eyouthwny

2012-01-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

News from this week's newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter at EYouthWNY.org

Look for the link at the top of any page.

Hope everyone is getting excited about the Bishop's Ball. Bishop Bill is looking forward to seeing LOTS of faces at the dance. Feel free to bring a friend, make sure you invite all the youth at your church! Cost is just $5, 7-10 PM, February 11 at the Diocesan Ministry Center. We've got a new video about Bishop's Ball you can download from HERE

AND THEN THERE'S CAMP...

Applications are now available to download HERE

We are still working on the online applications. Should have them soon. Your church already has some applications, make sure you ask about them.

Please make sure your parents see this years new Early Bird Registration . Get your application AND deposit in by March 1 and save $15 on the cost of camp. There will be no "extension" on the Early Bird Registration. It must be in by March 1!

If you're a Happener and want to be on the Team for the Spring weekend remember the deadline for applications is this Saturday! If you haven't Happened yet think about it! This is a great weekend filled with fun and music and some great spiritual thinking time led by other teens. Find out more HERE

Upcoming Events

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happening Board Meeting - February 11

Bishop's Ball - February 11, Diocesan Ministry Center

Youth Commission - February 19, 2 PM St Patricks Cheektowaga

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

CAMP REMINDER

We have confirmed camp dates for 2012! We are still ironing out some details on costs for this summer. Applications will be available ASAP. But have everyone mark those dates down!

Senior High June 24-30

Junior High August 5-11

Sleep Away August 12-15

A mailing with flyers for a lot of the upcoming events will be headed out in the next couple days. Look for it!

Time is running out for applications to GCOYP!!!!

We could especially use female and minority applicants!

Province 2 of The Episcopal Church is looking for Western New York's best and brightest young people. The application period is open right now (through Jan 15) for the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP). It's a role that would put a young person in leadership at a whole new level. We are looking for youth that are willing to work hard as a member of a team and represent not just WNY but the youth of our Province.

Check out the requirements and the nominating links HERE

They would have to be available April 12-15 and July 5-12. All of those dates, no exceptions. Plus ALL EXPENSES ARE COVERED. For both time periods and for everything other than pocket money.

If you can think of someone who would fit the description please talk with them and urge them to apply ASAP.

DEADLINE is JANUARY 15.

Contact me with any questions.

Coming up in January we have an overnight event for grades 6-12. The Youth Overnight Event with Bishop Bill is January 20-21 at the Diocesan Ministry Center. Cost is $10 per person. The youth will be broken down into an older (HS) group and younger (MS) group for activities and their time with Bishop Franklin. Each group will have it's own dedicated adult leadership as well. Event starts at 7PM,

Registration needs to be done in advance and can be done by e-mail- BishopEvent@gmail.com.

The overnight ends with Eucharist and we hope to be out the door at noon. Hoping to see lots of youth there. The Bishop is very excited about this event which follows in the footsteps of the Consecration Overnight. He really enjoyed that time and is looking forward to having more time with the youth.
We handed out a lot of flyers for this event at Convention but I'm trying to get something else out in the next couple weeks.

Registration deadline is the Monday before the event. January 16, 2012.

Online registration HERE
Password is the bishop's last name

The Bishop's Ball is February 11, 7 -10PM at the Diocesan Ministry Center.
Open to grades 7-12
Cost - $5

The Bishop really enjoyed himself last year and is looking forward to spending some time with the youth again.

Looking for a challenge in 2012?

2011-12-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

We're headed into the New Year and there is something very special that you might be able to do in 2012. General Convention (GC) is the "business meeting" of the entire Episcopal church. It's an amazing and important event. And every time it meets (every three years) there is a group of youth there to be the voice of the younger generation to the church. That group is called the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP). It's made up of 2 high school aged young people (age 16 or older) from each Province. Province 2 (that's our province) is searching for the young people to represent us at GC. Please consider applying. You can apply online HERE through January 15 (scroll down to the paragraph that starts "Each applicant must complete..."). You must be able to commit to all the days of a 4 day training session April 12-15 and General Convention July 5-12. ALL EXPENSES ARE COVERED FOR BOTH THE TRAINING AND THE CONVENTION. And that means ALL of your expenses, travel, food, room, fees and materials. Please read through the information and think about applying. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

