The Sunday procession at St. Paul’s, Albany, was longer on August 17 than usual as 65 acolytes and 15 leaders representing every corner of the Diocese were at the church this weekend for the Acolyte and Youth Leadership Festival. Saturday included a mix of education, skill-building and fun. The lock in Saturday night gave more time and opportunity for kids from across the Diocese to get to know one another. Sunday, following breakfast and a rehearsal, the acolytes at the festival took part in the Sunday Eucharist at St. Paul’s. They left with acolyte pins, t-shirts, increased confidence in their rolls in the liturgy and new friends from other Episcopal congregations.
Thanks to St. Paul’s for gracious hospitality, to the Revs. Lee Lowery and Mollie Roberts who did a lot of work to pull things together and to the other priests and youth ministers who taught and to all the adults who drove and chaperoned. More photos can be found online here: Acolyte Festival Photo Album
During a Happening weekend, participants worship, play, sing, and talk about God’s place in their lives. They make new friends who share similar concerns and questions – a reassuring discovery. A teenager who acts as “rector” leads the weekend with the help of a staff consisting mostly of young people. Some staff members give challenging talks, after which there’s time for discussion and activity. Together, the staff and participants share in an exploration of the impact of Christian faith in their daily lives. Happeners who attend a weekend for their first time are called “Candidates.” To be a Candidate, one must:
Spring Rally brought middle and high school students across the Diocese to Honey Creek this past weekend for leadership training. There was be singing, worship, games, small groups, large groups, prayer stations, and event a talent show. Young people not only learn more about being who Christ is calling them to be, but they are also given resources that increase their leadership skills to help them lead both diocesan youth events and events at their home parishes. The group also worked brainstorming for next year’s Youth Programs events both at Honey Creek and in other locations around the Diocese.
At the heart of creating and supporting a strong youth presence is what is called the The Three Phase Approach to Youth Ministry. This approach has been proven very effective over many years and provides the framework for any context for a vital ministry with teens. It should be said at the start that this development and training come from a strong belief in youth led ministry and the gifts that our young people bring. We also believe that the presence of youth transforms a congregation and is essential to congregational health and vitality.
The first step is to create a vision. Youth ministry must emerge from the situation and context of your congregation. There is no perfect youth program that works for everyone or one person who can single-handedly attract youth. Thriving ministry with and by young people comes from God’s vision for you in the place where you are. During the May meetings, participants will be guided through a visioning process for the particular congregation and the community.
Youth Presence’s strongest core value is to raise up young people as leaders and that it is not only their presence but their leadership that transforms congregations. The vision and adult teams must be in place first in order to build a foundation of support, but this is not hierarchical approach of adults who make all the decisions and who tell young people what they should do, feel and believe. Youth Presence affirms the extraordinary gifts of teenagers and believe that their ability to use those gifts to make a difference in our congregations and the world. We also are convicted that leadership training of young people is as essential as it is for adults. Training for youth will follow, but is not reflected in the schedule below.
This year EYE will be held at Villa Nova in Philadelphia, PA. Participants will ride the train to Philadelphia with other dioceses in Province IV and then stay after EYE to participate in an urban mission trip with other dioceses during a Province IV Youth Event (PYE). Our diocese is given a limited number of spots, therefore, we are asking that youth apply to take part in this wonderful opportunity. If you are at all interested please submit an application. This will be an amazing experience and a chance for youth from our diocese to meet people from all over the Episcopal Church. This trip is open to all diocese of Georgia youth who are currently in 9-12 grade. Participants will leave for EYE and PYE on July 8th and return home on July17th.