Many McIntosh students who attend Southside Church went to Vertical Reality 2013 this past weekend, October 25 to October 27.

The church retreat was held at the Georgia FFA Camp in Covington.

The students spent four sessions worshiping with a live band and heard sermons from Joseph Sojourner, who led sessions one, two and three, and Heath Bennett, who led session four.

With the theme of the weekend “Game On,” students gained insight into how they can apply their faith both in and out of church and focused on how to maintain both their “vertical” and “horizontal” reality, or their spiritual and everyday life.

After getting settled in Friday night, students attended the first session and had small group time after. Despite the chilly weather, the students spent Saturday outside, connecting with their small groups. They played games such as ultimate frisbee, mini-golf, beach volleyball and football. Students also canoed, kayaked and paddle-boated on the lake. After a day of activities, two worship sessions, small group time and a flour war, students continued the festivities late into the night with a bonfire and s’mores and hot chocolate.

The retreat concluded Sunday morning with a morning worship session and devotional by the lake. The hours after Vertical Reality were spent reminiscing and already missing the weekend. Freshman Jenni Morgan said, “It was an amazing weekend to connect with God and friends.” Freshman Devin Lowry said, “Having an amazing weekend with your friends is one thing, but knowing you’re also sharing it with God, your ultimate best friend, is something incomprehensible.”

Because it is a weekend away from technology, social media and drama at school or with family, the retreat is a time for students to clear the heads and focus on their faith. Sophomore Laney Miller said, “…My favorite part was how you could literally feel God present everywhere you went.”