General Convention Official Youth Presence

2011-12-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Every three years at the General Convention of The Episcopal Church there are 18 high school aged youth who are given voice and vote in the House of Deputies. They are called the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP sometimes shortened to just OYP). GCOYP was created as a way to insure that the voice of the younger generation of the church is heard at its highest council. The process to select the two from our province (Province 2) gets underway today. Here's what we're looking for:

A high school aged young person who has demonstrated leadership abilities
Who can work with both youth and adults
Who can work in a disciplined environment. GCOYP work from around 7 AM till 11 PM every day during General Convention (dates below)
Who can commit to all training dates (April 12-15) and all of General Convention (July 5-12)
Who is comfortable communicating verbally and in writing
Who is prepared to move to the next level of leadership in our denomination.

ALL Expenses are covered by the budget of the Youth Ministry office of The Episcopal Church. This includes transportation, housing, food and reasonable incidentals. The chosen youth and their families bear no financial burden what so ever for being involved. This includes both training and GC.

Each youth will need a non-family member adult recommendation. Adult can also nominate a young person. Please remember that only 2 (a total of 2) youth will be chosen from the province. So you will be up against young people from Rochester, Central New York, Albany, New York, Long Island, Newark, New Jersey, Haiti, The Virgin Islands and the American Churches in Europe. It was just two GC's ago that a young person from WNY was selected (Samantha Cutlip). So please carefully consider if this might be something you are called to or that you believe a young person from our diocese might be gifted to serve.

The application window is Dec 1 2011 - January 15, 2012.

Go HERE for youth application

Go HERE for a nomination by an adult

If you have any questions please get in touch with me ASAP!

Peace

Jay

EYE Videos and the Overnight with the Bishop!

2011-11-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the pause in updating. As you probably know I've been on the road a LOT in the last month. Couple key things to share:

If you went to EYE11 (Episcopal Youth Event 2011 in St Paul Minnesota) or if you'd like to get a better feel for what it felt like check out EYE Portal. This will take you to the video page but you can jump to the other pages from there as well.

Check out this video about the Habitat for Humanity house that EYE helped build:

And details for the Overnight with Bishop Franklin:

Overnight with the Bishop!

January 20-21

Diocesan Ministry Center

Starting at 7 PM

Cost is $10

Open to all youth grades 6-12

Email to register:

BishopEvent@gmail.com

September 12 Newsletter

2011-09-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are really underway! And that means LOTS of things for you to do. So let's see what's up:

Youth Commission reminder!

Our first Youth Commission meeting is coming up on Sunday September 18 at 2 PM at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga. Lots of things to deal with as always but we will need to elect a new youth co-chair! If you are high school age and would like to step into an important leadership role then we need you! It would be best if you are at the meeting (although if you can't make this particular meeting we'll understand. You will need to be able to attend most/all future meetings) but at least let me know if you would like your name put in the conversation.

Support one of our camp partners -

Dunkirk Conference Center!

Got this note from the folks at DCC:

Everybody loves pizza... right????
Well, DCC needs you to eat Pizza, Wings, Pasta, Breadsticks... on Monday, September 26th at Pizza Hut! DCC is teaming up with Pizza Hut to support the youth and family camping programs at the Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center.
All you need to do is download and print out the ticket (attached or on our website www.dunkirkcc.com) and present it when you pay. You can eat in, carry out, or get delivery.
Pizza Hut will donate 20% of your purchases on the “Fun”draiser Night to DCC!!!!

Three local Pizza Huts are participating...

· Fredonia Pizza Hut

· Blasdell Pizza Hut by McKinely Mall

· Pizza Hut @ 3010 Niagara Falls Blvd.

...be sure you print and take the correct ticket.

Please pass out these tickets to all your friends and family. Imagine... enjoying your yummy dinner can help raise needed funds for DCC."

I have also uploaded the tickets so can download them by clicking on the names above.

In the meantime there are two great programs lined up for this fall. Make sure you get your application and get it in to the appropriate places ASAP:

Journeys #2 - Journeys is for middle school aged kids. It's a weekend retreat that is designed to be fun! This was designed by people, including youth, from right here in our diocese. The weekend is September 23-25 at St Lukes in Jamestown. The team is very excited about this weekend and looks forward to seeing you there!

Journeys Applications HERE

Happening #28 is a go at this moment! We are looking for candidates right now. This is a retreat weekend for high school aged youth. The weekend is November 4-6 at Camp Pioneer in Angola. It's a great weekend where you will make some great friends.

Happening #28 Applications HERE

After some problems making the links work we have photos up from all three camps this summer. Check them out on our blog, our Facebook page, on the EYouthWNY website or you could just use these links:

Senior High Conference

Junior High Camp

Sleep Away Camp

Think About this!

2011-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

No newsletters today but with school getting underway for everyone this week I thought this was interesting. If you are a member of the graduating class of 2015 see if this is true for you!

Each August since 1998, Beloit College has released the Beloit College Mindset List, providing a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college this fall. Each year Mikey's Funnies loves to share it with you:

THE MINDSET LIST FOR THE CLASS OF 2015

Andre the Giant, River Phoenix, Frank Zappa, Arthur Ashe and the Commodore 64 have always been dead. Their classmates could include Taylor Momsen, Angus Jones, Howard Stern's daughter Ashley, and the Dilley Sextuplets.

1. There has always been an Internet ramp onto the information highway.
2. Ferris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their parents.
3. States and Velcro parents have always been requiring that they wear their bike helmets.
4. The only significant labor disputes in their lifetimes have been in major league sports.
5. There have always been at least two women on the Supreme Court, and women have always commanded U.S. Navy ships.
6. They "swipe" cards, not merchandise.
7. As they've grown up on websites and cell phones, adult experts have constantly fretted about their alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.
8. Their school's "blackboards" have always been getting smarter.
9. "Don't touch that dial!"...what dial?
10. American tax forms have always been available in Spanish.
11. More Americans have always traveled to Latin America than to Europe.
12. Amazon has never been just a river in South America.
13. Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you're talking about LeBron James.
14. All their lives, Whitney Houston has always been declaring "I Will Always Love You."
15. O.J. Simpson has always been looking for the killers of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
16. Women have never been too old to have children.
17. Japan has always been importing rice.
18. Jim Carrey has always been bigger than a pet detective.
19. We have never asked, and they have never had to tell.
20. Life has always been like a box of chocolates.
21. They've always gone to school with Mohammed and Jesus.
22. John Wayne Bobbitt has always slept with one eye open.
23. There has never been an official Communist Party in Russia.
24. "Yadda, yadda, yadda" has always come in handy to make long stories short.
25. Video games have always had ratings.
26. Chicken soup has always been soul food.
27. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has always been available on TV.
28. Jimmy Carter has always been a smiling elderly man who shows up on TV to promote fair elections and disaster relief.
29. Arnold Palmer has always been a drink.
30. Dial-up is soooooooooo last century!
31. Women have always been kissing women on television.
32. Their older siblings have told them about the days when Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera were Mouseketeers.
33. Faux Christmas trees have always outsold real ones.
34. They've always been able to dismiss boring old ideas with "been there, done that, gotten the T-shirt."
35. The bloody conflict between the government and a religious cult has always made Waco sound a little whacko.
36. Unlike their older siblings, they spent bedtime on their backs until they learned to roll over.
37. Music has always been available via free downloads.
38. Grown-ups have always been arguing about health care policy.
39. Moderate amounts of red wine and baby aspirin have always been thought good for the heart.
40. Sears has never sold anything out of a Big Book that could also serve as a doorstop.
41. The United States has always been shedding fur.
42. Electric cars have always been humming in relative silence on the road.
43. No longer known for just gambling and quickie divorces, Nevada has always been one of the fastest growing states in the Union.
44. They're the first generation to grow up hearing about the dangerous overuse of antibiotics.
45. They pressured their parents to take them to Taco Bell or Burger King to get free pogs.
46. Russian courts have always had juries.
47. No state has ever failed to observe Martin Luther King Day.
48. While they've been playing outside, their parents have always worried about nasty new bugs borne by birds and mosquitoes.
49. Public schools have always made space available for advertising.
50. Some of them have been inspired to actually cook by watching the Food Channel.
51. Fidel Castro's daughter and granddaughter have always lived in the United States.
52. Their parents have always been able to create a will and other legal documents online.
53. Charter schools have always been an alternative.
54. They've grown up with George Stephanopoulos as the Dick Clark of political analysts.
55. New kids have always been known as NKOTB.
56. They've always wanted to be like Shaq or Kobe: Michael Who?
57. They've often broken up with their significant others via texting, Facebook, or MySpace.
58. Their parents sort of remember Woolworths as this store that used to be downtown.
59. Kim Jong-il has always been bluffing, but the West has always had to take him seriously.
60. Frasier, Sam, Woody and Rebecca have never Cheerfully frequented a bar in Boston during primetime.
61. Major League Baseball has never had fewer than three divisions and never lacked a wild card entry in the playoffs.
62. Nurses have always been in short supply.
63. They won't go near a retailer that lacks a website.
64. Altar girls have never been a big deal.
65. When they were 3, their parents may have battled other parents in toy stores to buy them a Tickle Me Elmo while they lasted.
66. It seems the United States has always been looking for an acceptable means of capital execution.
67. Folks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have always been able to energize with Pepsi Cola.
68. Andy Warhol is a museum in Pittsburgh.
69. They've grown up hearing about suspiciously vanishing frogs.
70. They've always had the privilege of talking with a chatterbot.
71. Refugees and prisoners have always been housed by the U.S. government at Guantanamo.
72. Women have always been Venusians; men, Martians.
73. McDonalds coffee has always been just a little too hot to handle.
74. "PC" has come to mean Personal Computer, not Political Correctness.
75. The New York Times and the Boston Globe have never been rival newspapers.

