first thought was something along the lines of: “Man, these people are crazy.” But that was followed shortly by: “This is the most awesomest thing ever!” (and yes, I make up words when I talk to myself.) It really was, and is, the most awesomest thing that I've done yet in my life.
PYPS. Just four little letters, but they mean the world to me.
