EpiscoYouth

Presencia Oficial de los Jóvenes en la Convención General 2012

2011-12-09T10:39:00.001-06:00

¡Ya están abiertas las solicitudes!

(Please scroll down for the English version if needed to the December 1 post)

En cada Convención General, la Oficinadel Ministerio de los Jóvenes de la Iglesia Episcopal convoca y respalda queuna Presencia Oficial de los Jóvenes participe del debate legislativo en elpleno de la Cámara de Diputados con asiento y voz (Resolución #1982-B045). Esnuestra costumbre aceptar nominaciones de toda la Iglesia a fin de escoger luegoa 18 jóvenes, dos por provincia, que representen una muestra de adolescentestan diversa como sea posible. Para tener derecho a ser nominado, cada uno deestos jóvenes debe ser comulgante activo en su comunidad de fe local, debetener una edad mínima de 16 años en el momento de la Convención General y nomayor de 19 años, y debe estar matriculado aún en la escuela secundaria duranteel curso escolar 2011-2012. Cada solicitante y un nominador deben rellenar un formulario electrónico. ElCoordinador Provincial del Ministerio de los Jóvenes se pondrá en contacto concada nominador para discutir al solicitante durante el período en que esténabiertas las solicitudes, del 1 de diciembre al 15 de enero.

Los jóvenes que participen como miembrosde la Presencia Oficial de los Jóvenes tomarán parte en un fin de semana deadiestramiento y orientación sobre la creación de nexos comunitarios, culto yfuncionamiento del proceso legislativo, desde el jueves 12 hasta el domingo 15de abril. Se les alentará a que asistan a reuniones del sínodo local antes dela Convención General y se beneficiarían de reunirse con los diputados adultosde sus propias diócesis para aprender más acerca del proceso que siguen lasresoluciones.

En la Convención General, del 5 al 12 dejulio de 2012, asistirán a las reuniones y sesiones del comité legislativo y seles animará a que aborden los asuntos en las sesiones y durante el debate en elpleno de la Cámara de Diputados. Estos individuos deben mostrarse seguros de símismos, elocuentes y activos. En las mejores circunstancias, la ConvenciónGeneral constituye un reto increíble para el grupo, una experiencia en extremogratificante y, con frecuencia, un acontecimiento transformador para la mayoríade los que participan.

Cada candidato debe rellenar unformulario electrónico que se encuentra haciendo un clic aquí.

Cada aspirante debe contar también con[el respaldo de] un formulario de nominación que también se rellenaelectrónicamente.

El[la] joven puede presentar su solicitudy luego nombrar a un adulto que rellene un formulario de nominación, o unadulto puede nominar a una persona joven al rellenar primero el formulario denominación para luego animar al[a la] joven a presentar su solicitud.Cerciórese de leer los criterios y datos que se requieren para participar, queaparecen al principio de todos los formularios, antes de rellenar cualquiera deellos. Las preguntas deben dirigirse a su Coordinador Provincial del Ministeriode los Jóvenes o a la [Funcionaria] Encargada del Ministerio de los Jóvenes,Bronwyn Clark Skov.

El período para presentar solicitudes ynominaciones se extenderá desde el 1 de diciembre de 2011 hasta el 15 de enerode 2012. La Oficina para el Ministerio de los Jóvenes, junto con colegas delpersonal y los coordinadores provinciales del Ministerio de los Jóvenes,escogerá —de entre el grupo de solicitantes— a qué jóvenes invitará aparticipar, y cursará esas invitaciones el 6 de febrero de 2012.

Sírvase llevar en sus oraciones a todosaquellos que se sienten llamados a este singular ministerio, y aliente a losque den muestra de poseer los dones para este tipo de ministerio a quepresenten su solicitud.

Mañana empezaremos a escuchar testimoniosde la Presencia Oficial de los Jóvenes del grupo de 2009, comenzando con AmyEsposito de la I Provincia. ¡Manténganse en sintonía!

Amy: Official Youth Presence 2009

2011-12-02T00:30:00.000-06:00

Amy Esposito

Recently Amy Esposito, Province I Official Youth Presence 2009, reflected upon her experience at her first General Convention. Consider Amy's story as you pray about who might be called to serve as a member of the GCOYP in 2012 in Indianapolis. Read about the application and nomination process open now through January 15, 2012 by scrolling down to the previous post from December 1.

Why did you apply for the Official Youth Presence?

Iattended the Episcopal Youth Event in 2008 and was absolutely blown away by thenumber of active and engaged youth I met there. Coming from the tiny diocese of Rhode Island with an evensmaller program for youth, I had no idea that such a large and welcomingcommunity existed within The Episcopal Church. On returning to Rhode Island, I knew that my generation ofyoung adults in the Church could and needed to make a difference. As our society evolves, so must theEpiscopal Church. I applied torepresent the youth at GC09 because I believe that the youth is the future of theChurch. With just a mere 2% ofdelegates under the age of 25 at GC09, it is up to us to speak up and be heard. We can make a positive difference inthe Church, by engaging with our brothers in sisters in Christ.

What wasthe most rewarding moment of GC09?

The mostrewarding moment at GC09 was writing and speaking to the resolution I co-wrotewith my fellow GCOYP delegate, Jackie Bray. Although the resolution did not reach the House of Deputiesdue to a time constraint, knowing that as a 16 year old girl, I was expressingmy opinion to a committee who actually listened to me was extremelyrewarding.*

What wasthe most frustrating moment of GC09 and how did you get through it?

At GC09,I met and worked with people from all over the country and world. Coming from extremely liberal NewEngland, I was exposed to other youth and deputies who did not necessarilyshare my opinion. What I believedto be a wonderful development in the Church others saw as detrimental. Learning to respectfully listen andunderstand opinions that differed from mine was challenging, especially whenthose opinions put a strain on friendships. As frustrating as this was, I learned that it is importantto respect everyone’s opinion regardless of how I felt about the subject.

How didyou feel God's presence at GC09?

Although General Convention is centered the politics of theEpiscopal Church, it is important to remember that God is withus at all times. Even in the midstof a debate on whether or not to ordain LGBTQ bishops or which group shouldreceive the most funding, God’s unfailing love is present in the words andactions made. At the end of eachday, Delegates and Bishops remember that they are there to do God’s work onearth. I felt God’s presence moststrongly when gathered together with my fellow OYP delegates and when sharingthe Eucharist with all present at GC09. The presence of God continued to grace the OYP as we discussed certainpolicies, questioned our faith, and grew closer than ever.

What difference has GCOYP09 made in your life?

GCOYP09, above all, introduced me to some of the kindestpeople I have ever met. I am stillclose friends with some of my fellow GCOYPers and although we may live ondifferent sides of the country, we continue to keep in touch. Attending GC09 changed the way I viewthe Episcopal Church. It motivatedme to continue to be an active participant, not only in terms of my faith, butin the political aspects of the Church. My experience as a member of the GCOYP has encouraged me to continue tolearn about the Episcopal Church and inter-religious dialogue. I can’t wait to attend GC2012 as a deputy tocontinue helping shape the future of The Episcopal Church!

Our next GCOYP'09 story comes from Michael Sahdev from Province IV. Stay tuned to learn about his amazing ministry of youth in leadership in the councils of the church.

*Amy and Jackie, with help and support from other members of GCOYP'09, diocesan chancellors, and clergy , co-authored a resolution for the Official Youth Presence to have vote in the House of Deputies in addition to the seat and voice the group already enjoys. There were canonical issues attached to the resolution in need of deeper reflection and research and the resolution was referred to the Committee on Constitution and Canons. A full report on the resolution will appear in the "Blue Book" for GC'12 and will be reported here as well.

Official Youth Presence at GC12

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Applications are now open!

Each General Convention the Office for Youth Ministries of The Episcopal Church convenes and supports an Official Youth Presence to take part in the discernment of legislation on the floor of the House of Deputies with seat and voice (Resolution # 1982-B045 located at bottom of blog). It is our practice to accept nominations from across the church to discern 18 youth, two per province, to represent as diverse a cross section of teenagers as possible. To be eligible to apply each of these young people must be a Communicant in Good Standing in his/her local faith community, must be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of General Convention and no older than 19, and must still be enrolled in high school during the 2011/12 school year. Each applicant and one nominator must complete an electronic application form. Each nominator will be contacted by the local Provincial Youth Ministries Coordinator to discuss the applicant during the application period, December 1 – January 15.

Youth who serve as members of the Official Youth Presence will participate in a training/orientation weekend of community building, worship, and legislative process education Thursday, April 12, through Sunday, April 15. They will be encouraged to attend local synod gatherings prior to General Convention and would benefit from meeting with the adult deputies of their own dioceses to learn more about the process of resolutions.

At General Convention, July 5 - 12, 2012, they will attend legislative committee meetings and hearings and will be encouraged to speak to issues in hearings and during debate on the floor in the House of Deputies. These individuals must be self-confident, articulate, and energetic. In the best of circumstances General Convention is incredibly challenging for the group, highly rewarding as an experience, and often transformational for most of those involved.

Each applicant must complete an electronic application form found by clicking here.
Each applicant must also have an adult nomination form completed electronically as well.

Youth may apply and then name an adult to complete a nomination form, or an adult may nominate a young person by completing the nomination form first and then encouraging the youth to apply. Please be sure to read the criteria and dates required, listed at the top of the forms, for participation before completing either form. Questions can be directed to your Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinator or the Officer for Youth Ministries, Bronwyn Clark Skov.

The application/nomination period will be open from December 1, 2011, through January 15, 2012. The Office for Youth Ministries, with staff colleagues and Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators, will discern which youth to invite to participate from the pool of applicants and will make those invitations on February 6, 2012.

Please keep all those who feel called to this unique ministry in your prayers, and encourage those who demonstrate the gifts for this type of ministry to apply.

Tomorrow we will begin to hear stories from the Official Youth Presence class of 2009, beginning with Amy Esposito from Province I. Stay tuned!

Digital Christians

2011-11-11T14:02:00.001-06:00

It was my turn to post to our Formation and Vocation Ministries Blog, Episcopal Generations, yesterday. Here's the link so you can check it out:
http://episcopalgenerations.wordpress.com/

The current post points to an amazing summer camp creative art/media project undertaken by the senior high kids and their amazing counselors and mentors at Camp Marshall in Montana. If you haven't already seen it, you really should. And if you already have seen it, you should watch again and share some more! It's called digital evangelism! Join us!

General Convention 2012 Invitation

2011-11-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

The 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will convene for seven days in Indianapolis, Indiana, (Province V, Diocese of Indianapolis) July 5-12, 2012. The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. All of you. Everyone is welcome. Really!

This summer youth, defined as sixth through 12th graders, will be participating at General Convention in three unique ways:

As duly elected deputies attending with their diocesan deputation with voice and vote on the floor in the House of Deputies. Yes, some dioceses have elected teenagers as deputies and alternates, but they must be at least 16 years old to serve.
As one of 18 members of the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP). Nomination and selection process begins December 1, watch for details.This is also open to 16-18 year-olds only.
As visitors to General Convention attending with their youth group or family. Here's the middle school, too, option :)

It is option number three is the subject of today's blog post. The Province V Youth Ministry Network has been working creatively and quickly, collaborating with the General Convention Office and the Office for Youth Ministries, to help youth visitors understand and access General Convention. They have an excellent plan and have begun building a blog that will serve as a resource to address questions and offer suggestions about how to access General Convention more effectively and affordably for teens.

Follow this link for Youth Hospitality @ General Convention 2012 (www.yhgc12.wordpress.com)

Follow this link to their FaceBook presence (www.FaceBook.com/yhgc12)

Currently on the Wordpress site you can read the invitation and a preview of the type of information that will be made available as this network of Youth Ministers continues to plan for welcoming you to their province to visit General Convention. We will continue to link to them through the EpiscoYouth Blog as new information is available. Facebook is where you can read about updates and interact with the host planning group with questions and suggestions.

Thank you Province V, we look forward to greeting you in Indy next July!

Five Marks of Mission

2011-10-11T11:35:00.002-05:00

The Five Marks of Mission clip below is from our brothers and sisters of the Anglican Church in Canada, specifically Ottawa. Our own General Convention adopted the Five Marks of Mission in 2009. The Marks are not a new way to live out our faith, but they provide a common language and a simpified tool for articulating and living out our Baptismal promises across the Anglican Communion and throughout the world. This clip will be used later this week when welcoming participants to some of the workshops at "Everyone Everywhere 2011," a global and domestic mission conference of the Episcopal Church being held at YMCA of the Rockies. Use the link to the conference to view webcasts for worship, plenary sessions, and workshops. Enjoy the clip!

What are the Marks of Mission? Why are they important? How would we know if we were living them out? Inspired by the resources at www.anglican.ca/marks/about, this video was originally created for "Great Chapters" (regional meetings) in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. It was first used in the fall of 2011. "When We Go," the track playing in the background is from Jon Brooks' 2009 Album "Moth Nor Rust." You can get the album or more info on Jon and his music at http://www.jonbrooks.ca/.

So You Want To Host EYE?

2011-09-29T13:30:00.001-05:00

Is your diocese interested in hosting a future EYE? If we stay on the current triennial schedule, the next EYE should be held in the summer of 2014. The best time for the event for U.S. high school schedules is the week following the Independence Day holiday, preferably the Wednesday through Sunday following the Fourth of July. Ideally we are targeting July 9-13, 2014.

Minnesota set the bar pretty high for local support and we are hopeful that dioceses will rise to this level of local support for future events. We need to book the dates with a location sooner than later. Bronwyn Skov, Youth Ministries Officer, will be making site visits in the spring of 2012 to engage discernment on where to go next. If you are interested in preparing for a site visit, please consider the Core Values and Criteria listed below. Feel free to contact Bronwyn with questions or for clarification, 646-242-1421.

Episcopal Youth Event Core Values

Focusing on Jesus Christ and his presence in our lives, EYE will provide an opportunity and create an environment where our young people and the adults who accompany them can continue to grow on their journey in faith.
Striving to be a uniquely Episcopal Community and acknowledging that each person is a child of God and that we are called together into a full relationship with God and God’s Creation, we claim that we are a sacramental people of common prayer with diverse understandings and cultural contexts, all of whom work together as the Body of Christ.
Celebrating our mission and our ministry as the Body of Christ in Community, we will offer training for young people and adults and equip them to be faithful servant leaders in their local and diocesan communities.

Embracing the “Anglican Marks of Mission” as our charge, we will strive to engage the passion and energy of faithful youth, to embrace their call to ministry and to empower them to put their faith into action.

Minimum Criteria for Hosting EYE

Capacity for large group worship space, approximately 1500
Capacity for campus housing and style of housing (prefer tower dorms with indoor access to rooms, prefer suites with bathrooms - per person price should include towels, sheets, blankets & pillows)
Capacity of dining hall (how long does it take to feed 800 people, 1000 people, 1200 people, 1500 people)
Capacity for workshop/meeting rooms - at least 30 unique spaces available at the same time plus event chapel space
What is included with a contract in terms of staff and facility

Audio/visual equipment and staff included or not?
Recreational facilities (pool? Gym? Outdoors?)
Security Staff? Health care staff? Residence Hall staff?

Transportation

How close is the airport? Is the airport a major hub?
What about airport shuttles?

Local Support

Hospitality crew for arrival and departure days
Daily hospitality support for behind the scenes preparation
local mission opportunities

Bring it on EpiscoPeeps! We can't wait to see where the Spirit is leading us next!

Employment on the West Coast

2011-09-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

This amazing opportunity is still open for discernment. Click the links for more information.

We're still accepting applications for another week, so please consider whether you might be called to complete our diocesan formation team! This full-time position is primarily focused on youth and young-adult-ministry, but it is also an integral part of a life-long formation team. We've just completed a comprehensive study of our diocesan youth ministries, and because of this have great clarity, focus and buy-in going forward. Applications (cover letter and resume) due by 9/23.

Please send your links for full-time employment in Youth Ministry and Christian Faith Formation positions to bskov@episcopalchurch to be posted here, on FaceBook, and in the newsletter, EpiscoYouth Network News.

So you went to EYE this summer . . .

2011-09-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

So what?!?

What did you do there?

I built a house. Well it wasn’t just me. We built a house. Well I didn’t get to actually work on the house. But we built a house at EYE! It was so cool! And the Bishop of Minnesota climbed up on the roof with a bagpiper so we could all bless it, together, and we gave thanks for the hands that built it, and we prayed for those who will finish it once it gets moved from the college parking lot, and we celebrated those who get to live in it. We did that and so much more at EYE in Minnesota!

The greatest challenge is taking EYE home; to our congregations, communities, and the world. In St. Paul, Minnesota, last June there was a very clear emphasis on empowerment. Participants heard stories of faithful people who were able to prayerfully discern their own gifts, claim their personal passions, and put their faith in action to serve a need in the world; local or global. We learned about and engaged mission during EYE in St. Paul, and all across the church during the 3 Days of Mission that followed the event.

We are working on resources to be shared from the event, but the most valuable resources are out there in your congregations and dioceses. Most of them are 16, 17, or 18 years old. They claimed their Episcopal identity this summer. They learned that they have so much more to learn. And they know that they are ministers of the church, now, called by Baptism, and claimed by Christ; prophetic voices and partners in ministry with energy and passion to serve NOW.

Are you helping these enthusiastic youth discern their vocation as Christians? Were you personally transformed at EYE, this one or a previous one?

Please send me your reports and stories and sermons so that I can share them with the church across the world. Use this link to my email bskov@episcopalchurch.org to tell your story. I'll start posting the findings, learnings, missions, and yearnings here for all of us to share.

Stay tuned to see what the Spirit is doing in the world with TEENAGERS!!!!!

Thanks be to God!

Whoosh!

2011-06-30T16:09:00.000-05:00

Was that EYE and 3 Days of Mission that the Holy Spirit blew through over the past ten days?

It seems like it was place apart, suspended in forever, while spinning by at light speed all at the same time.

I hardly know where to begin other than to say thank you. Thank you for praying for the team, staff, speakers, preachers, workshop and fellowship leaders, hospitality coordinators, missioners, and participants who, empowered by the Spirit, Came Together and made this 2011 Episcopal Youth Event something sacred.

Together, through our worship, our connections, our songs, our prayers, and our stories, we began changing lives on the Holy Ground in Minnesota. I invite you to join me in prayers of gratitude for the Summer Conference staff of Bethel University. Kyle Sherer, Conference Manager, and Kerri Baker, Technical Director, were more than gracious and accommodating; they and their staff members empowered us by remaining faithful to their call as Christians in the Baptist tradition, helping to equip us for discipleship. Thank you, Bethel staff!