Copyright 2011 Beloit College. Mindset List is a registered trademark

Camp Photo albums are up!

2011-08-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Trying to get caught up and get our media posted from this summer. So far I've got photo albums for each of our camps. Check them out below. More photos and videos over the next couple weeks!

Senior High Conference

Junior High Camp

Sleep Away Camp

Newsletter August 1

2011-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Some interesting things going on. In order to be more transparent and help people stay informed and involved we will be posting Happening Board minutes just like we've been doing with Youth Commission minutes for many years now. (You can find the Youth Commission minutes on the Youth Commission page at www.eyouthwny.org. Happening minutes will be posted on the Happening page very soon).

In the meantime we are in need of a nurse for Sleep Away camp. If you have any ideas please contact me.

Plus coming up:

"The Western New York Happening Board is excited to announce the Second Meeting of Blue Ribbon Commission! This is an opportunity for teens and young adults who have participated in the Happening ministry to come together in order to take a fresh look at the ministry and set new goals to achieve as we begin a new journey with Bishop Franklin.

This youth ministry offers a life changing event to all teens, from other teens in the diocese. The weekend experience is only the first step in a spiritual walk that will last throughout our lifetime! All present Happening Youth are invited to define the next phase of Happening experiences for upcoming teens in Western New York.

The entire faith community benefits from youth being engaged spiritually, and growing in their walk with the Lord!

Come join us on Saturday August 13, 2011 at the new Ministry Center for the Western New York Episcopal Diocese, located at 1064 Brighton Road Tonawanda, NY 14150. We will tour the new facility and meet from 10:00am - 2:30pm. All participants are asked to bring a snack to share and $3 so that lunch can be provided.

Contact Giselle Jackman, Happening Board Chair at g_jackman@hotmail.com or the Happening Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Harry Grace at (716) 875-8374 for more information.

A Retreat for Adults Working with Adults

2011-07-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our official photos:

And official silly photo:

Senior High Conference Day Four!

2011-06-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

After a very windy, cloudy and chilly Wednesday we got all the beauty of Lake Chautauqua and LCLC lined up for us today! The day could not have been more beautiful. This is looking down the hill past St. John's Dining Hall where we eat all our meals. Directly across the lake from us is Chautauqua Institution and in moments of stillness you can hear the Miller Bell Tower chime.

On the teaching side it was Team Brauza - Liz and Mother Ellen will do the teaching for the end of the week. Liz is leading another "real life" exercise, this year it's a food pantry simulation. The youth are given "families" of various sizes and with various circumstances and have to figure out how to feed and clothe those family members. Inevitably one of the conference members will ask if life is really like this. To which, sadly, we have to say "No, it's actually a lot HARDER than this".

Meanwhile Mother Ellen is leading the class on issues of sex and sexuality out under the trees where it is traditionally held. This year LCLC offers more than the usual number of places for class. This is a great little circle of chairs in the grove just outside our front door.

