Official Youth Presence at GC12

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!

General Convention 2012 Invitation

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!

Employment Opportunities

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

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

UTO Grant Opportunitiy

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

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

Curriculum Survey

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

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

EpiscoYouth Network News

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

Pilgrimage

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!

Positions Open

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/

Christian Formation Housekeeping

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

UN Program on Youth

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

Check out their links:

• FaceBook Pages
• UN Website

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!

Why Serve?

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.

REMINDERS

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