The most important part of this journey in Christ is that we continue our own faithfulness in mentoring our young people as disciples in the wake of their EYE and mission experiences this summer. These young people have a compassionate heart and several church leaders, from The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori to House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson, have told them that there is no time like the present. We need their prophetic vision, their enthusiasm, and their energy for mission now. Bishop Katharine told them to "get connected" and go out and "heal the world." President Bonnie invited them to "jump in to the waters of Baptism." Dr. Rodger Nishioka from the Presbyterian tradition told them that they'd better get ready to work hard and to explore their priorities as consumers and as Christians.

I assured all those who listened that they have the gifts they need to be disciples now. I assured them that if they show up faithfully with ideas and energy for putting their faith in action, the community of faithful, who helped affirm their Baptism, will show up to work with them.

I am ready to help them, with God's help. Are you?

There were 730 high school youth, 310 adults, and 50 bishops at EYE, including the planning team and resource staff. Over 1100 people came together to Build upon their faith, Share their stories as Christians, and to Fulfill their call to join in God's mission for the world. They generously gave during worship each of our three days together; $2528.68 to help Rebuild the Diocese of Haiti, $1594.78 for Episcopal Relief and Development, and $2082.43 for the United Thank Offering.

Many put their faith in action during EYE as they participated in Mission Possible on the opening night. Hundreds worked on the Net Zero Habitat for Humanity House. Many more participated in a variety of mission experiences, cultural immersions, and historic pilgrimages during 3 Days of Mission. Many already have plans to help at home with camp, vacation Bible school, and local mission as well as mission afar this summer. All were reminded through our Gospel for the event that we are not alone in this work

"This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing." Matthew 10: 41-42 The Message

Let the prayers continue.

Let the stories be told.

Let us get out of the way and let this rising generation of faithful Christians be welcomed, affirmed and empowered for ministry to help heal a hurting world.

How can you learn more and stay connected?

www.eye2011portal.com
Episcopal News Service - Article 2 and Article 3
EpiscoYouth Blog (you're here :)
EpiscoYouth Network News (publication will resume soon!)

With Gratitude, Hope, and Joy!
Bronwyn

Bronwyn Clark Skov
Officer for Youth Ministries
The Episcopal Church

Five days to EYE 2011

2011-06-17T12:55:00.001-05:00

We're almost ready to greet you at EYE in Minnesota. The truck with our Habitat Build site materials arrived yesterday. We're so excited for you to arrive. Godspeed on your journey!


"Bronwyn carries a heavy load for EYE!"

Twelve days to EYE!

2011-06-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

We were almost ready to send out confirmations and travel instructions this week, but we are still chasing down some last minute details from a few dioceses. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and prayers. The EYE Mission Planning Team and Church Center Staff (especially Meghan and Valerie) are working well beyond full capacity right now and we three are working through the weekend to make sure you have a smooth registration process at Bethel University.

A couple of items as a heads up:

We have managed to fit ALL of our full-paying participants into air conditioned dorms (which may or may not be necessary in June in Minnesota!), but we have very little room to spare. We have done our level best to keep dioceses in the same or adjacent dorms and to honor cooperative ventures with dioceses sharing Adult Leaders. Please come to EYE with the knowledge that we have done our very best considering every nuance that has come our way. We're human and hope that if we've missed something you will be gracious and flexible as we work through it together. THANK YOU!
In meeting with our Health Care Nurse, Siri, it is clear that we do not have complete information from all of you regarding medications and somehow we all missed the DATE OF BIRTH. Your confirmation email will also be requesting that you bring with you a sheet for each participant that lists NAME, DIOCESE, DATE OF BIRTH and MEDICATIONS/DIAGNOSIS. These will be held confidentially in the nurse's office and will only be accessed by the nurse with the Adult Leader in the event of a health issue. You may complete these and send them electronically before you travel, or bring them with you.
If you have questions over the weekend, please refer to the WHAT TO BRING and FAQ's (downloadable PDFs) documents on the website available here. I am traveling to NYC this weekend and will be with Church Center staff Monday through Wednesday to finalize our preparations before we relocate to Minnesota. We will respond to your questions next week as quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly as we can. Many of your questions will be addressed in the Monday message if they aren't already addressed in the documents above.

BCS and Valerie Harris

Please know that the staff and team are praying for your safe travel and your preparations for the Episcopal Youth Event. If you Tweet, our hashtag is #EYE2011. We pray that you arrive in good health and eager to be open to the Spirit working in all of us as we faithfully Come Together!

Blessings on your weekend,
Bronwyn, Valerie, and Meghan

Collect for Episcopal Youth Event 2011

2011-05-20T12:33:00.000-05:00

Gracious and Loving God, you declare your glory and show forth your creation in the heavens and the earth. Deliver us from the service of self, that we may build upon the work you give us to do in truth and beauty; that we may share your love with others and fulfill your mission, for the sake of him who came among us as servant, your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

- Collect for EYE 2011 Composed by members of the Worship Team

In discerning a collect for EYE, the worship team drew upon the liturgical resources of the Church including The Book of Common Prayer and A New Zealand Prayer Book to develop a familiar foundation that is universal to many. Using this foundation, the collect was created by incorporating not only the themes and goals of EYE, but the themes and goals of the Episcopal Church as well. The daily themes for EYE, Build, Share, and Fulfill, are referenced, and Matthew’s Gospel, the scripture for EYE 2011, and the Five Marks of Mission were reflected upon before proceeding in the creation of this powerful prayer.

The EYE Mission Planning Team invites you to meditate and pray over this new collect. Use this prayer as a method to offer prayers for EYE planners, registrants, bishops, and all involved in this sacred gathering of our church’s youth.

In Christ's Name,
Bryan Bauer
EYE 2011 Mission Planning Team Member

EYE Schedule

2011-05-20T12:07:00.001-05:00

Here is the schedule for EYE. You will receive a schedule in greater detail when you arrive on campus, but this should help you visualize how your time will be spent. Free time and food are not included on the schedule but are definitely included at the event!

Wednesday, June 22 – WELCOME

Focus on welcoming weary travelers – radical hospitality
Most will arrive in the afternoon
Mission and Recreation Opportunities
Episcopal Migration Ministries presentation and other evening options

Thursday, June 23 – BUILD

9am Welcome, Introductions, Announcements

Celebration Eucharist – The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Celebrant and Preacher
Offering for Rebuilding the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti

Midday Reflection Groups and Mission Focus Workshops
Early evening activity – Mission Possible
8pm – Plenary Session on Building for Mission - Choices

Friday, June 24 – SHARE

9am Plenary session on Sharing for Mission - Stories

Gathering for announcements and prayers

Midday Reflection Groups and Workshops
Early evening activities - Fellowship and Fun
8:30pm Liturgy for Peace and Reconciliation

Youth Witnesses
Offering to Episcopal Relief and Development

Saturday, June 25 – FULFILL

9am Plenary session on Fulfilling our Mission - Faith in Action

Gathering for announcements and prayers

Midday Reflection Groups and Workshops
Early evening activity – Episcolympics with Minnesota
8:30pm Celebration Eucharist- Blessing, Commissioning and Sending Forth

Bonnie Anderson, President of House of Deputies, Preacher
The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, Bishop of Minnesota, Celebrant

Offering for the United Thank Offering

Sunday, June 26 – Travel and Leisure Day

Send-off participants for 3 Days of Mission
Facilitate travel and fellowship for specific diocesan needs

Monday, June 26 - Wednesday June 29 - 3 Days of Mission

Faith in action all over the church and in the world!

Schedule subject to change :)

P.S. Instructions went out to bishops today. Packing list coming later today :)

Music at EYE

2011-05-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

Here's just a taste of what the band has in store for EYE this year, check it out!

Sexual Misconduct Prevention

2011-05-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

As the church prepares to come to the Episcopal Youth Event in Minnesota next month, there is heightened awareness about the Model Policies for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct, related procedures, training materials, and background checks.
The shorthand explanation for what is frequently referred to as "Safe Church" is well stated by the following from the Church Pension Group Website:

At its 2003 General Convention, the Episcopal Church resolved to recommit itself to nurturing and protecting children from sexual abuse. Resolution B008, Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse, calls the church to develop and follow clear standards and policies church-wide. It urges dioceses to develop and use policies to:

Screen and select all clergy, lay employees and volunteers who regularly work with children or youth.
Articulate behavioral standards for clergy, lay employees, and volunteers working with children or youth.
Monitor programs and interaction with children and youth.
Educate and train clergy, lay employees and volunteers who regularly work with children or youth in child abuse prevention or hire those who do.
Provide guidelines for responding to concerns, such as inappropriate behavior with children, violation of policies to protect them and suspected abuse.

At the Episcopal Youth Event we are implementing policy as stated in the model policy requiring that all adults staying on campus must be trained in prevention of sexual abuse of children and youth, and that they be back-ground checked by their diocesan offices to determine that they have not been convicted of a sex abuse crime and are not on a sex offender registry.

Linked here is the notice intended to help dioceses participating in EYE with understanding the background check procedures. At the top right corner of the blog are links to Church Publishing's Website that should be helpful as refreshers or a great place to get started with implementation of your own diocesan policies and procedures for training.

EYE participants may use the on-line Safeguarding training but must make arrangements to do so through their own diocesan or congregational offices. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, bskov@episcopalchurch.org or 1-800-334-7626 ext. 3074.

Thank you for your commitment and cooperation in safeguarding our youth!

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!

2011-04-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

How I love those words when we get to proclaim them again at Easter.

Having been a pilgrim in the Holy Lands last summer with the Province IV Youth Ministry and Kanuga group, this faithful walk, beginning with Advent and Christmas, has been a new and different journey for me. As warned, I must agree that hearing scripture is forever changed for me, having been to or near the places where the story happened in the first place.

I know what Bethlehem looks and feels and smells like.

I've been to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.

I've walked and prayed the Via Dolorosa in a bustling Jerusalem.

I've said my prayers in the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

This year my journey through Holy Week had a different power for me. I was slightly distracted by family drama, concerns for health and safety of aging parents, grieving with friends whose parents died. Yet I found myself full of eager, confident, even giddy anticipation of the joy of Easter.

We didn't have a vigil at my congregation this year, but I found strains of "Jesus Christ is risen today . . . " playing through my head on Holy Saturday night. It caused me to laugh out loud. I then had to explain myself to my husband and sons who wondered what I found so amusing. When I told them, grinning and giggling, they shook their heads at me and called me a "Church Geek."

That's me; Church Geek, Sacristy Rat, Jesus Freak, Believer, Evangelist.

CHRISTIAN!

Loud and proud Episcopalian.

Happy Easter!

EYE Update

2011-04-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true, you do have to register your diocesan delegation for this summer's Episcopal Youth Event no later than April 15. Please note that only the required fields in the registration process need be completed at that time. All the details and forms are not required until May 31. Meghan, our registration person extraordinaire, can help you with questions about the mechanics of registration. On the 15th I will be asking for a report that lists registration organized by diocese detailing number of Youth, Adults, and Bishops, according to gender. We have to begin the rooming process immediately and therefore need that most basic report on April 15. Forms and instructions for the registration process have been moved to the top of the registration page here. Still have questions? Contact me, Bronwyn Skov.

I understand that you may have minor changes to your delegation as time progresses. We will do our best to accommodate your needs but need to keep that number to a manageable one so that we can honor deadlines for our facility contract and make sure that everyone is accounted for and well cared for at EYE.

A word about bishops - please register them by the deadline. There is a drop down menu on a required field that includes "Bishop" as one of the choices for type of participant. Once we know how many bishops are attending, we will contact you with lodging options. Until we know what sort of numbers we have, we can't really plan the details.

For those still unclear about "what happens at EYE," I offer the following brief.

The theme is discerned from Matthew 10: 40-42, the Gospel appointed for June 22.

Come Together!

We are Intimately Linked in this Harvest Work

June 22-26, 2011

St. Paul, Minnesota @ Bethel University

Our focus will be on mission. Our daily themes begin with building, progress to sharing, and finish with fulfilling. Each day will have components that include large group worship and plenary sessions, small reflection groups, workshops, recreation sessions, mission opportunities and more. The event will include prayer, practice, music, food, fellowship, and fun!

Please hold the Mission Planning Team for EYE in your prayers as they come together at the end of the month to continue planning details for EYE. Following that meeting packing lists and instructions will come to you via your diocesan registrar the first week in May.

We can't wait to welcome you to Minnesota!

P.S. We still have plenty of availability for the Paint-a-Thon as a 3 Days of Mission option following EYE. Most of the other options have filled. Contact Wendy today with questions at EYE3Days@episcopalchurch.org.

Connection, Collaboration and Communication

2011-04-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

I began this two week road trip with the Province V Youth Ministry Network meeting in the Diocese of Milwaukee on March 16. This weekend I complete the road trip with the Province VII Youth Ministry Network at All Saints Camp and Conference Center in the Diocese of Dallas. Between the two, I have spent time with the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Summit Design Team in New York, the Nathan Network at College for Bishops in North Carolina, and the Episcopal Youth Event mission planning team adults in northern and metropolitan Minnesota.

It has been an interesting Lenten journey that has included Sunday morning worship at The Church of Heavenly Rest near Central Park one Sunday, and worship at St. Antipas in Red Lake on the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota the following Sunday. Planning meetings for future mission and ministry abound. Questions about how we are called to teach, preach and invite new Christians are clearly hot topics.

The thirst for connection, collaboration, and communication feels universal.

It is such a joy to sit with youth ministers and those committed to lifelong Christian formation in settings both formal and not; worship driven or not. Gatherings are full of fellowship and story in all scenarios.

The Episcopal Church is truly a vast network of Good News, excellent mission and ministry, and common prayers. It is a privilege to be one of those who gets to function as connective tissue for the Body of Christ.

I offer my prayers of gratitude and look forward to greeting many of you in Minnesota this summer at EYE.

More on that topic soon. The full planning team meets at the end of the month to fine tune details. The meeting will be followed with packing lists, prayers, and instructions for participants. So stay tuned!

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

2011-03-08T16:46:00.000-06:00

Shrove Tuesday is defined as "the last day of Shrovetide, long observed as a season of merry-making before Lent."

Which led me to look up Shrovetide, which is defined as "the three days before Ash Wednesday, once a time of confession and absolution."

So how does this equal pancakes? or Mardi Gras? or Fat Tuesday?

I will let the trained professionals get into the specific theology of all these connections. We have many resources available for those of you willing to confess your sin of Procrastination in Preparation for Lent.

Click here for the link to resources on The Episcopal Church website.

Click here and here to go to Church Publishing's lesson on Lent and the Building Faith Blog. Our friend and colleague Sharon Ely Pearson got a good chuckle out of my confession that some Youth Ministers are members of Procrastinators Anonymous and are in desperate need of our resource information RIGHT NOW.

As I contemplate the chili, cornbread, and chocolate feast that is the tradition of my congregation this night, I welcome this moment of change in our annual journey through the liturgical year. My Lenten discipline this year includes a pledge to pray for each of you engaged in mission and ministry every morning of Lent. I have my list of dioceses and will try to remember to FaceBook the dioceses I'm holding in prayer each day with gratitude and hope for the rising generation of Christian leaders.

Farewell, Alleluia!

God of the desert, as we follow Jesus into the unknown,

may we recognise the tempter when s/he comes;

let it be your bread we eat,

your world we serve and you alone we worship.

- Collect for Ash Wednesday, A New Zealand Prayer Book

EYE 2011 News Release

2011-02-24T16:02:00.000-06:00

Registration in English and Spanish now available

for the popular Episcopal Youth Event 2011

[February 24, 2011] Registration is now open for one of the most popular events in the Episcopal Church calendar - the Episcopal Youth Event 2011 (EYE 2011).

Drawing hundreds of youth from throughout the Episcopal Church, EYE 2011 will be held at June 22-26 at Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota.

EYE 2011 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2010-2011 academic year and their adult leaders. Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Officer, explained: “EYE is not a large scale Happening weekend. Rather, it is a significant opportunity for building, sharing and fulfilling our call to mission in the world.”

In addition to the gathering, learning and enjoying, opportunities are available for mission work.

Each diocese is allowed up to 32 youth participants and eight adult participants. Registration is $275 per participant (youth and adult) which includes meals and lodging. Ten percent of each registration is earmarked for mission opportunities at the event in keeping with the Five Marks of Mission and Millennium Development Goals.

Skov pointed out, “Diocesan delegations should represent all aspects of the diocese: ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural diversity, and a range of liturgical and theological expressions. They should be able to handle traveling away from home, honoring the community covenant, participating in all aspects of the event, and taking their learning home to their diocese, congregation, and community.”

Registration materials, available in English and Spanish, are here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/121655_ENG_HTM.htm

For information contact Skov at bskov@episcopalchurch.org.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Episcopal Church Youth Ministries: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/youth

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian

Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

# # # #

For more info contact:

Neva Rae Fox

Public Affairs Officer

The Episcopal Church

publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org

212-716-6080 Mobile: 917-478-5659

EYE FAQ's

2011-02-15T19:55:00.002-06:00

Who is eligible to attend EYE? Episcopal youth currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, approximately 15-18 year olds.

Can we have more than one Diocesan Registrar? No, thank you. Please give us one contact person so we are crystal clear on logistics.

Are Bishops welcome? Absolutely! Even if they cannot stay for the entire event. There is a consecration in Province IV that same weekend. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts Schori will be with us to open the event. President of the House of Deputies Bonnie Anderson will be with us, too.

Do all adults have to be Safe Church Trained and background checked? YES; all adult leaders, clergy or lay, including bishops. This will be a safe event for all. The Youth Ministry Office can help you get on board if your diocese needs help.

What time should we get there? Your delegation should arrive any time on Wednesday, June 22, and should not depart before Sunday, June 26. We promise you won’t miss anything important as long as you adhere to that schedule.

Can we still register for 3 Days of Mission? There's still plenty of room as of today - but don't delay!

Where is EYE? St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel University Campus (MSP International Airport or Amtrak shuttles will be arranged)

How many youth can attend? Each diocese may bring a maximum of 32 youth and 8 adults (4 youth to 1 adult ratio).

What’s the registration deadline? March 31, 2011. Unless we fill to campus capacity before then. So get started ASAP!

What should we bring? Besides a faithful spirit of fun and adventure, we’ll tell you in April – promise!

Who can answer my other questions? Bronwyn Clark Skov will address big picture stuff. Valerie Harris can help with logistics. Meghan Ritchie is supporting registration. Or you can call any of us at 1-800-334-7626.

www.episcopalchurch.org/youth

Hope to see you at EYE!