Of course Thursday night is the Dance Night. And as usual some very impressive threads were brought out for the event. I'm not sure LCLC is used to having things rock out quite that much but a great time was had by all.

EYE coverage from Episcopal News Service

2011-06-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Episcopal Youth enriched and empowered for mission

Great story by Joe Bjordal (who was there virtually the entire time) from Episcopal News Service (ENS) about EYE

That's Bishop Brian Prior of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (do NOT say Diocese of..., trust me on that) doing a blessing of the Habitat for Humanity house that EYE helped to build. It's designed to have a minimal carbon foot print and in fact should generate more electricity than it uses. Yes, that's also a bagpiper up there too. All of EYE was supposed to be there for the blessing but we had to cross a road to get from the campus to the work site. The local authorities said that when 1,000 people cross a road it's a parade which require permits and two weeks notice. So only the bishops and two youth reps from each diocese were there. The rest of us saw it on video delay.

Senior High Conference Videos

2011-06-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Kelsey gives us lesson in torch singing. What a performance! (Talent Show 2011)

Sarah does a great job with her dance routine.
(Talent Show 2011)

Worship time at Senior High (and yes, the audio is low)

Senior High Conference Day Three!

2011-06-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a slightly different day from our routine. A couple years ago we added a service project aspect to the program. So none of our usual class time. Bishop Bill had to turn into Bishop Franklin to go back to the "real world". He led a special morning worship and thanked the conference for their time and energy and input. He appears to have had a great time and is talking about coming back for as long as possible starting next year.

We did have our time with the chaplain, Father Ethan. It was a little tough this morning because the conference has hit the mid-week doldrums. We had so much fun the last couple days our tails were dragging this morning. But Fr. Ethan did a great job talking about covenants this morning.

One of the traditions of the conference over the last five or six years has been rubber duckies at the Kinda Sorta Beach party. This year, in line with our theme of "A New Thing" we got baby rubber ducks! Bishop Bill got the first of what we hope is many, many duckies. We also gave one to Lee Lindeman the director here at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center as a thank you for the great reception we've gotten this summer.

The big portion of our day was spent at St. Lukes in Jamestown. We helped them clean out their boiler room, re-organize part of their youth rooms upstairs at the parish house, move some pews in the chancel, and pull some weeds around the Thrift Shop as well. Then Fr. Eric Williams from St Luke's took the conference out for some coffee and smoothies at a local coffee shop across the street from the church. We worked hard and had a good time!

Tonight is a presentation from Youth Commission, then the Talent Show. Then I think we'll all be ready for bed!

Matthew and Quinn doing a comedy piece

Kelsey and Jeff duet

August with a tune he wrote himself

I'll try and get some video up tomorrow!

Senior High Conference Day Two

2011-06-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Got off to a worrisome start with clouds and cool temperatures. Then it got worse when it started to rain. However during worship we were singing about the shining sun and whaddya know? Out came the sun!

Of course class time is a big part of our routine at Senior High. Casual, relaxed times with the teaching staff discussing a wide variety of topics. This summer is our first with Bishop Bill (sadly this whole bishop thing is dragging him away from camp after only 2 1/2 days). He opened his first class time by learning more about the recently ended EYE (Episcopal Youth Event). If you haven't heard yet the EYE delegation had enormous adventures when severe weather re-routed their flights both to and from Minnesota. The trip out took 29 hours and involved stops in 5 airports. Bishop has never been to an EYE and was very interested in the experience.

In today's class he spoke with the conference about the issue of the state of New York recently passing a Marriage Equality bill. This is the first of a series of meetings on his schedule this week that will bring the input from a diverse group of people from our diocese. He then segued the conversation into a larger discussion of the role and duties of a bishop. Along the way he talked about the symbols of the office and gave the conference a chance to see his pectoral cross, miter, episcopal ring and crozier up close.

While it was very calm in our protected little portion of LCLC (the retreat center is surrounded by trees) the wind was pretty ferocious today so sailing was called off. We did get some swimming in. You can see what a beautiful day it was on Lake Chautauqua and kind of see the big waves the wind was creating. The water was comfortable once you got in.

Our evening activity was the "Kinda-Sorta Beach Party". We played music, had a game of Apples to Apples that included almost the entire conference and then sang songs and told ghost stories around the campfire. We even decided to do Compline (from memory!) at the campfire too. It was a great end to a great day.

