So You Want To Host EYE?

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!

So you went to EYE this summer . . .

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!

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

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!

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

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

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 :)

EYE Update

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.

EYE 2011 News Release

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

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!

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

Episcopal Youth Event 2011 Pricing

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

Come Together at EYE! Reunamonos!

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

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!

Mission EYE 2011

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!

EYE 2011

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