Desktops and Updates

2011-02-14T17:12:00.001-06:00

I've been spending some time organizing since my return from several weeks on the road meeting with amazing EpiscoPeeps and learning of vital ministries. You know the disoriented feeling when you get back from a conference with all kinds of ideas and new things you want to do. And then you look at the backlog of emails and voice mails, and the neglected To Do list. And then there's the dilemma of responding to your new friends and colleagues with initiatives and connections that you made while you were away. . . .

I spent last week playing catch-up; recovering from the crud I caught in the Carolinas, and putting my workspace back together so that I can find everything. This week is mostly a "work on EYE week," but I am also trying to follow through on some commitments made when meeting with folks at the ECCC Annual Meeting, and the NAECED Tapestries conference (links to both at right). I came away from both events inspired and encouraged. We have so many talented, educated, energetic, faithful people working for Christ in this church.

My commitment to you is that I will endeavor to keep you connected so that you don't feel isolated, unsupported, or unappreciated. Youth and Young Adult ministry, which includes the need for many faithful and well-formed adults, is truly the best possible tool for evangelism. As I learn of new techniques, best practices, amazing ministries, outstanding curricula, I will do my best to push that information out to you. And please, share what you know with me, too, so that I can send it around this network that I fondly refer to as the EpiscoYouth network.

In light of this pledge, I have just added twothree new links to this blog that will soon be available on our ever-so-slowly-but-truly-changing-for-the-better website. I believe the new site will truly be helpful in many ways. The new branding makes sense, too. You can read about it in the latest Church Center Newsletter that also features an interview with me about EYE. Check out this new stuff. Use it. Share it.

Blessings on your ministry!

Bronwyn

Act Out: Empowering Youth to Heal a Hurting World

Designed by Episcopal Relief and Development in collaboration with educators and youth ministers, these modules offer an intensive educational program for middle- and high-school students that brings the needs and hopes of the world together with the lives of youth, in a context framed by liturgy and filled with prophetic stories of Scripture. Adaptable to many settings.

Building Faith

An on-line Christian Ed Community brought to you by Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist at Church Publishing Group. This is the place to share great ideas, learn of new curricula, and ask questions of all of your colleagues in ministry.

Newsletter of The Episcopal Church Center

A quarterly publication from Church Center staff - currently bookmarked to an interview with the Officer for Youth Ministry.

Employment Opportunities

2011-02-11T19:04:00.000-06:00

Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is seeking a full time youth director. They have been consulting with Youth Ministry Architechts to define and discern this position. Please click here to read about it. To learn more about Youth Ministry Architechts and how their consultants may be able to enhance your youth ministry, click here.

To learn about full time, part time, seasonal, and internship postings at Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, click here.

If you are attempting to hire someone for a Youth Ministry or Lifelong Christian Formation position in your diocese or congregation, please send your information with a link to the position description to bskov@episcopalchurch.org. We are happy to share these postings throughout our network via this blog, FaceBook and Twitter.

Student Scholarship Application Time

2011-02-09T17:51:00.000-06:00

Please share this information!

Applications now accepted

for Episcopal Church educational scholarships

Deadline is April 15

[February 8, 2011] Applications are now being accepted for more than 60 scholarships available through the Episcopal Church for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Earmarked for education and schooling for Episcopalians, the scholarship money is derived from numerous trust funds that have amassed over the years.

The list of scholarships, the guidelines, the application form and the instructions for filling out the form – are available here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109539_110675_ENG_HTM.htm

The list of trust funds and scholarships is here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/ScholarshipTrustFunds121609.pdf

Applications are reviewed by scholarship subcommittees comprised of representatives from throughout the Church. Their recommendations are then reviewed and announced by the Scholarship Committee of the Episcopal Church.

Deadline for applications is April 15, 2011.

The amounts of the scholarships vary according to the availability of payouts from the funds. Annual payouts from the funds are determined by the Episcopal Church Executive Council upon recommendation of its Investment Committee. Principal amounts of each fund are always maintained.

For the 2010-2011 academic year, the Scholarship Committee awarded over $275,000 for 80 students.

Eligibility

In most cases, the scholarships are geared to particular audiences and students, explained Antoinette (Toni) Daniels, Co-director of Mission and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “Trusts are given for particular areas of interest,” she said. “Some of the scholarships are very specific.”

Among the specific communities are: American Indians/Native Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latino/Hispanics, children of missionaries, medical missionaries, men in the ordination process, Pacific Island Americans, children of living or deceased bishops and clergy; Chinese girls; and others.

Requirements

In order to apply, Daniels stated, the applicant must:

- be an Episcopalian

- be a member of an Episcopal congregation

- have the endorsement of his/her bishop.

She stressed that only complete applications will be considered.

The complete list plus instructions for applying available on line here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109539_110675_ENG_HTM.htm

For information contact Terry Foster, Mission Office Associate, tfoster@episcopalchurch.org.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian

Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

Continuing Education for Adults Who Work With Youth

2011-01-07T19:38:00.000-06:00

Following is a teaser about Kanuga's annual summer conference for Adults Who Work With Youth. Please note the conference does over-lap with Episcopal Youth Event dates, however not everyone in The Episcopal Church can be accommodated at either venue, so please make an informed choice to participate in one or the other. I am praying for both to be great successes!
Blessings,
Bronwyn

Youth and the Church of Benign Whatever-ism

Not quite Christian. That's the verdict of the National Study of Youth and Religion which reports that a majority of American teenagers have embraced a "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" (or M.T.D.) -- a mishmash of feeble, self-serving, feel-good beliefs that bear little resemblance to traditional Christianity. But the most shocking claim of this ongoing study of adolescent spirituality is that teens are learning this flimsy faith from parents and churches who model and preach a bland religion that offers little and demands less. At AWWWY 2011, we'll explore how youth ministries can nurture a more robust faith in our young people by fostering four assets: a creed to believe, a community to belong to, a call to live out, and a hope to hold onto.

Coordinators are The Rev. Ben Robertson, rector of All Saints’ Church in Gastonia, NC and Sara Bailey, Lead Consultant with Youth Ministry Architects. The musician for the week is Fran McKendree of Hendersonville, NC.

The keynote speaker is Andrew Zirschky who is the Academic Director for the Center of Youth Ministry Training in Nashville, TN. Andrew has a decade of experience as a youth and college minister at churches in Idaho, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Princeton in Practical Theology (Christian Education). He has been named a Timothy Scholar in Youth and Young Adult Ministry by the United Methodist Foundation for Evangelism. Andrew is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene and a staff consultant for Youth Ministry Architects.

Andrew has been married to his wife Kristina since 1995, and they have two small children, Evan and Anna. When in Idaho he enjoys snowboarding and white water rafting. In New Jersey he reads, writes, and takes an occasional jog.

New Book on Teens and Race in the U.S.A.

2011-01-03T15:07:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

I received the following update from the National Council of Christian Churches. Check it out . . .

The National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) project is pleased to announce the release of Growing Up in America: The Power of Race in the Lives of Teens (Stanford University Press, 2010) By Brad Christerson, Korie L. Edwards, and Richard Flory which is based on NSYR data.

How people experience racial inequality in adulthood is well documented, but less attention is given to the racial inequalities that children and adolescents face. Growing Up in America provides a rich, first-hand account of the different social worlds that teens of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds experience. In their own words, these American teens describe, conflicts with parents, pressures from other teens, school experiences, and religious beliefs that drive their various understandings of the world.

As the book reveals, teens' unequal experiences have a significant impact on their adult lives and their potential for social mobility. Directly confronting the constellation of advantages and disadvantages white, black, Hispanic, and Asian teens face today, this work provides a framework for understanding the relationship between socialization in adolescence and social inequality in adulthood. By uncovering the role that racial and ethnic differences play early on, we can better understand the sources of inequality in American life.

Please visit our website http://www.youthandreligion.org/ for more information.

Episcopal Relief & Development is Hiring

2010-12-16T08:15:00.000-06:00

Advent greetings!! We are looking for someone who will join the Episcopal Relief & Development Church Engagement team based at the Episcopal Church Center in New York. Someone with strong administrative
skills and project management experience is desired.

Our department is especially focused on the development of programs and curriculum aimed at the US church that focus on our call to seek and serve Christ here at home and around the world - what used to be called Development Education - DevEd. This new hire would also be responsible for our Network of volunteers; diocesan coordinators, parish representatives and seminary coordinators.

Please circulate the link to people you think might fit the bill.
http://www.er-d.org/ProgramOfficerChurchEng_Dec2010

Have a continued blessed Advent as we look forward to the celebration of Christmas.

Sincerely in Christ,
Brian.
Brian Sellers-Petersen

Director of Church Engagement

Episcopal Relief & Development

1245 Tenth Avenue East

Seattle, WA 98102

206-390-0750

bpetersen@er-d.org

www.er-d.org

Youth Worker Summit - Gratitude

2010-12-08T18:46:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhh . . . .

That's me, releasing a deep sigh of gratitude in the wake of the Youth Worker Summit that took place last week. The Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team of the National Council of Christian Churches sponsored our second summit that strives to create "sacred space for youth workers." This year's theme was "Gathering in Hope, Rekindling the Light." We welcomed one of The Episcopal Church's own celebrities, Phyllis Tickle, as one of our keynote speakers, as well as Presbyterian Rodger Nishioka. Between the two of them, those of us gathered were treated to affirmation, gratitude, tools, discernment, enlightenment, encouragement and fellowship with colleagues, friends, and family. We networked and played, studied and prayed in the midst of the "Magical Kingdom," otherwise known as Walt Disney World. The time was truly a gift in so many ways.

The greatest gift for me was sharing this ecumenical time with 28 other Episcopalians engaged in youth ministry. Our denomination was represented by congregational and diocesan youth missioners, paid and volunteer youth ministers, rural and urban people, big budget and no budget youth programs. Our Episcopalians were from California, Dominican Republic, New York, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

The two nuggets of wisdom that I found the most helpful, hopeful, and affirming came from Rodger during his keynotes and homily. His words around hope and hopefulness, our need to not only be hopeful about the future, but to also be living in hope in the moment, provoked some good discernment about my own conduct and approach to ministry. I tweeted some of his remarks at www.twitter.com/episcoyouth if you want to catch them. My paraphrase of a another affirmation that Rodger provided is below. It helps me remember the healthy balance that was offered to me when I was hired as a youth minister in1992. I pray that it is a helpful reflection for you.

Your first priority is tending your relationship with Jesus.

Your second priority is tending your family relationships, whatever family may be for you.

Your third priority is tending the ministry to which you have been called.

Episcopalians at the Youth Worker Summit December 2010

Photos above are the ELCA Global Missions Quilt in its entirety and smaller close-ups. It was used as our backdrop for worship and plenary sessions.

Anticipation and Preparation

2010-11-29T11:34:00.001-06:00

'Tis the season. Or so we are reminded by the eager push of retailers, insuring that we know how many shopping days to Christmas. Our culture seems to revolve around shopping as the most important means of preparation for the Nativity we Christians eagerly commemorate and anticipate.

I pray you find time in this Advent season to reflect upon the ancient family who delivered Jesus. My perspective is so radically different this time, having visited the Holy Lands this past summer. I will try to share that journey with you as we faithfully pray through Advent.

The mosaic at left is one of the many from around the world at the Latin Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, childhood home of Mary and Joseph.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. . . ." Luke 1:26-31, NRSV

At each Holy site we visited, where the church remembers events in the life of Jesus and those with whom we walked, talked, and taught, we read scripture aloud. It was such a Holy exercise to be able to see with our eyes rather than our imaginings the very land where Jesus walked. I loved Nazareth. It felt like a safe and holy place. It is a good place to begin the Advent Adventure toward Christmas.

Remember to visit our daily online devotional site as d365.org is retooled for the season; Following the Star . What a great way to begin the liturgical year anew.

Blessings in your journey to Christmas!

Jubilee Ministry Grant Deadlines December 1

2010-10-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

Yet another opportunity to apply for funding for ministry in some specific areas . . .

The Episcopal Church

Office of Public Affairs

Jubilee Ministry grants applications now accepted

for Episcopal Church programs and mission work

[October 27, 2010] Applications for 2010 and 2011 Jubilee Ministry grants are now being accepted in six categories for mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church.

Applications are available in three 2010 categories: health and nutrition; building a just society; and diocesan development. The three 2011 categories are Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop funding; summer camp partnership grants; and protecting God’s creation.

Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to The Episcopal Church whose mission efforts affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues. Grants to Jubilee ministries are awarded annually.

Categories, deadlines, amounts and explanation:

2010 grants

Health and nutrition, due December 1; $750 grants; Jubilee Ministries that respond to the nutritional needs of food deserts. A food desert is a district with little or no access to foods needed to maintain a healthy diet but often served by fast food restaurants..

Building a just society; due December 1: $2,500 grants supporting local poverty alleviation initiatives that emerge from local communities and leaders.

Funding diocesan initiatives; due December 1; $1,000 Diocesan Jubilee Ministry Development Grants to support Jubilee Ministry development plans of the local bishop and the appointed diocesan jubilee officer.

2011 grants

Jubilee Ministry ABCD Workshop; due December 1 for dioceses hosting two-day Asset Based Community Development training workshops featuring ABCD Institute trainer Mike Green with a financial benefit ranging from $4,000- $5,000 per workshop event. Six 2011 ABCD workshops will be funded.

Jubilee Ministry partnership grants; due February 1; $1,000 for 2011 summer camp programs targeting literacy or children of people who are incarcerated. A total of 30 grants will be awarded in early 2011.

Protect God’s creation; due November 1 through February 01, 2011: $250-$500 grants to supplement congregational participation in GreenFaith certification program in collaboration with the Episcopal Church.

For guidelines, additional information, and to apply for any of the grants: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109342_125387_ENG_HTM.htm

For more information contact the Rev. Christopher Johnson, Episcopal Church Jubilee Officer, cjohnson@episcopalchurch.org

Jubilee ministries http://www.episcopalchurch.org/jubilee.htm

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

UTO Grant Opportunitiy

2010-10-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

From our Public Affairs Office . . .
The Episcopal Church

Office of Public Affairs

United Thank Offering application process now online
For 2011 Episcopal Church grants
[October 25, 2010] The application process for the 2011 United Thank Offering grants is now open and, for the first time and for the convenience of the applicants, the entire process is online.
“This is the first year that United Thank Offering will operate an internet grant application process,” explained Claudia Conner, coordinator. “The purpose is to convert the application process from a 1950s model to 2010 technology. Online availability can eliminate or greatly reduce mailing and shipping costs, which sometimes were quite steep. It will also expedite the UTO Board’s application review process.”
Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally within Anglican provinces, dioceses, and companion dioceses.
Applications are due January 31, 2011. Funds will be available starting June 2011 for a one-year grant period.
UTO information and contact info are available: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto .

Complete instructions, application form, and additional info are available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/110043_42235_ENG_HTM.htm
In outlining the process, Conner noted that the following:
- one application may be submitted by each diocese of The Episcopal Church, with diocesan bishop approval;
- one application may be submitted by a diocese of the U.S. domestic Episcopal Church on behalf of an overseas Companion Diocese, with approval by both diocesan bishops;
- one application may be submitted by invited provinces of The Anglican Communion, with approval by the Archbishop or Primate or Provincial Secretary and, if applicable, the diocesan bishop.

For more information email utoapps@episcopalchurch.org or call the UTO Office at 800/334-7626. To submit an application in hard copy, first contact the UTO office.
The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Formation & Vocation Ministries Team Transition

2010-10-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, October 21, the Department for Mission Co-Directors of The Episcopal Church announced that the Children's Ministries Officer position in the Formation and Vocation Ministries Team would be eliminated effective January 1, 2011. The announcement went on to explain that the work of this office would be strategically redistributed within the team. Following is my response to the announcement.

This is difficult news about Jeff Harre and the Children’s Ministries Officer position. The Formation and Vocation Ministries Team members are doing our best to express gratitude to Jeff for all of the ministry he has selflessly given us as Church Center staff members over the many years of his tenure. Typically and predictably Jeff is moving forward in this challenging time with polite and professional efficiency. I trust that he will be thorough and strategic in leaving instructions behind once he has concluded his work with the Church Center. I am deeply grateful for the welcome and support he has offered me over this past year as I learned the ropes of this staff and we weathered the last General Convention and subsequent staff cuts and reorganization together. Jeff has gracious gifts for ministry, especially his efficient attention to detail, that will be greatly missed.

Although we will lose an Officer for Children's Ministries, we have not lost the program funding, nor will we ignore the mandates of the General Convention regarding mission and ministry with children. As the Team Leader for this area, I will work closely with the team and specifically Ruth-Ann Collins, Adult Formation and Lifelong Learning Officer, to move through this transition by continuing the work that was begun in September when we called together a consultation of Lifelong Formation stakeholders. Participants in that meeting included representatives of the Episcopal Council for Christian Education, Diocesan Missioners for Lifelong Formation, National Association of Episcopal Resource Centers, Standing Commission for Lifelong Christian Formation, and the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors.

The church is changing, revenue is lacking, and we must focus on new ways to make disciples and work toward healing a broken world. This will be hard work that denominational officers cannot and should not do alone. But we can do hard things together. We are blessed with this cloud of witnesses who share an abundance of expertise, resources, and prayers.

At this moment I ask for your prayers most importantly and immediately for Jeff as he enters this time of transition, discerning what God is calling him to next. Please do let prayers and praise rain down upon him.

I welcome your questions, suggestions and concerns. All of my contact information is listed below.

Faithfully,
Bronwyn Clark Skov
Youth Ministries

Formation and Vocation Ministries Team Leader

bskov@episcopalchurch.org

646-242-1421

Suicide Prevention Resources and More

2010-10-18T12:47:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the bullying incidents and resulting suicides of GLBTQ teens and young adults that have drawn national attention in recent weeks, we are naturally receiving a number of inquiries seeking resources for holding compassionate conversations about a variety of topics including:

gender identity and sexual orientation
bullying and cyber-bullying
depression and isolation
suicide prevention

Please note the previous post on this blog about the "It Gets Better" project on You Tube. Please also follow this link to Sharon Ely Pearson's Blog post on the topic. Sharon is the Christian Formation Specialist at Church Publishing. She makes it her business to learn of and share resources. Thank you, Sharon!

Please post the resources you have found/created/used on these topics by using the comment feature on this blog, or by posting to the FaceBook wall at www.facebook.com/episcoyouth . Quick links could be shared at the EpiscoYouth Twitter feed as well.