Senior High Conference Day One

2011-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great first full day! Father Ethan Cole is our chaplain and is leading us through our theme "A New Thing" and our worship schedule as well (morning prayer, midday Eucharist and Compline). Our classes on Monday and Tuesday are with Father John Paul Boyer and Bishop Franklin.

Lots of frisbee being played, KanJam, Ladder ball. We went sailing yesterday too! Turns out a lot of the conference wanted to be on boats so we had two catamarans on the water and a bunch of kayaks as well. A good time was had by all, including Bishop Bill. The more distant sail seen in the photo at right has him on it.

Our music leader Chuck Basil is working with the youth to on the music and they brought him one that they love. So here they are working on an arrangement for piano and four guitars.

We ended the day with a little excitement as a bat came to join us but that was resolved very quickly and we all fell asleep.

More to come!

Newsletter June 13 - Father's Day Edition

2011-06-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well I'm happy to say we are moving ahead with Senior High Conference this year. It was a very near thing but we made the number. We can still take a few last minute applications but I strongly recommend that you use the online registration form. I will be away all next week and won't see any that are mailed in. So let me know this week and get those registrations in today! The online form is found HERE

Now something with Father's Day in mind.

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

It's Father's Day week and time for a quick thought about fathers.

There's this idealized vision that society has about fathers. Smart, good looking, always there to help out or to offer wise advice. I'm sure there are a few of them out there somewhere. As a father myself I know just how hard it is to try and be that perfect father. It's hard enough just trying to be a not TOO imperfect father.

And I know that some fathers just don't make the grade at all. That's reality.

So where does that leave us? It leaves us with imperfect fathers. But then they had imperfect children too. Expecting perfection in each other is a sure way to be disappointed.

The quotation above I think is a good one for everyone to think about this week. Fathers shouldn't provoke their children by being unreasonable, cruel or insensitive. Likewise children shouldn't provoke their fathers by being ill behaved, rude or insensitive.

I lost my father 11 years ago. We did not always see eye to eye and there were times when I was a teen that I pretty thoroughly disliked him. In the end I discovered that he had done the best he could and I came to appreciate him. Flaws and all.

And I miss him. A whole, whole lot.

Think: Does your father provoke you to anger? Do you provoke him? How often could you really avoid provoking one another if you tried?

Pray: Ask God to help you better understand your father. Ask your father if he would pray with you.

Do: Take a minute to write down the things you like and admire about your dad. Think about them at those moments when he's being annoying. See if you can nurture his good points in your own life.

Peace

Jay

Senior High is In Danger!!!!

2011-06-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Once again we find ourselves in panic mode just weeks before a camp.

I can't imagine anyone enjoys this, I know I don't.

I'm a big an of camp. It was pivotal in my own journey of faith when I was a teen. I want to make sure we offer that same kind of formational opportunity to the young people of this diocese.

But here's the reality - Unless we get about 6 more people signed up Senior High Conference is in danger of dropping off the map this year. That would be too bad because I know Bishop Franklin is looking forward to spending time with his younger brothers and sisters this summer. He sees Senior High as a pivotal age group of upcoming leaders in our diocese (and I agree). The best time to get to know him and the other young people of your diocese is at camp. Plus it's a week off after school ends, a week away from your usual routine with your family.

We'll be exploring new things and new places and new relationships. Please get you application in for camp this week. Even better, do it today! If you follow THIS LINK it will take you to the online registration form that you can fill in right now.

2011-05-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

This is actually a commercial video for a British online content company. But I think it has something profoundly spiritual to say as well. What do you think?

Our new bishop!

2011-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Check out the video from this amazing day!

Consecration of Bishop R. William Franklin from Laurie Wozniak on Vimeo.

April Youth Commission minutes

2011-04-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

Youth Commission

Diocese of WNY

Minutes for meeting of April 17, 2011

St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Cheektowaga NY

Present- Vicki Zust,Wendy Schumacher, Andrea Brown, Jay Phillippi, Wendy Schumacher, Liz Brauza

Meeting began at 2:01 PM

Open with prayer led by Vicki and Check In

(Small turnout discussed, attributed to holiday travels)

Consecration Lock-in - Up to 54 registrations! 24 High School and 30 Middle School with lots of “new” names. Also representation from some congregations we don't often see – St. Lukes Attica, St Simons Buffalo and St Marks Riverside. Preparations continue for gifts for bishops. PB's is set, Wendy is handling Bishop Garrison's and Jay is pulling together pieces of the bishop-elect. Bishop-elect Franklin is interested in knowing what will be expected of him.

