High on Life, an interdenominational Christian organization for young adults, is having a reunion on Saturday, September 18, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Kent Island United Methodist Church in Chester. Everyone who was a participant or supporter of this large ministry on the Eastern Shore is welcome.
High on Life (HOL) was founded in 1989 on Kent Island with members coming from throughout Queen Anne’s County and the Western Shore. For many years, the group met on Monday evenings in area homes and churches with up to 100 people, aged 18-30, in attendance. David Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Gipe Associates in Easton, was HOL’s discussion leader and teacher, creating many unique, memorable lessons.
The group was formed in response to concerns that many young people had “nothing to do” on Kent Island. Marcia Burgoon, the group’s founder and senior advisor said, “We challenged them to create something fun and meaningful… and they did. They also used the Word of God to understand who they are in Christ, and the difference He makes in people’s lives. We saw amazing changes in the lifestyles of many HOL members. Everyone is hurting in some area of their lives, and High on Life became an ‘extended family’ reaching out to all who needed love and a place to belong.”
Members joined together in a variety of High on Life activities including weekly gatherings, ski retreats, white water rafting, volleyball, dances, sporting events, camping trips, seasonal celebrations and parties, bible studies, worship, and attending and being part of each other’s weddings.
The group established such a positive reputation within the area, that other organizations approached HOL for services. Members parked cars at the United Way dinner and private parties; volunteered at the Kent Narrows Powerboat Challenge; helped construct and participate in Queen Anne’s County’s Haunted Crack House, visited nursing homes and young people in prison, went Christmas caroling, assisted the Chesapeake Tall Ship Expedition and Shore Life V-Ball.
As the number of HOL members increased, supportive area residents with larger homes welcomed them for weekly meetings. Some of the group’s favorite locations were the waterfront homes of Butch and Linda Collier and Al and Chris Helfenbein in Kirwan’s Landing. Each summer, HOL members posed for a group photo in the back of the Colliers’ home. These photos and hundreds of others will be on display at the upcoming reunion.
Mrs. Burgoon said, “Over the years, High on Life touched hundreds of lives and families through Christian teaching, music, varied activities and fellowship. Today, HOL participants are youth pastors, Christian educators, Sunday School teachers, musicians in praise bands and leaders in their churches and ministries. We never expected the ‘far-reaching’ impact of this popular organization.
“Recently, Keith Davis, one of HOL’s founding members, passed away very unexpectedly. Through Facebook and personal contacts, over 600 people attended his memorial service at Kent island United Methodist Church, including many High on Life “alums.” Realizing the close bonds of friendship that had been created over the years, Keith’s friends knew it was time for a HOL reunion.”
Everyone who was involved in any way with HOL is encouraged to attend the September 18 reunion and to contact as many other “HOLifers” as possible. Guests are encouraged to bring past photographs of High on Life. The cost of this “adults only” event is $10 per person. Food will be provided. For reservations or more information, contact Darren Ahearn at 240-344-1713 or darrenahearn@gmail.com or Marcia Burgoon at 410-490-4300 or mburgoon@mris.com.