The advantage we have as a denomination is the blessing of abundance in resources, as long as we share them! Please weigh in. This is Kingdom work as we live more fully into our Baptismal promises individually and as a Christian Church organized as a denomination. These are dignity and justice issues.

Please reach out to the teens in need in your community. Please respond to the cries for help with compassion and appropriate resources, even if that resource is a suicide prevention hot line number. Youth ministry can certainly be about life and death. Please don't hesitate to embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child of God!

Grant, O God, that your Holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of those who choose to bully and harass and abuse, that barriers which divide us crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Prayer For Social Justice, The Book of Common Prayer, p.823

It Gets Better

2010-10-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

Following is one of many You Tube videos that is being posted to the "It Gets Better" project to support GLBTQ persons and allies in prevention of harassment and suicide amongst young adults and teens.

My prayer in all of this is to hold fast to my Baptismal vows and encourage others to do the same. With God's help I seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself, and I strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.

Thank you, Bishop Gene, for modeling these vows for us, once again opening yourself up to the risk of insult and harassment in order to offer comfort, assurance, and hope to a broken world.

(Double click the video window below for full screen options)

Curriculum Survey

2010-09-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

Our friend, colleague, and partner in Ministry at Church Publishing, Sharon Ely Pearson, needs our help. Please read the following and then go to the survey monkey to make sure your voice is counted! Thank you!

From time to time, I like to do a curriculum survey to get a pulse of what churches are using with children, youth and adults. It is helpful to see if there are any trends and learn what kinds of resources churches are looking for. The last time I conducted such a survey was in the Spring of 2009, so thought this might be a good time to do another one. This survey will close on November 1st and I will share the results with all of you. I will also do a comparison from then and now and determine any trends if I see any. I'd appreciate it if any of you in diocesan positions could forward this to your congregations. We can have a better sense of the whole church if we spread the word.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z98SKKR

Thanks for taking the time to fill this out.
Peace, Sharon

Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist Church Publishing Incorporated/Morehouse Education Resources Mailing address:
17 Pumpkin Lane - Norwalk, CT 06851
866-280-5299 (toll-free office)
203-846-4144 (fax)

Read my blog: http://www.rowsofsharon.com/
Subscribe to "Living IN-Formation" monthly newsletter at http://www.morehouseeducation.org/
Visit your own "Resource Room" at http://www.morehouseeducation.org/Resource-Room
The Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education http://www.prayerbookguide.com/
The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation http://www.formationcharter.com/

Communications Update

2010-09-23T11:09:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update and explanation.

Some of you have already noticed that the current issue of EpiscoYouth Network News, our electronic newsletter, has an Episcopal Youth Event link that goes to a new site. We are still in the process of moving the domain name from the temporary EYE site that was created quickly, to this new permanent site that will eventually contain much more information, including registration procedures. I apologize for the delay and any confusion it creates. The links on this blog in the right-hand cloumn and in this post are the latest.

We are also working to create an Episcopal Youth Event FaceBook page and a Twitter feed.

Thank you for your diligence in seeking information about Youth Ministries and for your feedback!

Blessings,

Bronwyn

Faith in Action - Global Work Party 10/10/10

2010-09-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

Many of you are already seasoned participants in the Souper Bowl of Caring. This was a grass roots effort started by young people putting their faith in action. Over 12,000 groups generated over $10 million in 2010 to help relieve hunger.

www.350.org"
The Global Work Party taking place on 10/10/10 is another grass roots effort that young people can easily join to put their faith in action. At 350.org you can click through several ideas, big and small, in which your youth group, or the young person in your congregation, can help make a difference in the world. It's an excellent website and the "people" tab will connect you to an outstanding faith page that includes ideas and prayers. You can create a Work Party of your own, or join one that has already started in your community. The campaigns page at the website helps you determine which option. Please register your Work Party on the site and add a "faith" and "Episcopal" tag to the your event in the appropriate "tag" field in the event registration page. Our Environmental and Economic Affairs office, Young Adult and Campus Ministries Office, and our Youth Ministries Office are all promoting participation in this effort in response to General Convention resolutions, including the Genesis Covenant adopted in 2009, and The Episcopal Church's commitment to the Five Marks of Mission. To read more about it from the Episcopal perspective, please check out Mike Schut's recent ENS article.

If youth in your congregation create or join a work party, offer prayers for the day on 10/10/10, ring your church bell 350 times, or wear a T-shirt to create conversation and awareness about carbon emissions, I want to hear about it. Please send your YOUTH GROUP 10/10/10 story and digital pictures to me with those highlighted words in the subject line. I promise I will report back with stats on how youth of The Episcopal Church did their part to help transform the world.

Now, anybody know of a Work Party in Milwaukee that day? I'll check the website, too. I don't fly out until late in the afternoon and I've already ordered my T-shirt!

New Resource

2010-08-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

The following news release crossed my email desktop today. As a Minnesota Episcopalian I have been blessed with Minnesota Public Radio and have listened to Krista Tippett's Speaking of Faith® program from its infancy. This new resource may or may not be what is best for your congregation, but it looks like an opportunity to engage across some generational lines within the congregation with fresh perspectives and new material. If you choose to try it we would love to know what you think! Use the comments feature on the blog or send me an email bskov@episcoaplchurch.org.

From Church Publishing, Inc. New York, New York -

As part of a unique new partnership between a publisher and weekly radio broadcast, Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) has developed and released a series of new, online church-group resources in conjunction with the popular radio program, Speaking of Faith® with Krista Tippett, produced by American Public Media.

Titled Speaking of Faith® for Small Groups™, the new program resources are designed for high school, young adult, and adult study groups and revolve around topical, interfaith conversations and interviews conducted by Krista Tippett on previously broadcast programs. Four modules of Speaking of Faith® for Small Groups™ are now available, including:

Sustainable Faith: God, the Environment and Human Responsibility
Einstein's God: Science, Faith and the Life of Wonder
Spiritual Heroes: Women and Men on the Frontiers of Faith
Living Islam: Beauty, Truth, Compassion

The modules can be previewed and purchased exclusively at www.churchpublishing.org/speakingoffaith

EpiscoYouth Network News

2010-08-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

In case you missed the Tweet or FaceBook update last week, please note that we have a new communications tool in place to help build the Youth Ministry Network across the Episcopal Church.
Click here to view the inaugural edition in the web version. There are links where you can subscribe. Feel free to forward and share. Anything you might like to lift up or request for the next issue should be submitted to me no later than the first of the month. My hope is to publish on or near the 15th of each month.
Blessings,
Bronwyn

Back 2 School Devotions

2010-08-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

It's not too late to catch up with the new Back 2 School online devotionals with www.d365.org/back2school!

Beginning August 1, 2010, d365.org is going Back 2 School! This special series will help students make the transition into a new grade, new school or even a new town. Post the above image to your website, blog and Facebook and spread the word to your friends, family and congregations!

Making a Difference in the Life of a Child

2010-08-10T15:11:00.000-05:00

I returned to my home/office in Minnesota from a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands approximately 48 hours ago. I think I've recovered from sleepless travel, and the temps in Minnesota are rivaling those we weathered in Jerusalem, but I'm still feeling disoriented regarding my surroundings; the people, the food, my freedom of movement . . . .

The blog that was published by fellow pilgrim, Jessica Bodford, is excellent. If you're curious please click here to read of our faithful and enlightening journey.

In catching up on numerous emails and reading updates I found a not-so-little story from two newspapers in Montana and Wyoming about a camp for homeless children. This is yet another example of one of the many ways the Episcopal Church continues to make a difference in the lives of children. Click here to follow the link I discovered with the help of our Public Affairs Officer, Neva Rae Fox. My hat is off to Wyoming Wilderness Camp and Camp Director and collegue Pat Walsh, and my heart is full of gratitude for their faithful and creative ministry.

Please share your stories of how your ministry makes the difference in the life of a child!

Pilgrimage

2010-07-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

I have the tremendous blessing of joining several youth and young adults on a joint pilgrimage between Province IV Youth Ministry and Kanuga to The Holy Lands over the next two weeks. Jessica Bodford of Kanuga staff has already begun a blog that you might visit to follow us. Check out Into the Holy Lands for updates. She has done a wonderful job of pre-pilgrimage blogging including research on all manner of aspects in preparation.

Members of the Formation and Vocation Ministries Team of the Episcopal Chutrch Center are rotating through summer travel and vacation cycles so that we always have office coverage. Don't hesitate to email or call. Team Associate Valerie Harris has everything under control and will happily refer your inquiry to a helpful staff member if you can't find the person you thought you needed.

The new electronic communication from the Youth Ministries Office is off my desk and rests with our experts in Communications. It is my hope and prayer that you have received your transmission of EpiscoYouth Network News before I return to the office on August 10th. This will only happen if you are on our Diocesan Youth Ministries distribution list. Once we are in publication mode anyone will be able to opt in as a subscriber. I'll post more about that next month.

Have a blessed end of summer!

Episcopalians on the Move

2010-07-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

I suspect that this three week stretch of the summer is when there are more youthful Episcopalians on the move in mission, pilgrimage, camping, and VBS programs than any other stretch of time in the calendar year. Please hold all travelers, pilgrims, and missioners in your prayers. When you encounter pilgrims and mission workers on your summer journey, whether they be "ours" or others, please greet them warmly, inquire about their journey, thank them, and send them with a prayer. Yes, even when their bus pulled into the McDonald's before you did!

One report of young Episcopalians on the move made it into the media today. Check out what this group from North Carolina is doing in their own backyard as they participate on the Freedom Ride by clicking this link. Way to go Freedom Riders! We can't wait to hear about the rest of your journey.

Please send news and links of the amazing things your youth are doing this summer. I would love to share this news as far and wide as I can. Bless you and your amazing ministry.

Prayer for Travellers
Merciful God, Giver of life and health,
guide, we pray, with your wisdom
all who are striving to protect travellers
from injury or harm;
grant to those who travel consideration for others,
and to those who walk and play
a thoughtful caution and care;
so that without fear or misfortune
we may all come safely to our journey's end,
by your mercy, who care for each one of us;
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.
- Celebrating Common Prayer

Faithfully,
Bronwyn

Camping Season

2010-06-22T13:46:00.000-05:00

Several years ago an acquaintance asked me if I ever took my kids on a "real" vacation, or if we only took them camping. I screwed up my face and asked what she meant.

"You know, like going to Wisconsin Dells and staying in a hotel instead of living in a tent in State Parks and things," she sneered.

I was blown away. I spent my childhood exploring the west in a car with my father, mother, and sister, living in a tent and visiting places like the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon, not to mention the dozens of places in northern New Mexico and Arizona that commanded our attention and wonder. I felt richly blessed, so much so that my husband and children have spent all of their childhood engaged in the summer vacation ritual of camping. It's my favorite mode of family vacation!

I realize it's not for everyone. But our family does the other kind of camping, too. My sons spent years attending Cass Lake Episcopal Camp in Northern Minnesota where I also volunteered as camp staff during my parish youth ministry days. They are applying to be counselors for our Episcopal Youth Music Camp this summer. Episcopalians have a long and proud tradition of summer camping for young people.

Some would argue that if well planned and directed, a week at summer church camp can be more enlightening and transformational in the life of a young person than an entire school year of Sunday School participation. Unfortunately many of our camps have gone so deeply into the red financially that we have literally lost them, or have caved in to economic pressures and lost our mission in Christian Camping.

The good news is that many of our camps are alive and well! Episcopal Camps and camping programs are engaged in significant inreach as well as outreach; creating safe space for children and youth to experience God's amazing creation, abundance, and unconditional love through singing, hiking, working, swimming, praying and more.

One group on the east coast is engaged in some pretty demanding programming for children whose lives are not so blessed with abundance. You can click the link here to learn more about a program for children with incarcerated parents. I pray for this group with gratitude and hope.

The Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers is a great resource for those engaged in camping ministry. ECCC is an Association of 106 Camps, Retreats and Conference Centers in 86 Episcopal Dioceses in 47 States, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. They have a FaceBook Fan Page where you can follow Bill Slocumb, ECCC Associate Director, on his summer journey to visit numerous Episcopal camps. He and Executive Director Peter Bergstrom are excellent resources for and supporters of our efforts in camping ministry.

So what's your favorite moment at church camp? Offer your comments here so we can share the transformations we've witnessed along the Lifelong Journey in Faith Formation.

Episcopal Youth Event 2011 Pricing

2010-06-17T17:41:00.000-05:00

COME TOGETHER: Intimately Linked in this Harvest Work
REUNAMONOS: Entrelazádos Intimamente en esta Cosecha
June 22 - 26, 2011
St. Paul, Minnesota

The 2011 Episcopal Youth Event will feel similar to past events in many ways, yet it is shaping up to be a very different experience. Reflecting the growth, progress and transformation of our church over time, the EYE Mission Planning Team has identified a theme from scripture that, combined with the Five Marks of Mission, will call participants into a greater awareness of and commitment to God's mission in the world.

There will be three very full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing, and working between the arrival and departure days. The primary event will be followed by an opportunity for Three Days of Mission.

Three Days of Mission
Minnesota is preparing to offer Three Days of Mission following the triennial event. Youth groups will have opportunities to either remain on campus through June 30 to engage in urban mission in the Greater Twin Cities Area, or may deploy to rural locations throughout the diocese and the province. Plans and coordination efforts are under way and opportunities will be announced as they are identified.

Minnesota Youth Ministers are already planning for their mission of hospitality, support and resources as they prepare to welcome the youth of the church next summer. The Rt. Rev. Brian Prior, Bishop of Minnesota, has identified local leaders to help coordinate efforts .

Registration and Pricing
Each diocese of The Episcopal Church will be allowed up to 32 youth participants and 8 adult participants, observing a one adult to four youth ratio. In an effort to keep prices low and access open, we plan to charge $275 per participant (youth and adult). Ten percent of each registration will be used specifically to respond to mission opportunities at the event in keeping with the Five Marks of Mission and Millennium Development Goals. The remaining registration will cover meals and lodging at the event. A nominal fee of less than $25 per person may be charged for airport/train station shuttle service on the Minnesota end of travel.

Bethel University will also be offering lodging and breakfast for groups who wish to remain on campus for Three Day of Mission at a rate of $20 per person. This will be an option that can be selected when the registration process opens and once mission opportunities have been identified.

Time Table and Criteria
We hope to open registration January 2, 2011. Our intention is to then leave registration open until we fill the event, so diocesan registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Details on the process will be forthcoming. This fall each diocese should begin its own process of discerning whom amongst them is called to represent and mentor the youth of the diocese at this amazing gathering. Each diocese will need to establish an open process that allows for recruiting a diverse delegation, considering the full breadth of our multi-cultural and richly diverse church.

Adult leaders also need to be discerned with care. The Episcopal Youth Event is not simply an adventure that requires chaperones, but a gathering of the youth leadership in our denomination. Adults will also have opportunities to gather and learn together as they walk with young people in lifting up our covenant for being in community with respect, and adhering to appropriate behaviors and boundaries. All participating adults must be Safe Church Trained and Background Checked. Each diocese will need to have it's own registrar who will coordinate the logistics of registration, transportation, and payment with the Youth Ministries office. Dioceses will also need to arrange their own transportation and expenses for traveling to and from Minnesota.

Prayer
Please keep this event in your prayers as the Youth and Adults on the Mission Planning Team walk forward in faith to this sacred gathering. Plan to Come Together, for we are Intimately Linked in this Harvest Work!

Faithfully in Christ,
Bronwyn

Bronwyn Clark Skov
Youth Ministries Officer
bskov@episcopalchurch.org

Positions Open

2010-06-15T19:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the latest in job descriptions that have been sent my way recently. My next task is to dig in on improving the website, so eventually we should have a page for postings like this. Thank you for your patience in this endeavor. Keep sending those position descriptions!
Blessings on your summer ministries and vacations,
Bronwyn

Director of Youth Ministry, Ascension, Knoxville, TN
This is a full-time position with benefits at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Knoxville, TN. Ascension is a thriving and supportive community. Please send cover letter and resume to The Rev. Brett Backus, brett@knoxvilleascension.org . Full posting at: http://www.vts.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=118821&rc=0

Minister of Children's Formation

Active Kalamazoo Episcopal parish seeks an organized, enthusiastic, and energetic Minister of Children's Formation for birth through Grade 5. Familiarity with Episcopal Church beliefs and practices and the “Young Children and Worship” and “Episcopal Children's Curriculum” resources a plus. Position is part time. Send letter of interest and resume to jobs@stlukeskalamazoo.org. Complete posting at: http://www.stlukeskalamazoo.org/

Minister of Youth Formation

Active Kalamazoo Episcopal parish seeks an organized, enthusiastic, and energetic Minister of Youth Formation for Grades 6 through 12.Familiarity with Episcopal Church beliefs and practices important and the “Journey to Adulthood” curriculum a plus. Position is part time. Send letter of interest and resume to jobs@stlukeskalamazoo.org. Complete posting at: http://www.stlukeskalamazoo.org/

Parenting

2010-06-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

I've had some interesting inquiries lately about parenting youth that I thought might be helpful to share, especially as most families shift into summer mode when there is a lot more freedom of time for the teens in the household.
Recently I was asked by a colleague, "What is the one thing you would want to say to parents of teens?" My short and simple reply was, "Don't stop parenting yet!" I did follow up with some other thoughts. I hope the following is helpful and welcome your thoughts and feedback.

It is demonstrated in our culture through mass media and our fascination with celebrities that Americans value freedom, personal wealth, independence, youthfulness, promiscuity and violence. We also espouse a high regard for privacy. In my opinion we often give our teenagers too much freedom and privacy too fast. It's more than they can handle and then we blame the young person for unwise choices that lead to trouble.

Transitioning from young teen to older teen to young adult in a culture that lets 16-year-olds drive, 18-year-olds vote and smoke, and 21-year-olds drink seems like a gradual transition. Although it's very interesting to consider that particular progression of secular privileges, rites of passage, in that particular chronology; it says a lot about our cultural value system.

Older teens want nothing more than the perceived freedom of adulthood and often run to the limit as soon as privileges are granted, not comprehending the responsibility that goes hand in hand with the newly acquired privilege. I will never forget my oldest's proclamation on his eighteenth birthday. "I no longer have curfew and I'm blocking you on FaceBook!" * * click * *

"I have other FaceBook friends," I replied, "and you may not have curfew, but if you intend to live in this house you will be home by 11 on weeknights and midnight on the weekends unless special arrangements have been made." We truly had no problems with this child through his graduation and the following summer. He honored the golden rule of the household: Mom needs to know where you are and who you're with at all times. Did he and his brother sneak one by me now and then? I'm sure they did. But I also held up my end of the bargain with random checks. We live in a small enough community that their chances of bumping into members of our extended family and Episcopal congregation members are petty high. They were not subjected to an adult-free vacuum, even during summer vacation.

Our teens and tweens need parents, godparents, mentors, and adult friends to help shepherd them through these growing stages as partners. That includes knowing how to text them, greeting them in helpful and non-shaming ways on FaceBook, as well as face to face interactions. Our communities of faith are ideally suited to provide this community safety-net, holding the tension with parents as our children gradually mature into adulthood. But we need to be intentional in accomplishing this task. We need to support parents in learning to text and FaceBook and lift this up not as an intrusion on the privacy of our children, but as an essential piece of participation in the fabric of the community that uses technology as a significant means of communication in this day and age. Word of mouth is FaceBook and texting with cell phones.

Teenagers did not invent cell phones, texting, FaceBook, or iPhones. We did. And we marketed them and purchased these technologies and gave them to our kids. It is our responsibility to join the virtual community we have created so that we can continue to be parents and friends to the young people in our lives who still need us. I am not yet an accomplished expert in this field of parenting; mine are 18 and 21 and still in the house and in college. But as a youth minister I have had the privilege of watching parenting at its best and worst and everywhere in between. What is evident is the importance of a supportive and faithful community surrounding parents and teens, especially in those tender and oh-so-fast moments of vulnerable transition as youth gain new freedoms before their skills to handle those privileges are complete.

I conclude with one of my favorite prayers from Guide My Feet by Marian Wright Edelman.

Lord help me not do for my children

what they can do for themselves.

Help me not to give them

what they can earn for themselves.

Help me not to tell them

what they can look up and find out for themselves.

Help me to help my children stand on

their own two feet and to grow into

responsible, disciplined adults.

Amen.

Sunday School . . . or not?

2010-06-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

There's an interesting conversation taking place on Episcopal Cafe at the moment in response to an EpiscopalLife Online article that ran yesterday, June 1, about Sunday School models. I encourage you to check it out and weigh in if you have wisdom to add to the conversation.

The debate is a timeless one for many of us, and most of us could make arguments from a multitude of perspectives on the question; how, when, and where should Sunday School take place in the life of a congregation?

Since this blog is more specific to Youth Ministry, and often this particular ministry with this specific age group (primarily 6-12 grade) is no longer in the realm of "Sunday School," I'm curious to know what your thoughts are about the young people you "inherit" into your ministry from the programs for younger children.

As an example, I can tell you that in Minnesota, most of our school districts honor Wednesday night as a light night on the school calendar to yield to Catechism and Confirmation classes in our Lutheran and Roman Catholic congregations. Most of the main-liners and evangelicals have jumped on this bandwagon, too, and use it as an education night for middle schoolers and high schoolers. The model provides greater potential for musical and liturgical participation for this age group on Sunday mornings. It also makes older youth available to help teach in Sunday morning class rooms with younger children.

The interesting observation that I would make from my days in congregational youth ministry is that youth who have spent their early years in church with their parents know a lot more about Episcopal Liturgy and Prayer than those who have been in a concurrent Sunday School class. The greatest sadness for me is welcoming middle schoolers into the youth room who have never had a discussion about anything religious, spiritual, or faith-based with their parents. But if they've been in church we at least have common ground to begin the discussion. Often I have been blessed with watching spiritual transformation unfold as youth and their parents have learned more about their own faith and traditions together when participating in mentoring opportunities and multigenerational events focusing on Christian Formation.

What has your Youth Ministry experience been? How have programs for younger children influenced your ministry with teens and tweens? I encourage you to comment here and/or at Episcopal Cafe. I look forward to hearing and sharing the wisdom from each of you.

Blessings,
Bronwyn

Christian Formation Housekeeping

2010-05-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Greetings in the Season after Pentecost!

Most of us are in winding down mode from the program year . . . .

AND . . . .

most of us are gearing up for summer camps, mission experiences, and pilgrimages.

Youth Ministers never rest!

I hope and pray that all of you are intentional about tending to your own spiritual, emotional, and physical needs in addition to those needs of the people you serve in ministry. I am heading out for an annual camping trip with family and friends and will hold all of your ministries in my prayers as I take time to refresh and re-create. Thank you for all that you do in partnership with God's mission in the world and the on behalf of the Episcopal Church!

We are still transitioning our communications strategy at the Episcopal Church Center. As a stop-gap measure I will attempt to keep you up to date on the position openings that we receive by posting them here for now. Soon we will have a dedicated web page. Please send your information by copying the format below with links for a contact person who can provide the full description. Thank you to Sue von Rautenkranz in Upper South Carolina for serving as my example. The positions Sue has shared are all completely open for application and legit ; they are examples only in that they're the first that I'm sharing in this fashion.

Associate Youth Minister - Christ Church, Greenville, SC

This position which is primarily a ministry position with Senior High youth reports to the Director of Youth Ministries. Please contact Mr. Joel Tassie, Director of Youth Ministry
jtassie@ccgsc.org

Minister for Youth and Young Adults - Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Clemson, SC
Please send cover letter and resume by June 15, 2010 to The Rev. John S. Nieman
jnieman@holytrinityclemson.org

Director of Youth Ministry Position (Part-time) - St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Chapin, SC
Direct inquiries to the Rev. Canon Phil Purser, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 265, Chapin, SC 29036.
stfrrector@sc.rr.com

Complete position descriptions on these three ministry positions are available here: http://www.edusc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=9

Blessings,
Bronwyn

Come Together at EYE! Reunamonos!

2010-05-08T14:49:00.000-05:00

The 2011 Episcopal Youth Event Mission Planning Team met in Atlanta, Georgia, May 6-9, to discern themes, activities, needs, and opportunities for mission and ministry when the youth of the church gather in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June of 2011.

From Top Left, Brook's Prior (Minnesota) Top Right, Austin Ryan (Upper South Carolina) From Left of Middle, Bryan Bauer(Oklahoma) Carolyn Downs (Connecticut) Brooke Lucas (Maryland) Jessica Livingston (Washington DC) Gage Prior (Minnesota) From Left of Front Lydia Pendleton (Connecticut) Ruth Sanchez (Domincan Republic) Lizzie Kezar (Kansas).

COME TOGETHER: Intimately Linked in this Harvest Work

REUNAMONOS: Entrelazádos Intimamente en esta Cosecha

June 22 - 26, 2011

The ten youth called to serve as leaders for this event met for three days with the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC) and adult leaders to discern, pray, and plan for the next international Episcopal youth event. Their discernment was grounded in the Five Marks of Mission, the Core Values for EYE, and the Gospel offered through the Revised Common Lectionary for June 26; Proper 8, Year A.

Matthew 10:40-42 (The Message)

40-42"We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."

Amazing preparation has begun and information will be forthcoming as plans progress. Stay tuned here and watch for updates on our website, http://www.episcopalyouthevent.org/.

UN Program on Youth

2010-05-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

The United Nations is once again soliciting input from all of us . . .

Check out their links:

And on another note, the 2011 Episcopal Youth Event Mission Planning Team is assembling in Atlanta for our first planning meeting. Please keep us in your prayers and stay tuned!

TEENS and TEXTING

2010-04-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

I subscribe to a weekly update from the Pew Research Center that frequently reports on a diverse number of elements that make up the life of a teenager. This week's publication includes a summary of details from an indepth study about teens and cell phone use; primarily texting.

For those of us in youth ministry, this study reveals no great surprises. For those parents footing the bill for family plans, we are not alone. However, we have created the "monster," so to speak.

I find it interesting that teens are often villified for using/abusing the equipment, technology, and toys that ADULTS have designed, developed, manufactured, and marketed.

The statistics toward the end of the linked report are the most alarming to me. We all need to be talking with the teens in our lives about responsible cell phone use - especially when coupled with driving.

Enjoy the article and consider subscribing to this reputable research foundation's weekly findings. It's FREE!

Why Serve?

2010-04-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

I realize that our target topic on this blog is Youth Ministry, but I also value the continuum of Lifelong Christian Formation and serve as the TEC Team Leader for the Formation and Vocation Ministries team in our Mission Program Department. So occasionally I get to share some of the amazing work being coordinated by my closest colleagues.

Our Young Adult and Campus Ministries Officers, Jason Sierra and the Rev. Douglas Fenton, are partnering with our Ethnic Missioners to hold an amazing discernment conference for young adults of color," Why Serve?" June 3-6 in Tennessee. Last year there was great energy for this conference called "Does it Fit?"

Do you know someone, perhaps a former member of your youth group, or a young leader in your diocese, who might benefit from this sort of gathering? Please forward the link and share the invitation!

Why Serve is sponsored by The School of Theology at the University of the South and The Episcopal Church Center offices for Asian Ministries, Black Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Native American & Indigenous Ministries, Young Adult Ministries, and Young Adult Discernment and Vocations.

Compensation

2010-04-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Salary.
Benefits?
What is "full time?"
What are others paid for church work; lay or ordained?

These are key questions that bubble up perennially, and especially when budgets are being structured and mutual ministry reviews and performance evaluations are being set up. I've also seen some inquiries along these lines in the NAECED listserve recently. I offer a couple of resources and a few of my own thoughts.

First and foremost I offer Acts of General Convention by way of resolutions regarding The Episcopal Church and her institutions as a workplace. Here are links to the Digital Archives on Principles and Guidelines on Employment Practices and the Task Force on Employment Policies and Practices. These are resolutions that represent and characterize ongoing efforts in the area of Episcopal employment policy and practice.

Next Matthew Price of Church Pension Group pointed me toward a 2006 Church Compensation Report that has hard data for Lay and Clergy Compensation broken down in many different ways. I encourage you to check out the full report. It can be found on the linked page.

I also encourage you to ineract with our own Episcopal Office for Transition Ministry (formerly Church Deployment Office/CDO). My colleague who serves as the Officer for this area, Tori Duncan, has assured me that lay professionals are under-represented. We all need to sign-in and create/update profiles. We also need to encourage our congregations and dioceses to use this office to post openings and search for potential ministry matches. A lot is happing in the way of updates and upgrades in this office. Please check out the site and contact Tori if you have questions or need help.

Finally I offer a few thoughts of my own from the perspective of 18 years in the youth ministry trenches as a part-timer in a small congregation, to working in more than one parish at a time, to serving as a diocesan staff member. These are my own observations and opinions and do not represent any official pronouncement of any kind. I offer them faithfully, thoughtfully, compassionately, and with hope.

Lay Ministry as a church professional is every bit as much a call to ministry as that of an ordained person. Often the two are in concert. Often they are not. The contexts that are missed in the statistical report referred to above include comparable secular compensation in geographic regions and level of education. One could argue that a seminary education can be assumed for clergy employees, however more and more priests are being formed in contexts other than traditional seminary settings; some are non-stipendiary and unable to be deployed, some have been called to other congregations and receive compensation. These are reasonable factors to consider when discerning salaries and compensation packages.

For youth ministry specifically we are often inadvertantly and ignorantly undercompensated for a number of reasons.

Much of our ministry is unseen like communication w/ parents, youth and volunteers
The visible ministry looks more like fun than work from the outside - Happening, Mission Trips, Movie Nights, Fund-raising (whee!) :)
People question the seriousness of our work and often treat it as proving grounds for ordained ministry rather than a call to lifelong lay ministry

I'm sure you could name more. All of these dynamics set youth ministers up to be paid for far fewer hours than they actually work, and for not being honored with Sabbath Time for rest and renewal or Continuing Education time for professional development and connecting with colleagues.

When negotiating my own contracts I have insisted on a few simple guidelines for myself and my employer:

I should be paid more than the average middle or high school teacher in my community - their salary is based on nine months of work, mine is based on 12. Please take into account education and years of experience. I am entitled to pension and health benefits.
Overnights do count as hours worked within a week - it is not only time that I am away from my family, it is also time when I am responsible for other peoples' children, their health and well-being, TWENTY-FOUR hours a day from our event beginning to end. I usually take those extra hours as Sabbath time rather than overtime pay, especially if I'm not eligible for additional compensation due to exempt employee status
I request two weeks of paid time off for continuing education; those opportunities should be paid by my employer to attend conferences, meetings, or participate in on-line or in-person institutional learning.
Negotiate a sabbatical - look to the clergy guidelines in your diocese and request paid time away for sabbatical after a certain number of years served full-time on a staff. More on this topic later :)

I hope this is helpful information. Most of all, THANK YOU for engaging in this vital ministry. The church is blessed by your gifts and renewed with your passion for evangelizing our young people.

Blessings,
Bronwyn

Easter in the Desert

2010-04-05T18:25:00.000-05:00

My family made an Easter pilgrimage to my mother's winter/spring residence in the Valley of the Sun, Scottsdale, Arizona. Her parents lived here before her, and she and her husband have a lovely little condo just off the canal near Scottsdale Road. Our family has been descending upon the area to visit grandparents since th 1970s. This year was no exception to the tradition.

My sister and her family drove from Montana. My aunt and uncle flew from Indianapolis. My cousin flew in from Albuquerque. We haunted our favorite eating spots, relaxed around the swimming pool at our hotel, and made the obligatory climb up Camelback Mountain.

One of the highlights of our visit was Easter morning at St. Barnabas-on-the-Desert. My grandfather was buried there in 1980. My mother's marriage was blessed there in 1998. My grandmother was buried there in 1999. I visit there every time I visit the valley. This particular Easter Sunday was no disappointment, even in the midst of a reconstruction project that has the Nave and Sanctuary closed for a time.

We had to split up but were all in the music hall where the rector, Jim Clark, preached an excellent sermon. (Funny, my rather irreligious father's name is Jim Clark, too!) My cousin Melissa was feeling the presence of her father, too. The Rev. Thomas F. Stoll, deceased in 2001, was an Episcopal priest many places, including Traverse City, Michigan, during the 70's and Indianapolis during the 80's. He also attended boarding school in Paradise Valley at the now closed Judson, just across the street from St. Barnabas.

It was a weekend of holy reunions; family and religious celebrations.

Thanks be to God!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Discipline of Holy Week

2010-03-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for Randall and Sandra Curtis and their devotions for Journey to the Cross this week and last. They agreed to be Episcopal writers for d365 in Lent this year. Along with The Rt. Rev. Brian Prior they represent our denomination in this season for our ecumenical resource for young people. Ken Medema also offers us appropriately meditative and provocative music. I am proud of this resource and hope that others of you with a gift for devotional writing will let me know that you feel called to share through this resource, too.

Randall is on the Bishop's staff in Arkansas working with Youth and Young Adults. He is also the current Province VII Youth Ministry Coordinator. The following biography appears on the site introducing us to this week's writer Sandra, Randall's wife:
Sandra Curtis loves to read. She likes to curl up in bed reading stories with her daughter, Olivia. She loves recommending good books to the students at Episcopal Collegiate School, where she works as the librarian. She thinks sometimes books are like vegetables and occasionally will force her husband Randall to read things that are good for him, like parenting books and poetry. Her pugs, Coco and Cheerio, have the pleasure of listening in on book discussions at the dinner table. She believes to love a good book is to share it.

On another note, I am attempting to share one of my Episcopal Lenten disciplines this week on the blog and will post one of the Collects for Holy Week from A New Zealand Prayer Book each day. I love praying through the week with these strategic and thoughtful offerings. You can find them in the upper right corner of the blog.

Blessings in Holy Week,
Bronwyn

REMINDERS

2010-03-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

From my undisclosed vacation destination, I pray the EYE Mission Planning Team applications are headed to Valerie Harris at our office. They are due the day after Palm Sunday.

And we need your contact information for the new Youth Ministry Network database. The DYMC listserve goes **POOF** on April Fool's Day.

Please scroll down to the posts below this for more details on both topics.

Thank you for your attentiona and prayers on both items. I'll be back in Holy Week.

Blessings,
Bronwyn

Connections

2010-03-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

In this position as your Youth Ministries Officer for The Episcopal Church I am both charged with and blessed by visiting with you in provinces and dioceses to build relationships, share resources, and engage in the humble ministry of presence. I have enaged in three "road trips" in recent months that have yeilded an abundance of fruit.

I have learned about new resources.
I have been reminded of trusted old ones that are still valid.
I have visited sacred spaces where lives of young Episcopalians have been transformed.
I have been trusted with deep frustrations and concerns.
I have been offered constructive feedback for all manner of things.
I have become aware of shifting cultural contexts.
I have felt your longing for connectivity, for affirmation, for blessing.

I am gaining a perspective that is often characterized as a "balcony view" of the breadth of expressions of youth ministry across our church.

Most recently I traveled from the Province V Youth Ministry Network meeting at the Proctor Camp and Conference Center in Southern Ohio to the Phoebe Needles Center in Southwestern Virgina where the diocesan Youth Ministries Team (YMT) held their spring retreat. In Ohio I felt right at home in the midst of farm fields on a beloved camp. Youth ministers swapped stories, shared joys and frustrations, and began to make plans to welcome the church to Indiana for General Convention in 2012. I was the facilitator for the youth program at Phoebe Needles where I was welcomed with open arms into the midst of a long tradition of youth engaged in servant leadership. On Sunday I was able to attend worship with a congregation hosting their bishop for baptism and confirmations. Then I rolled up my sleeves and joined THOUSANDS of people of Roanoke,Virginia for a Stop Hunger Now event to pack food for families in Haiti. What an amazing Sunday!

I finished the trip off with a few of my diocesan staff colleagues at a meeting at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where we admitted that an academic 1950s approach to Christian Education is truly a dead model for building the Kingdom. This group is truly passionate about committing the church to innovative lifelong formation that lifts up the ministry of the baptized, servant leadership, and discernment for vocation.

As I travel I feel the blessing of your trust, the weight of your hopes, but most importantly the warmth of your encouragement. We are truly in this together.

Thank you for your steadfast and faithful ministry. Trust me, the joy of Easter is right around the corner.

Thanks be to God!

Mission EYE 2011

2010-03-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to report that mission EYE 2011 will take place June 22-26 in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the campus of Bethel University. Save the dates! Plan your travel budget and trust that we are working hard to keep the participant price as low as possible! We’ll keep you posted about the new things you can expect as soon as we can convene the Mission Planning Team and reach some decisions about theme and events. We will have a soft start to the event on June 22 as youth arrive in Minnesota, and our official Opening Eucharist will be first thing Thursday, June 23, once every one has arrived. We will conclude the official event on Saturday night, June 25. All participants will need to arrive on the 22nd and stay through the morning of the 26th. Minnesota is gearing up to welcome you and provide opportunities for worship, mission, and cultural exchanges if you want to stay for an extra few days. Stay tuned to learn more as plans develop!

