During the weekend of October 18-19, over 40 churches united, bringing together approximately 1,000 students for the much-anticipated 2024 Fall Back Weekend retreat at the scenic Falls Creek. This enriching retreat serves as a delightful opportunity for students to rejuvenate, fostering both personal refreshment and spiritual growth while they enjoy their Fall Break away from their usual academic commitments.
Throughout the summer months, thousands of students flock to Falls Creek, reveling in a diverse array of activities, participating in Bible studies, learning about missions, and immersing themselves in powerful worship services held within the historic Tabernacle. In contrast to the bustling summer experience, the Fall Back Weekend offers a more laid-back atmosphere, allowing students the chance to unwind and recharge amidst their often hectic Fall schedules.
This year, the spiritual services were directed by the inspiring James Poulain, the pastor at Holdenville, First, while the vibrant worship was expertly led by Drew Cranford, worship pastor at El Reno, First. Their compelling partnership created an engaging worship environment for all attendees.
Poulain’s thought-provoking sermons throughout the retreat drew inspiration from the powerful message of Colossians 1:19-20: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross,” allowing students to deepen their understanding of faith.
The weekend was filled with excitement, featuring the annual dodgeball tournament, a lively miniature rodeo, inflatable attractions, and a plethora of other engaging activities available throughout the expansive Falls Creek grounds. To complement the festive Fall atmosphere, the cafe also showcased a special seasonal menu, enhancing the overall experience.
Following the completion of the Weekend, many churches chose to extend their stay at the Falls Creek campgrounds, continuing their bonding moments while engaging in their own planned activities. This practice harkens back to the origins of Fall Back Weekend, when youth pastors first convened at Falls Creek, bringing their students along to partake in Fellowship during Fall Break.
In time, the Falls Creek Conference Center recognized the event’s potential and began to play a pivotal role, providing both the weekend speaker and the musical band, while youth pastors took charge of orchestrating the additional elements that make this event special.
Although still a relatively new addition to the Falls Creek tradition, Fall Back Weekend has quickly emerged as a joyful and relaxing time for students and is well on its way to establishing itself as a beloved annual gathering for church youth groups across the region.
For more information about Fall Back Weekend, click here.
**Interview with James Poulain, Pastor at Holdenville, First**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, James! The 2024 Fall Back Weekend retreat at Falls Creek sounds like it was a fantastic experience for students. Can you tell us a bit about the atmosphere during the retreat compared to the usual busy summer sessions?
**James Poulain:** Absolutely! The Fall Back Weekend really creates a unique environment. While summer is filled with high-energy activities and a nonstop schedule, this weekend is designed for relaxation and contemplation. It offers students a chance to step back from their regular routines and focus on their personal spiritual journeys in a more laid-back setting.
**Editor:** That sounds refreshing! You directed the spiritual services during the retreat. What themes or messages did you focus on in your sermons?
**James Poulain:** My sermons centered around the power of community and understanding our identity in Christ. I aimed to encourage students to recognize their value and purpose, especially during this transitional stage in their lives. I believe it’s important for them to know they are part of something bigger, not just within their schools but also within their community of faith.
**Editor:** That’s a vital message for young people today. And I hear Drew Cranford led the worship. How did that partnership enhance the experience for the attendees?
**James Poulain:** Drew and I have a great rapport, and his leadership in worship really elevated the atmosphere. His music and passion for worship pushed the messages into the hearts of the students. Together, we aimed to create a space where they could genuinely encounter God through worship and reflection, which I believe resonated strongly with many of them.
**Editor:** It certainly sounds like a powerful collaboration. With around 1,000 students attending this year, what impact do you hope the retreat will have on them as they return to their daily lives?
**James Poulain:** My hope is that every student would leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their faith. I want them to take the spiritual growth they experienced during the retreat back into their classrooms and homes, sharing what they’ve learned and continuing to foster their relationship with God. This weekend isn’t just a moment in time; it’s about igniting a lasting fire in their hearts.
**Editor:** That’s inspiring, James. Thank you for your insights and for leading such an impactful retreat for the youth. We hope to see continued growth and engagement from these students in their faith communities!
**James Poulain:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to be part of such a transformative experience for our youth.