2 Florida United Methodist Review Online

Diversity, fellowship highlight youth event

Photo by Michael Wacht

Youth at last month's UProar event responded to the music in different ways. Some stood quietly and listened, others danced and a few crowd surfed. Mike Standifer, the Florida Conference's Youth Ministry director, said the variety of self expression showed "it takes all kinds...to make up God's kingdom."

By Michael Wacht

    KISSIMMEE - In an atmosphere suggestive of Woodstock music festivals, more than 3,500 young people, including nearly 800 Florida Conference youth, gathered at the Osceola County Fairgrounds for two days of music, fellowship, worship and art. The event was called UProar: A Modern Music Gathering.
    For many people it was a time to have fun and hear positive music. For others it was a chance to experience something different.
    "I don't know any of the bands, but I like concerts," said Holly Bolinger, a member of Orlando's Conway United Methodist Church. "It's a fun way to be with my friends and hear music."
    Mike Standifer, director of the Florida Conference Council on Ministries' Youth office, said he was pleased the event offered so many choices. "There were happy mediums for everyone," he said. "Friday was hard-core. It was for people more on the edge. But the same night was a presentation of "The Rock and The Rabbi"…which is a different expression of the gospel that most kids haven't seen before."
    "The Rock and the Rabbi" is a retelling of the gospel from Peter's point of view that features storytelling and singing supported by acoustic music and a wide variety of percussion.
    More than 80 bands ranging in musical style from hard-core to punk to pop played on two outdoor stages, while event participants danced in front of the stage, sat on sofas, blankets and lawn chairs, or played Frisbee or hackey sack.
    Shon Graham, a non-denominational church member from Apopka, said he went to hear some of the bands playing alternative Christian music. "It's positive music," he said. "It's in-tune with today's lifestyle and youth."
    Graham said the music "quickly uplifted" him, but he especially appreciated the spirit of cooperation among the musicians. "I see a lot of bonding together," he said. "Nobody's competing…they all have the same message."
    The youth were as varied in their styles as the bands. Several had pink-, green- and blue-colored hair. Some sported tattoos and body art. Some wore black leather, and others wore T-shirts and blue jeans.
    Standifer said the diversity of people was one of the highlights. "You were able to see that it does take all kinds of folks to make up God's kingdom, not just folks that look like us and listen to the same music," he said.
    The event also featured the Porch at UProar, an indoor venue that offered performance art, acoustic music, dramatic readings and displays of Christian art, including an area where participants could create their own art.