A Retreat for Adults Working with Adults

Adult Youth Leaders Retreat 

Tuesday, September 27 to Friday, September 30
Led by Jennifer Gamber and Fran McKendree

(I spent part of my sabbatical last year at Holy Cross Monastery.  It is an amazing place and this retreat is led by a couple of really wonderful folks)

For the past four years, youth ministers from across the country for a time of worship, prayer, study, and fellowship within the sacred rhythm of the Benedictine monastic community at Holy Cross.  This year, we will explore our baptismal waters made alive with the current of God’s blessings.  To what unexpected places have we been taken?  What blessings have we poured into the lives of others? How have these blessings washed back on our shores seeking to be gathered and given out again?
In the morning, we will gather in song and begin our program together with study, sharing and reflection.  In the afternoon, participants can choose among several options including personal reflection, praying the labyrinth, walking, and time for rest.  Each evening, we engage in a guided meditation that participants can bring back to the youth at their churches.
Singer/songwriter Fran McKendree leads the group in song throughout the day and into the evening.  This retreat offers a time of restoration and contemplation for youth ministers who seek to fill their wells in preparation to feed the souls of the teens they serve.  Come be refreshed by God’s living water on the banks of the Hudson River.
Fee: $320, Deposit: $80
 Reservations

After a busy time!

Back in the office after three weeks away (EYE, Senior High and VACATION!).  We are working towards Junior High and Sleep Away camps.  Junior High looks OK but we could really use some more slots filled at Sleep Away.  Don't forget you can register online at WWW.EYouthWNY.org.  Just go to the Camps page and you'll find everything you need.


Also important to note that my cell phone number is changing.  The old number 432 1946 will go off line in the very near future.  The new number is 320 0733 (area code 716 ).  You can use it starting immediately for phone and texts.

I will be bouncing around this week quite a bit.  I'll be in Buffalo twice this week (Tu and Th) so that new phone number will be important!

Senior High Conference Day Five

Last day of our program here at LCLC.  It has gone wonderfully well and the camp has been a wonderful place for us.  So I was very happy when it was agreed to continue our relationship!  We WILL be back at LCLC for Senior High Conference in 2012 this same week (June 24-30)!  Get that date on your calendars today.

It was a sad day too because we had several more members of our community have to go home.  Sarah V departed on Wednesday so she could attend a gymnastics competition.  Today Kelsey left just before lunch, then Sasynda left after lunch and we said goodbye to Mother Ellen and our music leader Chuck in the afternoon.  It was a rather quiet afternoon and evening here.  To ease our pain from the departure of our friends we all went sailing!

 

Even though it's the last day our class schedule continued. The schedule itself got juggled because of various people leaving. So the Eucharist was right after breakfast instead of just before lunch and Fr. Ethan folded his last chaplain's time into the service as well. Then Mother Ellen and Liz swapped slots with Liz moving to the morning for the Food Pantry Simulation. In the video we asked a couple of the youth to describe the family situation their character had to deal with.

Later in the day we completed the traditions of Senior High Conference with a special event.  Jello Snarfing.  This is an annual and quite messy tradition that involves eating bowls of Jello just as quickly as you can without touching them.  This involves a coach who moves the bowls into range.   Our champion this year was Seth G who consumed three bowls in just 28 seconds.  The resident LCLC Lutheran champion was available and a challenge was issued.  He begged off claiming he had to do some worship leadership for the camp staff.  We have extended the challenge to next summer.

Our day wound down quietly as per usual and we'll get up tomorrow, grab breakfast, pack and then quite reluctantly say good bye.  It's been a great week and everyone is excited about coming back next year.  There are still more things to explore here at LCLC that we didn't get around to.

See you in 2011!

Senior High Conference 2011

Our official photos:

And official silly photo: