Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Future of Youth Ministry in WNY



When things change it can be hard, even painful. Times of change can also be a time for new dreams and exciting new ideas.

   After 13 years as our diocesan Youth Missioner Jay Phillippi is stepping down. A lot of thought went in that decision by Jay and the Bishop. While having a friend, mentor and leader move on is sad it's also a time filled with great potential.

   Beginning in January Bishop Bill is inviting everyone interested in ministry to young people to join a process of thinking about what we really want and need from our youth ministry programs. To give everyone the time to think and talk about that he has decided to suspend youth ministry events in the diocese from the beginning of the year until implementation dates for future events can be established. During that quiet time everyone can look at what we have done, how we've done it and think about how we can do ministry for youth, children and young adults. The goal is to think beyond our current boundaries. What still fulfills our needs should be kept, things that have outlived their usefulness should be gratefully retired. In the end we should be able to create a vital ministry ready to care for the young people (children, youth and young adults) in the 21st Century. A consultant has been appointed to help us with that process.

   It is important to note that Bishop Bill is NOT suspending the trip to the 2014 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE). Planning for that event will move forward.

   Youth ministry is very important to our life as a diocese and to Bishop Bill's ministry as our bishop. Give thanks for the work that has been done in the past and join together to find our path into the future.

The Bishop will be staying in touch with the youth of the diocese and to keep them informed as we move forward to expand the web of grace.