Starry Night shines with games and musical performers at Presbyterian Youth Triennium
Participants and volunteers enjoy time to socialize and be entertained
LOUISVILLE — A playful atmosphere permeated the Kentucky International Convention Center Tuesday night as participants in the Presbyterian Youth Triennium enjoyed recreational activities and other entertainment, ranging from a human version of a galactic video game to musical artists showing off their performance skills.
The festivities were part of Starry Night, a fun-filled block that preceded evening worship at the first Triennium to be held in six years. PYT continues in downtown Louisville through Thursday, combining entertainment and socializing with group discussion and learning as well as worship.
“Whenever you can present the opportunity for youth to closer connect with God in such an area like this where you have over 2,000 people their age singing and worshiping together, it is absolutely incredible,” said Joel Morien, a director of Christian education who’s part of a group from Winnebago Presbytery in northeastern Wisconsin. “It’s something you have to experience. This is going to change lives and it’s going to bring people closer to their faith.”
Starry Night began with Galactic Battles, which consisted of various games scattered across two floors of the convention center, followed by a talent exhibition called “The Galaxy of Stars.”
A luminescent blue background, starry lights overhead and various blips and props helped to turn one hall into a Human Galaga venue with teams competing to cross the room in pods with numbers hanging off of them while harmless projectiles were flung at them.
“It’s hard to mimic video games, so this is a good adaptation,” said Nhani, 13, a southern Californian who was fresh from playing the game. “Triennium is a really cool experience.”
Throngs of high schoolers and their adult leaders crowded into the hall to try the game or to simply get a look at what was going on. Among them was Hannah, 18, of Overbrook Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
“I don't get the chance to play it too often, so I was like why not?" she said. "I feel like I'm kind of here to try new things."
Hannah also commented on memorable experiences from the previous night, including worship with the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly, and a silent disco that was “really fun,” she said.
Nearby, youths lined a hallway to watch an offbeat version of soccer with players dressed in cardboard boxes fashioned into rockets.
Aaron, who attends the Presbyterian Church of Novato in California, said the recreational activities are a good way to channel kids’ energy.
“It’s all fun and games and no one’s getting hurt,” the youth said. Through the rockets, “people are showing creativity.”
Onlookers included Jennifer Davis, a volunteer from the Presbytery of the Redwoods, who said Triennium is a good experience for youths because it gives them an opportunity to see people living out their faith.
Also, they get to see that “there are other teenagers that are Christian too that are normal and cool and loving and kind — all the things,” she said.
Galactic Battles quickly transitioned into the Galaxy of Stars, which featured a talented mix of musical performers, such as the youth steelpan band from Susamachar Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in Trinidad and Tobago.
The crowd got a chance to salsa dance during a segment by the delegation of Puerto Rico and to experience voguing and ballroom culture through a bold and sassy performance by the LGBTQIA+ affirming Haus of Us.
“It was good. I liked it,” said Jenna, 18, of Mt. Paran Presbyterian Church in Maryland, who said she appreciated the opportunity to come together in the different spaces.
Earlier, Nhani said she’s kind of sad that she’ll only be able to attend Triennium once since there are generally three years between gatherings.
“Triennium has been a really fun experience,” she said. “I’ve definitely met a lot of people. It’s very social and I’ve had to connect with a lot of people to get their pins so that I have souvenirs.”
Morien of First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay, Wisconsin, said being able to interact with people from across the country is important.
“My kids from Wisconsin can see what a Presbyterian is like from California or from Maine or from Texas, see how they worship, see how we are all the same and yet different in our own way. It’s amazing.”
For more coverage of Presbyterian Youth Triennium, visit www.pcusa.org or Triennium’s Facebook page as well as the denomination’s Facebook channels.
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