The Kansas City, Missouri, singles hosted their first young adults event over the 2005 Memorial Day weekend. A total of 73 young adults from 18 different states and Canada converged at the Show Me state's "City of Fountains" for a very exciting and inspiring weekend May 27 to 30.

Guests were immediately treated to a surprising twist as each of the singles and speakers received two lengthy written reports that contained the online survey results that each of the singles filled out prior to the event. Reading the unedited responses and poll results raised eyebrows and created quite a buzz that was to last throughout the entire weekend. (The reports are online at www.kcya2005.com/Questionaire.html.)

Doug Horchak delivered the Saturday morning keynote address titled "Raising the Standards for the Next Generation of the Church of God." His inspiring PowerPoint message was further enhanced by encouraging audience participation.

Following the keynote address, there was a triple breakout session. The single women's seminar "Female Makeover 101" was given by a panel that included Marian Sargent, Tanya Horchak, Marjolaine Meeker and Becky Johnson. A panel that included Mr. Horchak, Greg Sargent and Joel Meeker gave the single men's seminar "Male Makeover 101." The singles seminars focused on practical physical improvements and spiritual principles to help the singles better relate and interact with each other.

Dave Johnson gave the seminar for the married guests titled "How to Keep the Romance Alive and Maintain a Healthy Marriage." All the seminars included a brief question-and-answer session.

Kansas City's beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel served as the facility for all the seminars and Sabbath services. For many, one of the highlights of the weekend was the Saturday night dance. Located in a spacious outdoor facility at Union Station, young adults feasted on a delicious barbecue buffet meal that was immediately followed by a mix of karaoke and dance music. One young adult commented later about the dance, "I didn't know we were allowed to have that much fun!" Young adults and other guests danced and sang the night away well past midnight.

The Sunday morning brunch was supplemented by a last-minute video presentation. Mr. Meeker was able to share a 30-minute video from his recent trip to Africa, which he narrated for all the guests. Mr. Meeker then moderated the last interactive seminar on "Online Etiquette" in which each table was assigned a few scriptures to discuss regarding the topic.

Young adults had the rest of the day free to attend any of the optional activities or do their own thing. Some toured Kansas City's Historic Liberty Memorial Museum while others went to Worlds of Fun amusement park. The evening ended with a bang as most gathered to watch a spectacular fireworks display and enjoy an outdoor patriotic concert performed by the Kansas City Symphony.

On Memorial Day, the 40 guests who remained met for brunch at the Cheesecake Factory on the world-famous Country Club Plaza. A group photo was taken at one of Kansas City's most famous fountains after the brunch and those who could stay toured a nearby Memorial Gardens park.

The event has received so much positive feedback that plans are already in the works to host another Memorial Day weekend in 2006. More photos of the event can be viewed at the following link: http://kcya2005.com/Event_Photos.html.