Happening – Noted again that Megan Krawczyk remains as rector and that there will be a reunion at the Cathedral April 7 10-2

Journeys – Updated apps will be available at the Consecration Overnight. Once apps are out then Teaming dates will be set.

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) – Seth Gregg has been added to the delegation. Hasn't met yet and people getting antsy. Jay and Wendy mis-communicated and Wendy got left out of several key pieces of information. Jay will turn over all necessary information to her first thing next week and she will help delegation get legs underneath them. Then leadership will be turned over to the delegation. Several students have Regents tests on the first day so the group will have to travel later. Will shoot for a meeting on April 26.

Camp – Applications remain at 4. Assuming Easter/Spring Break/Consecration have everyone's attention tied up. A reminder mailing will go out after all that is behind us.

Scholarship- Vicki showed a preliminary poster for fall fundraiser. Need to check with bishop to insure he is OK with concept and with H. Gondree to make sure all our ducks are in a row. Vicki also identified 11 or so grant possibilities. She doesn't have time for that many proposals. Andrea Brown and Liz Brauza volunteered to help out. Giselle Jackman also suggested as person with background in this. Looking for a date to meet and discuss.

Communication – Weekly newsletters are back on regular schedule. Other vehicles being used. Previously noted slip up with Wendy about EYE being addressed first thing next week.

Youth Missioner's Report –

Job related – Things going about as expected for this time of year and with additional items on schedule.
Personal - Jay's extended family is going through some serious problems and that has affected him. He and his family will be moving to a different home at the end of the month. Is hoping things will finally settle down.

Motion to adjourn, all in favor.

Meeting closed in prayer at 3:04PM

Notes taken by Jay Phillippi. Typed by Jay Phillippi

Consecration Overnight Countdown!

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

If you have been thinking about coming to the Consecration overnight you need to know this:

You must register this week! After this week registration will be closed!

Because we need to coordinate with the Consecration committee for tickets to the event itself we have a HARD deadline. Don't put it off and then miss out! Details below.

Consecration OVERNIGHT

Bishop Bill hopes to see YOU!

(I should really get a picture of the Bishop Elect doing the old recruiting poster pose!)

This is absolutely serious. He wants to meet as many young people this year as possible. And he absolutely wants young people to be there, to be part of the consecration. This is a special occasion for our diocese. It only happens once every 10-15 years. So you could be 30 before it happens again (or even older. Hard to imagine right?)

So we're planning a great fun overnight for grades 6-12 April 29-30 starting at 7:30 PM. Cost is only $5 but you need to pre-register. The good news is that you can do that online HERE. There's also a permission slip you can download and mail in. This is a great chance to meet the new bishop, talk with Bishop Michael, meet the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, create something special for the Consecration itself, play games and then go to the Consecration in the morning if you want (free tickets will be available for you AND your family) If you have questions send them to
pbresponsewny@gmail.com

Don't forget to register for camp!

Yeah, still no movement.

Let me put this more clearly - WE HAVE EXACTLY 4 CAMP REGISTRATIONS!!! TOTAL FOR ALL CAMPS COMBINED!!!!!!! PLEASE GET YOUR REGISTRATION IN SOON!!!!

Brochures were sent to ALL the congregations and you can register on the camp page at EYouthWNY.org (HERE). There are links for all the other forms you'll need too. Questions? Get in touch, all my contact info is at the bottom of the newsletter.

If you have any questions call/text/message/facebook me!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

¹⁰As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, "What's going on here? Who is this?" (Matthew 21:10)

Over the years I am always surprised by little verses like these. They are parts of stories that we think we know perfectly. But when I go back and read them I find these little extra bits that get glossed over. At the beginning of Holy Week we all focus on this triumphant entry into Jerusalem and we think of the shouting and cheering and the palms being laid on the road in front of him. Not everyone was quite that excited.

The reality is that Jesus was an unknown factor to some people back then and he's still an unknown factor to a lot of people today. And we tend to be afraid of things we don't understand.

