California R-I students joined other across the nation in the 25th year of "See You at the Pole." often abbreviated as SYATP. The California students gathered for a worship rally at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. At 7 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, interested high school students gathered in a circle at the flag pole at the high school and middle and elementary students gathered at the flag pole at the arch between California Middle School and Elementary School. With hands held and heads bowed, the students and a few adults offered prayers of safety and well-being for students, teachers, the school, the city, the nation and Christians around the world.
The worship rally featured Christian songs led in singing by Heather Borghardt, with instrumental accompaniment by Josh Barry and Pat Sweet. Mike Staton spoke about being a christian.
He said that being a Christian is not a one day a week job. "It's a 24 / 7 job," he said.
Staton went on to say, that a person should not have to tell everyone they are a Christian. He said, rather, that it should be evident in their actions.
The big question for Christians, Staton said, is, "Are we a follower of Jesus or just a fan?"
He brought up Luke 9:23, in which Jesus said to take up the cross and follow him.
II Cor. 5:7 says "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Staton said he learned a lot on a mission trip he took to Ethiopia, commenting that God sent him across the world to get his attitude right. He said Christians shouldn't be afraid to spread their faith "Do what you need to do."
In Acts 14:19, there is a story of St. Paul, who was stoned and dragged out of the city for dead, then got up and walked back into the city. Staton said Paul was sold out for Christ.
He ended by asking if those in the audience are going through the motions or are sold out for Christ and are taking up the Cross?