In the first six months of 2016, the Diocese of Georgia will offer seven events for those in sixth grade through college.
Winter Retreat
January 22-24 (Young Adults)
This winter, college students and young adults from around the Diocese will gather at Honey Creek for a winter retreat on January 22-24. In keeping with our major theme at convention, our primary focus will be on faith sharing and evangelism. This retreat will also enable younger Episcopalians to meet others from around South Georgia, while giving one another the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and peaceful retreat center of the Diocese of Georgia. Scholarships are available. Please contact the Rev. Daniel Shoemake at daniel@christchurchvaldosta.org or (229) 242-5115.
Happening
January 29-31 (10th-12th grade)
Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers for teenagers. It is designed for youth in grades 10 – 12 and sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Most young people have serious questions about Jesus and the Church. Happening is designed to address these questions. During a Happening weekend, participants experience the love of Christ as shown through prayer, worship, and the ministry of peers, clergy, and lay adults. The Happeners are encouraged to make their renewed faith a part of their everyday lives. Happening shows how Christianity can keep pace with the many changes in our lives and our world. Click here to register for Happening.
New Beginnings
March 4-6 (7th-9th grade)
New Beginnings is a weekend retreat for teenagers in grades 7-9 led by a team of mostly teenagers, with a few adults, and two clergy spiritual directors. The weekend takes participants through a discovery about ourselves, our friends, our families, our faith, and how to live out our faith in our daily lives.
Confirmation Retreat
April 1-3 (open to youth and adults)
Whether you are preparing for Confirmation or simply want to deepen your understanding of the Episcopal Church, we hope that you will join us for this exciting weekend! The Confirmation Retreat this year is open to both youth and adults. It will be held at Honey Creek from April 1-3, 2016. Topics covered will include Scripture, Creeds, Sacraments, Prayer, Church History, and an Instructed Eucharist. You can contact Maggie Bloodworth of St. Luke’s, Hawkinsville, with questions about this retreat maroush@cstel.net
Click here to register for the Confirmation Retreat.
Hometown Missions
April 22-24 (6th-12th grade)
Hometown Missions is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of mission work on a local level by teaching our youth to give back to our Diocesan Community. This year we will host one event taking place in two locations, with one in Albany and one in Darien. Participant’s will engage in various projects that will engage them in service and conversation about various social issues. The cost for the week is $50, all inclusive. Financial Aid Available. This is a weekend the teens will never forget! Click here to register for Hometown Missions: Albany or Hometown Missions: Darien
Youth Ministry Retreat
May 13-14 (Adults who work with youth)
This is a new event for the Diocese. We invite all adults 18+ who are engaged in youth ministry to join us for this overnight retreat- hosted at Honey Creek. This is an opportunity for us to all come together to begin forming our own community and support system. By taking care of ourselves, we can better care for our youth and youth programs.
Diocesan Youth Mission Trip
June 21-28, 2016 (9th-12th)
This coming summer, the Diocese of Georgia will sponsor a high school mission trip to the western plains of Nebraska. The trip will be led by the Rev. Joshua Varner, and will be hosted by Christ Episcopal Church in Sidney, Nebraska and their Vicar, the Rev. Tar Drazdowski. We will be working with the people of Christ Church, Sidney to help them maintain their buildings, and to reach out into the community. We will also have time to explore a different part of the U.S. and a different aspect of the Episcopal Church. More details about the trip, including our estimated cost, will be coming soon. If you would like more information, please contact the Rev. Joshua Varner at jvarner75@gmail.com
Scholarships
Financial Aid is always available upon request. If you plan on seeking financial aid for any of these events, please contact Rebekah Stewart directly at rstewart@gaepiscopal.org.
