“You were called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated by Oneness.”
Ephesians 4: 4-6 The Message
Faith in 3D is an event that brings together youth from three different faith groups for one weekend to discover the oneness that exists in Christ. On January 16-19, 2009, over two-thousand youth from The Presbyterian Church (USA), The Episcopal Church, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship met at Walt Disney World® in Orlando, FL for Faith in 3D. In this ecumenical community, students were Dared to live and act faithfully in the world; challenged to Discover the depth and richness of an authentic faith in Jesus the Christ; and invited to Dream ways in which their faith can make a difference in their lives.
Faith in 3D was highlighted by three unique worship services, each in the style of the three participating denominations. Each service was anchored by inspired preaching from Tony Campolo of the Baptist community, Roger Nishioka from the Presbyterian Church USA, and Bishop Bavi Edna “Nedi” Rivera from the Episcopal Church in America. Music from “The Faith in 3D Band” wove together the tapestry of liturgy and faith. A mission offering was taken to support Watering Malawi, a project that was launched at the first Faith in 3D event in 2006.
Students participated in small groups with students from each of the three denominations. These small groups met for Bible study, and a journey around Epcot for Faith Around the World. At Faith Around the World, each small group traveled to three different countries to learn about the different faith traditions of those countries, and how their own faith has been shaped by the cultures and traditions of the countries they visited.
Faith in 3D was a unique opportunity for young people to celebrate the differences of their faith groups, while embracing the similarities, and acknowledging that it is within both our differences and similarities that they are brought together as one body of Christ.
Plans have not yet been set for a future event, but if you are interested in being a part of another Faith in 3D event, please contact your denominations national office.
