Happening #93 will be held at Honey Creek May 30-Jun 1, 2014, and is open to those in grades 10 – 12.
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:
- Have completed the 9th grade and have not begun college.
- Fill out the application:
Candidate Application for Happening #93
Happening costs $113 to attend, and financial assistance is available. For more information, please visit the Georgia Happening website.
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.
Following a very successful Youth Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic earlier this year, the Diocese is planning a trip closer to home for 2014. Those who are currently enrolled in 9-12 grade are encouraged to join the Pilgrimage and Mission Trip to Sewanee, Tennessee in late June and early July.