We need your help, right now. Please discern which teenaged youth leaders in your diocese you would encourage to make an application to serve on the EYE 2011 Mission Planning Team. This is an accelerated application process that truly does require your immediate attention and assistance.
EYE Mission Planning is not for every youth. This is a call to leadership for a very select few teenagers who have demonstrated a capacity for servant leadership, a level of maturity that is above and beyond most of their peers, and a passion for the Gospel that they can articulate and pray about. The Mission Planning Team is not a place to discern leadership, but an opportunity to partner with faithful, hardworking adults to exercise and deepen existing leadership skills.
Completed applications are available from me and will be accepted until March 29. Yes, it is a tight window of application opportunity. The team will be smaller than past design teams and we need people who can respond quickly and step up to work hard. I trust that if you have youth who meet the criteria you can reach them quickly and help them to respond with the necessary forms and signatures.
Your Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinator (PYMC) can help address any questions or concerns you may have. For contact information see this link to our website, or contact Valerie Harris, our Associate for Formation and Vocation Ministries, 1-800-334-7626. Information is also available soon at http://www.episcopalyouthevent.org/ and will be regularly updated here on the blog, too.

Please pray for EYE!

Diocesan Coordinators Network

2010-03-10T14:07:00.000-06:00

Does the The Episcopal Church Center know how to reach you? Are you part of a network that strengthens youth ministry in the Episcopal Church?

The team for Formation and Vocation Ministries consists of six unique areas of mission and ministry.

Children's Ministries
Youth Ministries
Campus Ministries
Young Adult Ministries
Young Adult Discernment and Vocation
Adult Formation and Lifelong Learning

We have an enthusiastic and highly capable associate supporting the six officers on this team. Her name is Valerie Harris. Valerie will be the architect who will create new and connect existing databases within the Formation and Vocation Ministries Team for networking and communications.

If you are a primary contact for Youth Ministry in your diocese, you should have already received an email from me requesting that you send the following information to Valerie:

Name:

Email address:
Diocese:
Title:
Area of Ministry: (please use these categories and include all that apply at the diocesan level for you personally)
Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Campus Ministry, Adult Formation
Mailing address:
Office Phone:
Websites/blogs/etc:

If you haven't seen this and should be on our network list, please send us your contact information now!

Thank you!

Bronwyn

To Blog or Facebook . . .

2010-03-08T13:39:00.000-06:00

That seems to be a hot question in youth ministry these days. The NAECED (see link at right for more) listserve has been chatting about the pros and cons of various Facebook techniques this past week. The Province V Youth Ministry Network, which I will be visiting this week, is focusing on sharing technology and communication strategies. My own office is beginning a new networking strategy. Ewart Jones, the Diocesan Missioner for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas uses both, Facebook and Blogger! I asked Ewart to share an introductory paragraph with us before you click over to their site.The link is at the bottom of this post. Here's what Ewart had to say about the their Blog.
THANKS FOR SHARING EWART!

Diocesan youth ministry in the Diocese of Texas has adopted a contemplative approach adopted from Mark Yaconelli’s work with the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project. There are seven steps in this approach: contemplation, community, companioning, clarity, action, reflection and a return to contemplation. The hope is to be more intentional and accountable in the ministry in which we are engaged. This approach guides our programs, retreats and conferences. We have steering committees that are composed of youth and adults that “govern” the decisions of our programs and we try to use every mode of communication (snail mail, email, diocesan paper and website, blog, social media) to spread the word about our particular “theology” of youth ministry.

Diocese of Texas Youth Ministry Blog Link Here

Do you blog? Post a comment with a link so we can all share!

Blessings,
Bronwyn

Youth Worker Summit

2010-03-04T17:58:00.000-06:00

SAVE THE DATE and consider participating!

Soon I will be mailing cards about the Youth Worker Summit (December 1-4, 2010) that we are working on with the Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team as a member denomination of the National Council of the Churches of Christ. Currently we don't have the infrastructure or budget for offering our own Episcopal Youth Worker training, however we can learn much from joining our ecumenical brothers and sister in Christ for education and renewal. Besides, Phyllis Tickle will be there!

The conference is shaping up to be a pretty excellent event and it is open to bringing your family with you to enjoy the wonder of Walt Disney World for some extremely discounted rates.

I am working on a grant application to partner with some money from the Youth Ministries budget to offer some scholarship assistance. I will spread the word as soon as I have funds secured. If you are interested in going and may need help, please let me know at bskov@episcopalchurch.org . I could also use your help in identifying other sources for potential generosity in helping our Youth Ministers participate.

Hope you can join us!

Province I - New England

2010-02-20T15:21:00.000-06:00

My travel blessing this week has been meeting with the Province I Youth Ministry and Christian Formation Networks in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This Province is made up of seven dioceses and is also home of Episcopal Divinity School. The two province networks that interface with the Episcopal Council for Christian Education (ECCE) network and Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC) network decided to meet together to explore resource sharing and discern if they might be called to continue blending their work given the spirit of The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation adopted by General Convention last summer in Anaheim.

As the group convened there was deep sharing about the nature of their individual ministries, their diocesan situations, and generous sharing of a variety of resources for mission and ministry. Eventually we moved into an Asset Mapping exercise as designed by Luther Snow. I facilitated a dual process of teaching these church leaders gathered a tool that can be used for ministry discernment, planning and action, while using the tool to identify connections and common mission potential within the province.

Our time together affirmed a deep longing for connectivity, resource sharing, and collegial support across congregational, diocesan, and provincial lines.Every time I am invited to gather with groups engaged in the mission and ministry of lifelong Christian formation, I am reminded of the faithful commitment shared by so many gifted ministers; lay and ordained, paid and volunteer. We are truly blessed with abundance.

As Province I continues to explore their assets for ministry and discern how they might share resources and support one anothers' ministries and needs, I would love to hear how your diocesan and province achieves connectivity and collegial support. Enter a comment for the blog or send an email for me to post.

I offer prayers of gratitude for my time with my New England friends. Thank you Province I, for your generous spirit and gracious hospitality.

Blessings on your ministries!

Liturgical Year Resource

2010-02-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

In her Convocation address at Virginia Theological Seminary in fall 2009, Lisa Kimball asserts that today's global and consumer age "are presenting us, the Church, with a profound invitation: focus on the basics. Read the Bible, Challenge the skeptics. Learn our history. Claim our unique identity in Christ."

The liturgical year is a basic part of our common life in the Church. It takes us through Jesus' journey beginning with Advent and acknowledges our need for growing and telling the stories in the long season of Pentecost. The liturgical year is a part of every Godly Play classroom. But it is often forgotten in classrooms for middle and high schoolers, and this is just the time when youth, who are growingi in self-awareness, need the liturgical calendar even more. It marks not just Christian time, but it gives our souls the opportunity to practice the rhythms of life. Advent helps us practice waiting, Ephiphany--a time of noticing Christ among us, Lent--a time for self-examination and repentance, Easter---a time of celebration, and Pentecost--the long time of growing.

When a youth faces waiting (such as waiting for a college decision or a job decision) or faces times of needing repentance (when they have broken relationships), their souls know just what to do because they have practiced. They know the prayers, they know it might take a long time to go through that period. Keep the liturgical calendar in the youth room, give it out for bedroom bulletin boards, and dress your worship table with cloths that signify the color of the season. Through this practice, youth will also be more articulate about their faith in our pluralistic society.
THANKS TO JENIFER GAMBER FOR SHARING THIS TOOL FOR MINISTRY!

A lifelong Episcopalian, Jenifer Gamber has served as a teacher and youth mentor for over 20 years and currently leads confirmation classes and baptism preparation at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, PA. She was recently elected Vice-President of NAECED (the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors). Jenifer keynotes at conferences, leads workshops and retreats nationally, and maintains the website http://www.myfaithmylife.org/, a non-profit site offering free resources for adults who work with youth. She is a regular columnist for the Episcopal Teacher and author of several books for teens and adults about the Episcopal Church. Adults who work with youth might consider attending this popular retreat in September at Holy Cross Monastery: www.myfaithmylife.org./ohcretreat.html

Lenten Devotions

2010-02-16T13:00:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow marks the change of Liturgical Season in our church year as we observe Ash Wednesday as our entry into a Holy Lent. Many resources are available for people of all ages in our congregations. Please check the resources offered on our website, www.episcopalchurch.org.

With Youth Ministry specifically in mind, I encourage you to seek and share our online daily devotionals for this upcoming season. Many of you already visit www.d365.org, our ecumenical collaboration with the Presbyterian Church USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

This year we collaborated on a specific approach for d365's shift to Journey to the Cross, the Lenten name for the devotions, utilizing a theme from part of our Episcopal rite of Confession; Things Done and Left Undone. The Rt. Rev. Brian Prior, recently consecrated as the newest bishop in our church in the Diocese of Minnesota, is the Ash Wednesday writer. Brian's reflections, written for teenage youth and the adults who serve as companions on their journey, will help us to begin this journey in faith.

Faithfully,
Bronwyn

Following is a note from Passport, our partner in producing d365:

Thank you for your continued interest in following the devotions on www.d365.org. Please note that tomorrow the site will become Journey to the Cross for a Lenten journey through Easter. The look will be different, but the five steps will remain the same. Ken Medema has written eight new arrangements to musically accompany your daily visit.
Please pass information to your friends, church members and family so that they may join us on the journey.
If you have found this site helpful, please consider supporting this ministry by making a donation online at www.d365.org/support.
God's peace to you,
The Passport, Inc. Team

Passport is an international non-profit student ministry empowering students to encounter Christ, embrace community and extend grace to the world. To find out more, visit www.passportcamps.org.

Resource to Address Haiti

2010-02-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

Leader Resources, publisher of the well known Journey to Adulthood program, has made available a new resource addressing the catastrophe in Haiti and our Christian response. Searching for God in the Rubble of Haiti materials are designed for use across all age groups with specific resources designated by age groupings. It has been designed for use in Lent. All packages address the following questions:

Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why doesn’t God prevent disasters?
Why Haiti? (an overview of Haitian life and history)
Where is God in Haiti (or any disaster)?
Where was God in Christ’s crucifixion?
What is on the other side of crucifixion….or disasters?

Click here to see the description of the Youth materials.

A link for Leader Resources can be found here and using the links in the right column on this blog. There is a free download on the home page that addresses Talking with Children/Teens about Tragedy.

Please also continue to check in with Episcopal Relief and Development for updates on our Episcopal response.

If you have other resources to share that would be helpful in addressing this crisis, please comment on this post or send an email my way.

United Nations International Year of Youth

2010-01-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

This is pretty epic with potential. What might Episcopalians do ourselves, and with our ecumenical partners, to celebrate this designated International Year of Youth? I will be inviting more conversation on this topic in the future. Please check out the Web site and contribute your ideas for the slogan - February 12 deadline! They're on FaceBook, too.
http://social.un.org/youthyear/

NAECED Tapestry

2010-01-24T12:05:00.000-06:00

I have spent the past two days with Christian Formation Professionals, Christian Education Experts, Youth Ministers, Sunday School Teachers, Adult Educators, Resource Specialists and numerous other colleagues in ministry. We have been weaving our stories together over the two full days of the Tapestry Conference in a beautiful retreat setting in Menlo Park, California. The Board of Directors and local members have done an outstanding job in planning and welcoming us to the bay area where we have been re-membering who we are, whose we are, and why we do what we do.

NAECED is really the only association within our Episcopal umbrella that intentionally seeks to meet the many needs of those engaged in Lifelong Christian Formation and Education ministry. Attention is given to welcome and include volunteers and those blessed with paychecks, lay persons and those in the clergy orders. The title of the group may be misleading for some; National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors. I invite you to give more consideration to our descriptors; Your Network for Christian Education and A dynamic community celebrating and upholding the diverse ministries of Christian Formation.

This truly is a dedicated network of faithful saints working to support one another in creative and compassionate ways, building relationships while building the body of Christ within our denomination and beyond. Membership gets you access to a wonderful forum for conversation and consultation, the list serve, as well as discounts on resources and more. Membership is a great value!

Mark your calendar for the 2011 Tapestry Conference, February 3-5. We'll be in Charlotte, North Carolina, "Equipping the Saints for the Work of Ministry."

I hope you'll join us!

http://www.naeced.org/

See Sewanee

2010-01-21T22:31:00.000-06:00

Many of you know our colleague in Youth Ministry, Abi White Moon. Please consider with whom you might share her invitation . . . .

On behalf of the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, I would like to extend the invitation to "Come and See" Sewanee on our Admissions Weekend. February 25-28,2010 we will host a weekend of worship, classes, and panel discussions for all those who are discerning a call to higher theological studies. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us!

Thanks,
Abi Moon and Derrick Hill
2010 Come and See Weekend Student Co-Chairs

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
SPONSORS ADMISSIONS WEEKEND FOR PROSPECTIVE SEMINARIANS
Sewanee, Tenn.—The School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South will sponsor “Sewanee—Come and See 2010” Feb. 25-28, 2010, to provide prospective graduate students with an introduction to community life and theological formation at the School.

Student-organized and led, the weekend in Sewanee, located conveniently between Chattanooga and Nashville, will offer opportunities to:

worship in the Seminary’s Chapel of the Apostles and the University’s All Saints’ Chapel;
attend classes taught by faculty who are thought leaders in their disciplines;
interact with faculty and students as they discuss a variety of issues regarding formation for ordained ministry, theological education, and seminary life and work;
explore one of the most beautiful environments for education in America; and
consult with Admissions and financial aid counselors.

The University of the South provides an unparalleled environment for serious theological study, research, and reflection on a wooded 13,000-acre campus known as The Domain. Within a tight-knit community of undergraduate and graduate students who live among faculty and other community members, the School of Theology provides a theological approach in witness and service to the Triune God rooted in scripture, theology, and prayer, and characterized by a commitment to social justice and broad-based learning.
Attendance at the weekend is free. Accommodations in Sewanee may be arranged with current students, at University facilities, or at lodgings of your choice.
For more information, please visit the School of Theology website, linkable from www.sewanee.edu, or contact Sarah Welcher, conference coordinator, at 800.722.1974 or swelcher@sewanee.edu .
Sewanee: The University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally recognized College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a distinguished School of Theology serving the Episcopal Church. Located on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee enrolls 1,500 undergraduates and approximately 100 seminarians in master’s and doctoral programs. Sewanee is owned by 28 Episcopal dioceses, the only university so directly related to the Episcopal Church.

++Katharine on Haiti

2010-01-17T21:32:00.000-06:00

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori

at Haiti Prayer Service: Our Hearts Are Broken

[January 17, 2010] “Our hearts are broken,” The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said in a homily at a prayer service for Haiti on January 17.

The Presiding Bishop joined Bishop of Washington John Bryson Chane, Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, The Honorable Susan E. Rice, US Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Raymond Alcide Joseph, Ambassador of Haiti, and others at “Strength through Unity -- L'Union fait la Force: A Service of Prayer for Haiti” at Washington National Cathedral.

The following is Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori’s homily.

Prayer Service for Haiti – Strength through Unity

Washington National Cathedral

January 17, 2010

Our hearts are broken, as we sit transfixed before images of devastation and ruin, the bodies of children and elders piled in the streets, buildings crushed to dust, pleading arms and voices raised to heaven. We respond in lament and grief and sorrow, we push back against the senseless mystery of life’s pain. We yield to those ancient questions: Why? What sort of a God permits destruction like this? What can I do, how can I help? Those questions can’t ever be fully answered fully, yet they are most important in times like these. The reality is that life is not safe or predictable, but what we do with our lives gives them meaning. God does not cause suffering or punish people with it, but God is present and known more intimately in the midst of suffering. Above all, we become more human through our broken hearts.

That ability to suffer with, to feel compassion, is one of the gifts of being fully human. We may only be able to be respond through being with, by standing alongside, even at a distance. We can pray with the grieving, and we can reach out.

Compassion is pouring out across this nation and across the globe, as the world feels the suffering in Haiti. Suddenly strangers have become hungry brothers and thirsty and sisters, people in pain, without a place to lay their heads, mourning the death of loved ones.

Compassion is a gift that changes the world. We have discovered and remembered our sisters and brothers in a land many of us will never see – our common humanity is staring us in the face, and we have chosen to meet the gaze of Haiti. We are changed forever, if we will only remember the terror of that gaze.

Remember and let yourself be shaken. Feel something of the terror in Haiti. Terror, the word, comes from shaking; this terror started in the shaking of the earth. It has a parallel in the fear that periodically consumes this nation. May this terror shake us out of complacency and willful ignorance. Remember the people of Haiti. Reach out to those who have lost loved ones, to those who still wait for news of the missing, to Haitian-Americans in the neighborhoods around us.

The answer to terror is solidarity. The shaking stops when we stand together, when we remember that sisters and brothers, linked across the world, are stronger than fear.

Haiti is filled with resilient and persevering people, but much of the nation’s resources and systems are lost and broken. Many nations are already moving to stand alongside. We can give thanks for the rapid and deep response from these United States. There are immense seeds of hope in the response to this disaster, seeds that must continue to be watered and nurtured for the future. We’ve seen some of the hopeful seeds in Haitians gathering in broken streets to sing and pray, even children playing with empty boxes in which food arrived. Hope abounds, but it must be answered.

Our remembering has to be long-term, it must endure, if it is going to beat back the terror of this disaster. The longer and harder task is to remember the ancient hope of humanity, that vision Isaiah proclaims as repairing the ruined cities and building up ancient ruins and devastations. The long arm of remembering will give the strength to see that the hungry and thirsty and ill and homeless are cared for. Rebuilding the infrastructure of Haiti will take years, just as it has in the aftermath of Katrina. We cannot forget.

The disaster of this earthquake is the most recent and the most devastating of a long series of terrors – hurricanes, political coups and instability, the centuries-long struggle of former slaves to make a home in a foreign land. There is some deep solidarity in praying for Haiti on the eve of our nation’s remembrance of Martin Luther King. His message was filled with the biblical vision of the prophets, that heaven on earth comes when the poor are cared for and all God’s children are treated with justice. That vision applies to the poorest here and equally to those a few hundred miles south of our borders, to all who live in abject poverty, hungry for the world’s justice.

