Echo, our youth ministry for 7th-12th graders, is in need of volunteers! Okay, but what is Echo like? What am I getting myself into?
A recap from this year’s Catalyst retreat gives a peek behind the scenes of what Echo is all about. Catalysts are the student leaders who commit themselves to encouraging the broader Echo community in experiencing the kingdom of God. 
Each summer, the Catalysts take a retreat to prepare for the new school year. The 2021 retreat focused on servant leadership, as students spent time looking at examples of Jesus’ leadership and worshipping together—one worship session kept going until 2am! 
The students bonded through fun times at the pool, sharing meals, telling their personal stories and completing a service project picking up trash in a South Minneapolis neighborhood.
Katie Holmberg, an Echo staff member, said that her weekend highlight was story-sharing time. “I always walk away from that time being so proud of the students for sharing so vulnerably and in awe of what God is doing in their lives.”
This was true for catalyst leader Jesiah Mason as well, “A highlight of the retreat to me was definitely sharing testimonies. Another highlight for me was picking up trash; it gave me the opportunity to get to know other Catalysts more and to help the environment.”
Last year certainly threw Echo a curveball, so students and staff alike are looking forward to the possibilities of this next year. Catalyst leader Madelyn Cashman says, “My hope for this year is to make up for what we missed this past year and to grow together in our faith as a community.”
Katie says, “The Catalyst team if full of amazing students this year who are passionate about our Echo community and sharing God’s kingdom. I couldn’t be prouder of them and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for this team in the upcoming school year!”
The Catalyst leaders are ready to take on a new year and they’d love you to join! If you love Jesus and are excited about working with middle school and high school students, we’d love to connect with you. This year’s leader trainings are on the Wednesdays of September 1st and 8th.
For more info, or with questions, contact Jamie at jhorn@whchurch.org.