The words of prophets also come with challenge. It’s easy to miss Isaiah’s caution – the prophet proclaims that eternal dream of a restored world, but also the day of God’s vengeance. Matthew’s version comes in the verses we didn’t read, that those who don’t feed and care for the poor will be consigned to what we usually call hell – it’s not the poor who end up there, but those who ignore them and their suffering. The ancient vision of a healed world demands that all people have decent and dignified life possibilities – clean water, adequate food, shelter, medical care, education for their children, stable government, the possibility of meaningful employment. Here in this nation we shelter that vision under the banner of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” That vision will never be possible in any nation while some live in want and fear.

Terror is not limited to Haiti. The prophets remind us that the kind of terror that leaves us shaking in our boots comes from poverty ignored and justice denied. That shaking is calmed and healed in remembering, in compassionate solidarity with the suffering of the world.

We are seeing immense generosity in the compassionate response to this earthquake. Our challenge will be to remember that suffering through the years to come, when the desperation is no longer on our screens 24 hours a day. The shaking and the terror will stop as the ruined city is rebuilt and the devastation of generations is healed. May today’s compassion be transformed into a steely will to continue caring for the least, the lost, and the left out until not one is left. May Haiti’s poor be our poor until that day dawns. May the suffering in Haiti be felt here and around the world until the oil of gladness blesses every brow, and every tear is dried, and every cry of grief is turned to joy.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

Presiding Bishop

The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church Haiti page (info and updates): http://www.episcopalchurch.org/haiti.php

Episcopal Relief & Development: www.er-d.org

Washington National Cathedral: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

IamEpiscopalian: http://www.iamepiscopalian.org/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian

Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TECtube

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

Our hearts break this week for our sister and brothers in Haiti; for the dead and the injured, for the displaced and dispossessed, for the police and firefighters, for the care workers and rescuers, for their family members and friends scattered across the world. For these and all our concerns for Haiti, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

This is a Petition from Prayers of the People, written by The Rev. Bob Honeychurch, our Episcopal Church Vitality Officer, that was prayed by all of your Church Center staff at Eucharist during our In-House Training days this week in New York City at our denominational headquarter offices.

Please follow this link to the Episcopal Relief and Development site for the latest information and methods of supporting immediate assistance and long term re-development efforts in Haiti.

Illumination

2010-01-07T15:01:00.000-06:00

For the rest of this month EpiscoYouth will be focusing on providing some illumination about available resources. I invite you, faithful reader, to do two things:

1) Send me a quick paragraph to introduce yourself in your ministry context to the Blogosphere, and then tell us about your favorite resource and how we can acquire it. This should be sent to my email so I can edit and format your blog contribution and coordinate when to post it.

2) Invite a new colleage to join the EpiscoYouth Blog as a follower so we can expand our breadth of knowledge through greater participation and exposure.

I offer thanks and praise for our colleague, Jay Phillippi, from Western New York, for agreeing to be our first Illumination contributor. Following is his brief autobiography and what he has to offer on the topic of resources. Thank you, Jay, for the gift of research and sharing!

I've served as diocesan youth missioner for the Dio of WNY for the last 9+ years. Prior to that I had a nearly 20 year career as a radio disc jockey working in western PA and NY. Through out my life I have been a story teller and I've never had more fun (or better material!) A lifelong Episcopalian (OK I wasn't baptized till I was actually 30 days old but after all this time who's counting?) I felt an unexpected call to help out with the youth ministry at my home parish in Jamestown NY about 20 years ago. That offer to "help out" has taken me to some very unexpected, exciting and holy places along the journey. Married to my college sweetheart and with our only child about to graduate from college I'm wondering what's the next phase of my life and where it's going to take me. I'm getting better at trusting that God will open the right doors for me.

So did you ever have an idea that sounded like a really GREAT idea only to get half way through the process and wonder what on earth you'd been thinking? That's what happened with the 52 resources in 52 week challenge. I've been blogging for about 6 years. First as a way to share my experiences with the folks back home about my first trip to General Convention. Since then it has grown into a place to share thoughts, dreams, ideas, sermons, jokes and silly stuff. One day I looked around my office and realized that I had all these resources and no easy way to share my thoughts on their strengths and weaknesses with the youth leaders with whom I work. So I thought: Hey, one review a week. Piece of cake! By September it was tough making sure that I had something useful to review and the time to review it. In the end I hope I've created a resource list that will give folks a starting place as we all search for better ways to share the Gospel and live our lives.

Here's the link to Jay's Blog: DaYouthGuy Thinks Aloud

Enjoy exploration of the 52 resources as reviewed by Jay. I hope this stirs your imagination and that you will respond with your favorite resource(s) soon!

Twelfth Night

2010-01-05T17:01:00.000-06:00

Here ends Christmastide as we are illuminated with the Epiphany. Tomorrow we celebrate the gifts of the wise ones who have traveled from afar, faithfully following a star - light, illumination, spilling into the darkness of the world. Years ago the following card found me. It is a work of art with words and scripture that always captures my imagination and reassures my spirit, especially this time of year.

Holly Monroe is the calligrapher/artist who gave me permission to use this piece. You can learn more about her and her amazing gift at her website http://www.hollymonroe.com/.

Thank you, Holly, for your generosity and for sharing your gifts with the world.

Thank you, Wise Ones, for making a faithful pilgrimage through the dark to enlightenment, and showing us how to respond with gifts. Thank you, Creator, for the gift of Twelve days of Christmas Joy!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T16:50:00.000-06:00

Upon my return from vacation I discovered that I failed in my attempt to post to this blog through advance scheduling. It worked once and then I managed to miss a step this time. I apologize for the prolonged season of Advent at EpiscoYouth!

It's only the 11th Day of Christmas* (can you hear the Pipers Piping?) so I figure it's better late than never!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had terrible weather on Christmas Eve in Minnesota. Several of our southwestern rural congregations had no choice but to cancel worship as scheduled. I usually help with a tradition at my own congregation of surrounding the property with luminaries constructed of paper bags anchored with bird seed and lit by a votive candle. The combination of wind, snow, and rain made it a futile effort and we abandoned our treasured tradition.

But we did not sacrifice all!

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a big deal; I'm sure you already know. My own congregation experienced a devastating Christmas Eve fire back in the 1860's. The current 1871 building is constructed of less flammable bricks as a direct result of that tragedy. No lives were lost nor was any expense spared when rebuilding. The Episcopal Church, right in the center of this little river town, is the oldest continuously worshipping congregation in the community, and the fifth oldest congregation in the diocese.

In 1986 my husband proposed marriage to me on December 24. We drove to his folks' farm in southern Minnesota to share our news. I then flew (in my 1970's vintage AMC Pacer) down the Great River Road to historic Galena, Illinois, to join my sister for Midnight Mass at Grace Episcopal Church. No longer responsible for the prelude music playing our flutes and trying not to giggle, I was able to whisper my good news to her and ask her to be my Maid of Honor. She agreed upon one condition, that her title could be Best Woman instead!

Another tradition we have at St. Luke's in Hastings, Minnesota, is ringing in Christmas at the stroke of Midnight. Miraculously we always seem to finish up the Recessional Hymn just in time. I've taught many an acolyte how to ride the bell rope up and down while coaxing that great iron instrument to ring twelve times. The neighbors never complain. They know the Episcopalians have just wished them a Merry Christmas.

What Christmas traditions do you treasure with your family and congregation? Feel free to share by posting here.

Blessings to you and yours in the New Year!

Bronwyn

* Just in case you're interested in entering the great debate about the Secular vs. Christian carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, I recommend this site, http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html. Enjoy!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2009-12-20T09:20:00.000-06:00

As my brain crept toward consciousness this morning I heard a distant, almost mournful refrain. As it grew strength and volume I realized it wasn't mournful, but full of longing and anticipation.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

I lay in my cozy comforter grasping for the rest of the words, eyes squeezed shut, not wanting to break the barrier that contains the warmth of my Minnesota bed.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile, here until the Son of God appear.

That's the first verse. We've been singing it and others each Sunday in church. But how do the other verses go? I had to know. I threw the covers back before my alarm went off, trotted downstairs, and lit the Advent wreath in the still dark kitchen. I found my Hymnal 1982 and turned to Hymn #56. I love this plainsong hymn. It is so simple yet has so much depth.

The verse suggested for today's date is verse 5.

O come though key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.

I can pray for that, especially on this snowy, brief day that marks winter in earnest.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel!

Third Sunday of Advent

2009-12-13T02:05:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday I shared with you a tiny, pewter Advent Wreath that holds birthday cake-size candles and Prayers from the New Zealand Prayer Book. This week's Advent Wreath is an improvisation with some old candlesticks. I have always found it helpful to have a myriad of resources from around the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion at my fingertips to support my ministry with teenagers. This age group is figuring out that there are Episcopalians outside its own congregation and diocese. Teens are curious about the differences and commonalities within our own denomination, our own communion, and our own tradition of Christianity. Identifying those faith communities that support ministry with youth has always been key for me. I use whatever I can get my hands on that is creative, useful, interesting, and appropriate.

The Iona Community in Scotland remains faithful in its deep commitment to Youth Ministry. I had hoped to take my family there last summer for a sabbatical, but as a lay person found it difficult to receive funding. Please check the links in this post to learn more about their contributions to Christian evangelism and spiritual transformation. Following is their web-post for Advent.

Posted Nov 23, 2009

BRIGHT STAR-MAKER GOD
Bright star-maker God,
travel with us
through Advent
shine into our
dark corners
lead us into
ways of justice
warm us
with joy and wonder
bring us
to new birth.

Ruth Burgess
From Candles & Conifers: Resources for All Saints' to Advent, Ruth Burgess, Wild Goose Publications

The Second Sunday in Advent

2009-12-07T00:23:00.000-06:00

Sentence
You are the Holy One enthroned on the praises of your people. Our ancestors trusted in you and you delivered them; they put their trust in you and were not disappointed. Psalm 22:3-5

Collects
Praise and honour to you, living God;
you chose the Hebrew people
and brought them step by step
to look for a redeemer, and hope for the Christ.
Give us grace to see our need
and recognise salvation when it comes.

God of Israel old and new,
write in our hearts the lessons of your law;
prepare our minds to receive the gospel
made visible in your Son Jesus Christ.

Living God, you called your people out of Egypt
and gave them the covenant;
prepare our hearts to hear your call,
so that we may receive with joy the Gospel of your Son
and be your faithful people,
now and forever.

Amen.

From A New Zealand Prayer Book, The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

First Week of Advent

2009-11-29T13:40:00.000-06:00

What Advent traditions does your family keep?

During the years of raising our sons we have had a great debate each year to determine if our table would be decorated with blue or purple candles in Advent. Sometimes we have a pink candle for the third Sunday, sometimes not. In years that we ended up with blue we sometimes compromised with a light purple for the third Sunday. More importantly, our family was engaged in discussion about the liturgical color of the season, reminding us that preparation for Christmas is not simply about shopping or gift-making.

We have also had a number of different Advent Wreaths over the years. It all began with those that were made at Advent Festivals at church; often the sort that required some help at home to keep them from falling apart with regular wear and tear of family dinners when children were home every night for supper. As the boys grew older and were home less, we didn't sit at the table for family dinners every night, and they became aware of the fragility of some of the old cardboard wreaths. Someone brought home a sturdy wooden cross candle holder from youth group one year, and we decorated it with real greens trimmed from our own trees in the yard. Once both boys were in middle school my sons purchased a traditional Danish iron candle holder with decorative greens and gave it to me for Christmas. This marked the beginning of using candles at dinner whenever our family gathers for a meal. My sons have added to the Danish ironwork candle holders over the years so that now our big country kitchen is lit by the original piece on the table and is boosted by a chandelier and wall sconces. It's a lovely and peaceful way to eat dinner that each of us treasures.

It all started by keeping Advent at home and not simply on Sundays at church.

My prayer for you is that your family can find a way to keep Advent holy and full of anticipation and preparation to receive the Christ into the world in this miraculous season.

For your personal use I commend the Following the Star online devotions series we co-author and sponsor as an ecumenical effort (http://www.d365.org/) in youth ministry. Passport Inc. administers and edits this holy offering. This year Following the Star draws its theme from Psalm 46: “Be Still and Know That I Am God.” As Advent begins, the writer, Tracy Hartman, helps us to quiet our souls as we turn toward God.

To journey with us, click here (or paste this link into your web browser): http://www.followingthestar.org/.

Bulletin inserts and images are available for you to promote Following the Star with your congregation or on your websites, blogs and social networks. Thank you for sharing this wonderful, free resource with others: www.d365.org/share.

Blessings in Advent!

Gratitude

2009-11-24T16:38:00.000-06:00

Thank you Province IV Youth Ministry Network.

I had a great time learning about your ministries;

both your successes and your struggles.

This is most of the gang at the Bishop Gravatt Conference Center in South Carolina. The food was delicious, even the greens. I must admit I still haven't met a bowl grits that I could finish. The search continues.

Okay, next province, please . . .

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks

for the fruits of the earth in their season

and for the labors of those who harvest them.

Make us, we pray, faithful stewards

of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities

and the relief of all who are in need,

to the glory of your Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Thanksgiving Day, page 246, The Book of Common Prayer

Province IV Holy Land Youth Pilgrimage

2009-11-21T19:34:00.000-06:00

We have one more invitation from Province IV in conjunction with Kanuga Camp and Conference Center. There is limited space for this awesome opportunity. Applications are being considered now (due no later than February 15!), so investigate, pray, and discern. Information and downloadable brochures are available here on Kanug'a website.

Province IV: Day 2

2009-11-20T21:54:00.000-06:00

I wore shorts all day. I'm from Minnesota (they think I have an accent down here - especially when I say that word, Minnesota) and it was no colder than a cool summer night in the land of lakes. Alex wore shorts, too :)

I was eagerly anticipating hearing diocesan reports from the young people of Province IV. There is amazing mission and ministry going on in this province. And these are generous Episcopalians, eager to share their journey.

They have a pretty amazing tradition of PYEs (Provincial Youth Events), too. This summer they are off to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are planning a mountain experience including music and stories from Cherokee and Appalachian cultures. Several service projects will be underway in cooperation with the National Park Service. Check out this video link created for the trip , Autumn in the Cove, by Alex Haralson, Diocesan Youth Coordinator of East Tennessee. Seriously, he filmed, played, edited, etc. Very cool.

Thanks for sharing Province IV!

Bishop Gravatt Center, Upper South Carolina

2009-11-19T23:11:00.000-06:00

I know that "Upper South Carolina" sounds like a contradiction in terms, but I am back in this diocese for the second time in as many months, and delighted to be here. Last month I had the honor of joining the Diocese at their convention to offer a couple of workshops and to help honor and celebrate the faithful episcopate of The Rt. Rev. Dorsey Henderson.

This weekend I have been invited to join the Province IV Youth Ministry Network for their annual meeting. My friend and colleague, Mary Cat Young (formerly from the Dioceses of Minnesota) collected me at the airport and deleivered me to the meeting location. I was warmly greeted by Austin when I arrived. Soon I met Sarah who showed me the way to our meeting room and I found my friends and colleagues, Sue von Rautenkranz and Cookie Cantwell. Sue is the Canon for Liturgy, Leadership Development and Formation in this diocese. Cookie, from St. James Parish in Willmington, Diocese of East Carolina, serves as Province IV's Youth Ministry Coordinator.

Friends, colleages, and youth from 15 of the 20 dioceses in the Province are present and ready to create, re-create, collaborate, worship, and network. I am making new friends, learning new methods, listening to yearnings, and sharing what I can in the way of prayers, resources, thanks, and encouragement.

My highlight for the day, sometimes known as my "Closest to God Moment," was Compline in The Chapel of Transfiguration at the Bishop Gravatt Center. What a sacred and elegant space. Congrgational singing is the BEST in this blessed space.

I'll share more in the coming days. Thank you for holding us in your prayers.

Next Generation of Faithful

2009-11-17T01:58:00.000-06:00

The Province VI Youth Ministry Coordinator, Lydia Kelsey, is from the Diocese of Iowa. She wears more than the Youth Ministry hat there and also serves as the diocesan Communications Officer. At our recent network gathering at Kanuga Linda Watt, Chief Operating Officer of The Episcopal Church, impressed with the stories she heard of the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators and the Episcopal Council for Christian Education members, offered the reflection that we are "Renaissance" people. She was very impressed with our multi-faceted approaches to ministry and our cross-disciplinary giftedness. We gave her great hope for our church that needs to focus on mission. Lydia has offered an interesting gift in the form of this YouTube reflection of what the Episcopal Church can be proud of and what we need to tend to so that we might welcome the strangers who would accept our invitation to join us in God's mission in the world. In case that hotlink doesn't work, here's the URL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLZzKrnu1oc It's currently on the front page of Iowa's website, too.
Enjoy!
And thank you Iowa and Lydia!

The Youth & Family Institute = Vibrant Faith Ministries

2009-11-11T17:31:00.000-06:00

The Youth & Family Institute has recently completed a re-visioning proccess and has implemented some shifts in focus and approach, including a name change to Vibrant Faith Ministries. Many of you know them as the organization that brought us Peer Ministry with the compassionate expertise of Lyle Griner, who has partnered with us in the training and implementation of Peer Ministry for the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), in many of our congrergations, and in some of our Campus Ministry programs.

Lyle is peeling off to continue with the Peer Ministry Program, and the Vibrant Faith Ministries site continues to maintain a link for this valuable ministry resource. Lyle is also offering consultations for visioning processes, ministry coaching expertise, and more.

Vibrant Faith Ministries is promoting some new and tried and true resources, too, including a new curriculum resource for ministries with families and their certification school. Check them out to see if either is a fit for your program or congregation!

Bible Study Resource

2009-11-09T15:45:00.000-06:00

I am working in the New York office this week, specifically collaboarating with the Communications staff regarding webpages, blogs, and electronic newsletters. You will see a shift in all of these areas over the next three months. One of my tasks is to review resources we supply on links to make sure the link is still good and the resource is what we thought it was.

The task feels a bit like cleaning my room as a teenager.

I remember unearthing things from my childhood as I slogged through the disarray of clothing strewn about the furniture and floor; artwork, notes passed to friends in class, old friendship bracelets, paper fortune-tellers. Finding clothing, long buried, that still fit was like finding a treasure, almost as good as finding a crisp, clean twenty dollar bill in my clean jeans. Inevitably I would run across something to read that would totally distract me from my intended task.

That's what happened today as I was checking links. It was actually the picture above that caught my eye. Following is a link to Faith Lens, a weekly, on-line Bible Study published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with whom we are in full communion. I find Faith Lens a very thoughtful and highly adaptable resource for youth ministry in a congregation. Click here to check it out!

Thank you ELCA!

Faithfully,
Bronwyn

"Reaching Youth and Young Adults - Top Priority"

2009-11-05T16:15:00.000-06:00

Friends, it is a good day to be a youth minister in The Episcopal Church. If you haven't seen it already, please hit this phrase to link to Episcopal Life Online to read about the survey results of the Strategic Planning Committee. I don't know about you, but I am doing my happy dance, praising God that the church at least "gets it" that young people are the biggest asset we have in developing strategies for enabling spiritual transformation, evangelism, and church growth.

The phrase in the E-Life report by Mary Frances Schjonberg that warms my heart is, "The five areas called "very important" by a clear majority of respondents were, in descending order: reaching youth and young adults; evangelism/proclaiming the good news of Christ; worship, music and liturgy; leadership; and strengthening congregations." I say AMEN and ALLELUIA!

So what does this mean? I do not intend to sit around to wait and see. We need to get organized and prepare to mobilize and I am going to need to ramp up our ability to communicate with one another more efficiently. I am consulting with our communications department to take care of the technological possibilities on the office end. Currently we have the DYMC (Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator) listserve that will eventually go away when the listserve subscription expires. Soon each member of the DYMC and all of our diocesan offices will receive communication from me that will include the following request.

As Program Officer for Youth I am attempting to establish a network that consists of ONE person for each diocese who can do three things:

receive email as the Diocesan Youth Ministry Contact for distribution to the rest of the congregations of the diocese and
receive conventional mail at the diocesan mailing address for informational and distribution purposes and
serve as the Youth Ministry participant at the Provincial Network level, on behalf of the diocese, through participation in that network's communications, gatherings, and initiatives.

Will you please help catch this momentum by initiating the conversation in your diocese? I pledge to keep you posted and to seek your council as strategic planning progresses. Your Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators are eager to take up this work. We look forward to hearing from you. In the mean time, keep track of your "Best Practices" and your stories of transformational success in your congregations. I'm gonna need a witness! or two, or ten, or 100.Can you say Lifelong Christian Formation? Hit those three words to go to the Charter that General Convention adopted last summer. It also wouldn't hurt to read some of the PEALL (Proclaiming Education for All) surveys and reports. Here's a link to the Report on Episcopal Youth and Young Adults in Congregations and on Campuses.

Most of all, know that you are not alone in this mission field. I thank you on behalf of the Church for sharing your gifts and answering your call to this vital ministry.

Blessings in Faith,

Bronwyn

Bronwyn Clark Skov

Program Officer for Lifelong Christian Formation and Youth

The Episcopal Church

bskov@episcopalchurch.org

212-716-6074 Office

646-242-1421 NEW Cell #

800-334-7626 Toll Free

PYMC Creativity

2009-10-22T13:07:00.000-05:00

Most of the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC) were able to convene at Kanuga Camp and Conference Center at the same time as the Episcopal Council for Christian Education (ECCE) network members in September. As one of our assignments for community building the PYMC created a video to help describe the scope of youth ministry. It's a fun video clip that I hope you will enjoy. Click here to view.
Blessings,
Bronwyn

Lifelong Christian Formation Network Meetings

2009-09-28T16:28:00.000-05:00

I've just returned from a week at Kanuga Camp and Conference Center in North Carolina with the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC) and the Episcopal Council for Christian Education (ECCE). My colleagues, Ruth-Ann Collins (Adult Formation) and Jeffri Harre (Children's Formation), and I (Youth Formation) planned for some time for the two networks to meet together as well as time for more focused work.

We had a really excellent week. Thank you for your prayers in lifting up the ministry to which we have been called together. We also had opportunities to interact with the Start Up! Start Over! conference and the Plant My Church conference that were taking place at Kanuga, too. We had time to engage in conversations with conference participants during meals, a reception, and for worship. Some valuable connections were made and you can rest assured that our unique and vital ministries with children, youth, and adults were the topics of many casual conversations.

Our Chief Operating Officer, Linda Watt, was able to sit with us for one of our sessions and commented that the two networks represented a highly committed, skilled, and creative force for ministry in the church. As she heard stories of our ever-expanding job descriptions in tighter economic times she was impressed with our cheerful ability to embrace the liberal arts aspects of our work. She expressed gratitude for our ministry and encouraged us to continue to be creative.

I came away from our time together energized and hopeful. We have several tasks assigned to ourselves and you will hear more about opportunities as they arise. I am thankful for a member of the PYMC who sent the following note over the weekend, "Everyone has energy, enthusiasm, respect for one another, and a real sense of hope. "

I couldn't have said it better. Amen!

How Can Young People Change the World

2009-09-11T10:07:00.000-05:00

Following is an article about a youth group from Cary, North Carolina. Great idea. Thanks, Fred, for sending your report and the invitation of this ambitious and compassionate youth group! You have our prayers of gratitude and hopefully will find some folks to join you in this effort. BCS

This summer, I had a question. What work can four high school interns do to promote the Millennium Development Goals, to advance the mission of the Episcopal Church, or in short, how can they change the world?

Last year, when I asked this question, Katie Magee, an intern, created our Kiva Carnival fundraiser. This started our Micro-finance fund. "Micro-finance is the supply of loans, savings, and other basic financial services to the poor." (CGAP) So we had our Carnival, provided a fun activity for the children of our parish and raised $300. That money went into an account and was loaned out to six people in five countries to help them create or grow a business. We did this through Kiva.org. "Through Kiva.org, people around the would can become micro-bankers to developing world entrepreneurs, who have their own ideas, so we can give them a chance to raise their kids with dignity, send their kids to school, and in troubled places like Afghanistan we can marginally increase the chance that peace can prevail, because people will see there is a positive alternative to conflict." (BC)

Loans made through Kiva are repaid every 6-12 months, and they have a repayment rate of 98%. This means that by 2015, that $300 will have been loaned out at least six times, helping at least 36 people, and will really feel like $1800. The best part is those statistics are only good if we choose not to add any more money for the next six years. We already have another Carnival planned for the fall.

So this year when the question was asked, "How can you change the world?", the answer was simple. We need to get other youth groups, other churches, other Episcopalians involved. We need to create an upbeat and professional way to inform our fellow churches of this great opportunity. We need a website promoting micro-finance. And they were off. With a shoestring budget and all the creative energy in the world, they created http://www.smallloansbigideas.org/. The website promotes micro-finance, the MDG's, and has some fun ways to raise money for this cause or any other.

Check it out, get involved, and join our group. For as little as $25 , you can directly get involved with someone from one of over 100 countries around the world. Kiva lets you choose who gets your money, gives you the details on their business, and will give you updates on how things are going.

As I reflect on their summer, and try to answer the question, "Did they change the world?"
I realize the answer is no. They created a website and they promoted an idea; they did more than change the world. They helped give you the resources to change the world.

The question is, will you?

Fred Lowry
Youth Coordinator
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Cary, North Carolina

BC = Bill Clinton www.kiva.org/about/quotes/

CGAP = Consultative Group to Assist the Poor http://www.cgap.org/p/site/c/home//

Youth as Congregational Leaders

2009-09-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Following is one of the pieces of legislation authored by members of the General Convention Official Youth Presence. LeeAnne Watkins is a priest and deputy from the Diocese of Minnesota who agreed to propose the legislation for the GCOYP.

There are two typical arguments against empowering youth with voice and vote on vestries and bishop's committees; 1) they won't understand the discussion and will be bored and 2) anyone less than 18 is too young to conduct legal business in our state.

As to the first, many adult members of congregational leadership entities are often bored or don't understand the complexities of some of the topics taken up at a vestry/bishop's committee meeting. Those of us who have been in ministry with congregations who have welcomed 16-18 year-olds in elected leadership positions have supported their participation by pairing them with a vestry/bishop's committee mentor to meet with them for preparation and follow-up, as well as helping them to engage and be recognized at meetings.

As to the legalities mentioned in the second excuse, many chancellors have advised us that taking care to limit a minor's ability to vote upon actions of legal matters generally takes care of the age factor. Please confer with your own chancellor for advice specific to your state.

The good news is, this legislation is important in the life of our church as we continue to work toward leadership development for ministry. It is relatively simple to amend by-laws to include a briefer term for a high school aged person to serve. The Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church do recognize communicants as adults at age 16 with regard to voice and vote at annual meetings. I hope that in your diocese you can encourage, promote, and support more youth leadership at the congregational level. I welcome your questions and suggestions.You have my faithful prayers.

Blessings,

Bronwyn

* FINAL VERSION - Concurred

Resolution:	D065
Title:	Youth Seat, Voice and Vote on Vestry
Topic:	Youth
Committee:	14 - Ministry
House of Initial Action:	Bishops
Proposer:	The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins

~~Resolved,~~ the House of _______ concurring, That each congregation create at least one youth seat on their Vestry or Bishop's Committee. This seat(s) would include voice and vote for a one year term for a youth between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 76th General Convention encourage congregations to consider including on their vestries or bishop's committees a seat for youth ages sixteen to eighteen with voice, and with vote except as prohibited by civil law.

EXPLANATION

This resolution encourages young people to more fully participate in the leadership of the Church and take on the responsibility that that entails. Young people given this opportunity have found that their participation has been a transformative experience and has been a meaningful opportunity to have their voices heard. This will give youth a sense of ownership in the Church and further encourages them to engage in Church leadership in the future. Taking youth leadership seriously must be a priority to maintain and grow the Church. It is vital for each congregation to nurture and support young people in their leadership activities in the Church.

Timely Prayers

2009-09-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

I share the following two prayers that feel appropriate for this time of year. These are from Changes: Prayers and Services Honoring Rites of Passage, Church Publishing, Inc. It's a wonderful resource and I encourage you to check it out.

Beginning the School Year

Dear God, today is N.’s first day of school [First Grade], a happy, exciting, scary day. We pray that N.’s teachers will be generous, wise, and gracious. We pray for N.’s classmates, so that true friendships may be found for all. Especially we pray for N. Keep her safe and well. Open her heart and mind to a world of learning, and may this be the first of thousands of days in which she knows the depth of your love and the constancy of your care. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers for the Transitions of Childhood

prayer 3, page 15

Going to College

Gracious God, your Holy Spirit instructs our hearts in the ways of life. In going to college, your child N., has set aside a time of learning and preparation for his life’s work. Through all the years ahead, make him hungry for wisdom tempered with love. Help him discern the truth in all that he learns, in the people he meets, and in the choices he must face each day. Keep his mind alert for the rigors of study and exams. Keep his body safe and well. Give him a heart bold to question, yet alive to your wonders. And assure him always of your love and ours; through Christ, your Wisdom made flesh. Amen.

Prayers and Rites for the Transitions of Youth and Young Adulthood

prayer 5, page 22

Recently my husband and I took our youngest to his first year of college. As we sat listening to the convocation address by the college president he shared something that I needed to hear. I paraphrase his remarks here. He asked us to consider that although he cannot, nor did he want to prevent us from texting, emailing, and Facebooking our children, we might consider giving them some space to build new relationships. He explained that antiquated as it sounds, envelopes and packages in the student post office boxes are still very much anticipated and welcome. And he reminded us that prayers are faster than all of the above. Amen!

Blessings,

Bronwyn

Gratitude for a Colleague

2009-08-18T12:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Colleagues in Youth Ministry,

With deep gratitude for her all too brief ministry with us, I write of Sheryl Poole’s departure from the staff at the Episcopal Church Center. Sheryl has faithfully served as an Associate Program Officer for Youth Ministry for over a year in the Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life. She has worked at the Church Center for many years and is well loved and appreciated for her compassion, attention to detail, work ethic, and friendly smile. Her position was eliminated in the most recent management staff reduction as a result of deep budget cuts that emerged at General Convention in July. Her final day in the office will be Friday, August 28.

I have found Sheryl to be invaluable in helping me navigate all manner of work related technicalities, staffing configurations, and partnerships at the Church Center in New York. During my first set of meetings as the new Program Officer for Lifelong Christian Formation and Youth she welcomed me and toured me around the office at 815 Second Avenue introducing me to as many members of the staff as we could find. As a result of Sheryl’s warmth and grace I, too, was welcomed warmly by my new colleagues. Sheryl is one of over 35 staff members departing in the wake of this budget cut. This is a difficult and emotional time church wide for those preparing to depart and find employment elsewhere, and for those who remain in a very different work environment than that to which we are accustomed. Please keep us in your prayers as we discern, adapt, and find new ways to join in God’s mission in the world as Episcopalians. Most importantly, please be faithful in your prayers and generous in your support for the unemployed, whoever they may be.

I continue to work with Sheryl as she completes her exit strategy, gaining as much knowledge and information as I can. The remaining members of our program staff, Ruth-Ann Collins, Jeffri Harre, Sarah Johnson and I continue to meet and learn more about budget and GC resolution implications. We look forward to convening with the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC) network and the Episcopal Council of Christian Educators (ECCE) network this September.

Please direct all Youth Ministry inquiries to me as of today. Sheryl is transitioning to her completion of tasks in this final nine days of her time in our office and will not be responding to any new inquiries. With her amazing grace she recently shared the following words with me and the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators, “My time here is finished and I am off to embark on another journey. I wish you all much success in your careers, personal lives, and spiritual journeys.”

Please join me in prayers for Sheryl, wishing her, too, all the best and success in her career, personal life, and spiritual journey.

Blessings,

Bronwyn

What do you think?

2009-08-10T17:33:00.000-05:00

I've begun adding some links on the blog in the hopes that they may prove helpful to you in your ministry. It has been suggested that I add a prayer list. I would like to receive more feedback on that before I just throw it up there. I like the idea but I also realize that a prayer list brings a new level of maintenance to the blog. Let me know what you think.

If there are more links you think belong here, I would like to hear from you. We are working on updating the website hosted at The Episcopal Church Center, too. It has been dormant for some time, so please be patient. Feedback on what you need would be welcome about that as well.

And what about a Facebook group or a Twitter presence? Would those be helpful tools in your ministry? Shout it out! I'll be reading.

EYE 2011

2009-08-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

Now that we're on the other side of General Convention the questions about the 2011 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) have begun rolling in. I, too, am eager to get to work on this amazing event. I am very aware that there are many opinions about how and when and what and where EYE should take place. I hope to set some anxieties aside with the following reassurances.

EYE is on the radar for the next priority on the calendar for me and the Provincial Youth Ministry Coordinators (PYMC). We have a solid core of experienced PYMCs and some vacancies in some provinces where we have opportunities for fresh contributions from new folks joining this team. We hope to complete the transitions by September when we convene the team and review expectations and evaluations from past Episcopal Youth Events. The PYMC and past EYE Design Team members keep EYE at a constant simmer on the back burner of our landscape so that it is never completely put to rest. It is ongoing work of my office and I take that priority seriously.

We are working in a new landscape of a radically smaller budget and smaller staff. As I continue to comprehend the implications of the actions that took place regarding budget at General Convention, it is abundantly clear that EYEs of the future cannot operate in the same manner. Nor should they. The church is a living, breathing, growing body that exists to join God in creatively embracing God's mission in the world. Recommendations from previous design teams have been pushing for significant change. This budget cycle will force the issue.

The PYMC will convene in September to set the EYE process in motion. I pledge to keep you informed as decisions are made and procedures are in place. I trust that we have your prayers and that those of you who will be called upon for consultations will respond quickly to assist this ministry. Pray for creativity, innovation, potential for transformation, cooperation, and grace.

Faithfully,
Bronwyn
Program Officer for Lifelong Christian Formation and Youth

OYP Authored Legislation

2009-07-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

Several members of the Official Youth Presence tried their hands at authoring and shepherding legislation at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Anaheim. They had help and support from several adult advocates for youth, including deputies from all over the church attending convention, and from diocesan youth ministry coordinators who responded to a request for help on the DYMC listserve.

The piece of legislation that got the most attention was one for Official Youth Presence Vote; Resolution D066. The Committee on Structure gave the resolution a very favorable hearing. Sam Gould, Deputy from Massachusetts (GCOYP Alumnus 2006), introduced the legislation and yielded the microphone to one of the Official Youth Presence young men who co-wrote the resolution. When he completed his introduction, stating he knew that there were some constitutional and/or canonical issues that needed to be worked through, the committee chair invited questions from committee members. A wonderful exchange followed. Several other individuals spoke in favor of the resolution with one person speaking against.

For the most part the committee was in favor of finding a way to add vote to the seat and voice already granted to the Official Youth Presence. Concerns were raised about electing vs. the current method of selecting individuals to be included as members of the OYP. Others observed that currently there is very intentional diversity in the selection process that might be lost if they were to shift to an election process. Concerns over how OYP votes might impact votes by orders on the floor were also flagged as problematic.

The committee ultimately recommended that the resolution be passed with amendments and referrals so that process, canonical, and constitutional issues could be addressed in committee between this General Convention and the next. Once D066 hit debate on the floor of the House of Deputies there was fantastic support and sentiment, as well as an over-riding sense that there were too many problems with the current resolution to pass it. My understanding is that the resolution was discharged to Constitutions and Canons. It was a frustrating outcome for the young people and those who were working with them.

The other legislation that was authored by OYP members was Resolution D065, Youth Seat, Voice and Vote on Vestries. The Committee on Ministry gave this resolution a wonderful hearing as well. Several of the young women in the OYP spoke to the committee and fielded many questions about how to encourage and support more youth participation on Vestries and Bishop's Committees. The committee recommendation was to adopt the resolution, which the House of Bishops was willing to do, and then sent the resolution to the Deputies asking them to concur. As far as we know the resolution never made it on to the calendar for the House of Deputies and was not acted upon. We think it will be referred to a CCAB, but we aren't sure.

What I learned from all of this activity is that although we are making progress toward empowering more young people to take on leadership positions, including claiming seat, voice, and vote in the counsels of our church, we still have a long way to go. I am committed to supporting those who are willing to keep this movement going forward rather than going on hiatus between this General Convention and the 77th in 2012.

Political action in our church is not everyone's cup of tea. But those of us pledged to advocate for young people in our church need to be vigilant and active in encouraging, supporting, educating, and connecting our young people and their allies. Care to join us?

You can begin by asking your deputation about these two pieces of legislation when they report to your diocese. You can help the leadership in your congregation select or elect young people into leadership positions and then mentor them in that activity, rather than letting them grow confused and bored. You can educate and empower young people through participation in your own diocesan convention. Please share your progress and your questions by sending comments to the EpiscoYouth blog. I'll do my best to keep us up to speed.

Blessings upon you and your ministry.

Faithfully,

Bronwyn