There are lots of ways to help people understand who Jesus really is today. For me the best way is by looking at how his followers live in the world. How we behave, what we do, what we say and how we deal with not only other followers but how we deal with folks who AREN'T followers too.

Celebrating the Messiah is great. Think about this. After the crowd cut down all those palm fronds and threw them all over the street, who cleaned up the mess?

Think: If someone knew nothing about Jesus or being a Christian what would they learn if they watched you for a couple days?

Pray: Ask God to help you make sure that you not only are a good example of Christ in this world but that you clean up any messes you make along the way.

Do: Remember that Jesus told us that everything is based on three simple rules. Love God, Love your neighbors and love one another. Try living you life that way.

Peace
Jay
Fun Stuff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

English naval hero Viscount Horatio Nelson chose to be buried in St. Paul's Church in London rather than in the national shrine of Westminster Abbey because he had heard that Westminster was sinking into the Thames.
POTENT QUOTABLES

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; the pessimist fears this is true"
- James Branch Cabell

"I am not young enough to know everything."
- Oscar Wilde

(I just knew you'd all love this one)

Newsletter March 28

2011-03-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

There are lots of great events coming up! And you can register for them RIGHT NOW! Why wait till the last minute? Too often that means hassles and delays and worse things. So take care of them right now. You'll find links to all the registration sites waiting for you. Do it today and then you don't have to worry!

Don't forget to register for camp!

As of the moment I write this we have exactly 4 camp registrations. For ALL the camps. I mean I know it's March but come on people! 2 for Senior High, 1 for Junior High and 1 for Sleep Away. Time to go and talk to your friends! Remember while this is church camp its available to anyone.

Brochures were sent to ALL the congregations and you can register on the camp page at EYouthWNY.org (HERE). There are links for all the other forms you'll need too.

Consecration Overnight!

Please note the first line below:
So here's the deal. Bishop-elect Franklin wants to meet you. Yes, you.

This is absolutely serious. He wants to meet as many young people this year as possible. And he absolutely wants young people to be there, to be part of the consecration. This is a special occasion for our diocese. It only happens once every 10-15 years. So you could be 30 before it happens again (or even older. Hard to imagine right?)

So we're planning a great fun overnight for grades 6-12 April 29-30 starting at 7:30 PM. Cost is only $5 but you need to pre-register. The good news is that you can do that online HERE. There's also a permission slip you can download and mail in. This is a great chance to meet the new bishop, talk with Bishop Michael, meet the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, create something special for the Consecration itself, play games and then go to the Consecration in the morning if you want (free tickets will be available for you AND your family) If you have questions send them to
pbresponsewny@gmail.com

Other events you might want to check out:

Episcopal Day in Narnia - The folks at St Pauls Harris Hill have arranged for a group rate to see the Narnia exhibit at the Buffalo Science Museum.

The date is Sunday April 10. Our time is 2 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $7 for children. We have to go in as a group, so lets meet in the Science Museum parking lot at 1:45.

If you are planning on coming we need to know in advance so that we wait for you. Tell your parents or youth leader to email Mother Vicki at paulsrector@gmail.com.

If you have any questions call/text/message/facebook me!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

I thought of this as I was surfing the net today and came across something written by a guy name Mike Yaconelli. He was a pastor of a very small church in California (he called it "...the slowest growing church in America. We started twelve years ago with 90 members and have un-grown to 30.") The reason for that was that Yac (as everyone called him) made sure there was room for people to be themselves. In fact the article I came across was called "The Truth Shall Make You Odd". That image has always appealed to me. The reality is that actually being a Christian, which means that you love God, you love your neighbors and you love yourself to the best of your ability, makes you odd. Our culture isn't about caring for one another. It's every man for himself, looking out for #1, winning.

We're "odd" because we care. Being odd is not only OK in our theology it's actually encouraged.

Think: How can your faith make you odd at school, at home, in your neighborhood (virtual or in real life)?

Pray: Being odd can feel a little strange at times. Ask God to help you be comfortable being his kind of odd.

Do: What can you do that expresses God's kind of wonderful oddness in your life today and tomorrow? Go and be odd for God.

Peace
Jay

Help create the future for Happening!

2011-03-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

“The Western New York Happening Board is excited to announce the Blue Ribbon Commission! This is an opportunity for teens and young adults who have participated in the Happening ministry to come together in order to take a fresh look at the ministry and set new goals to achieve as we begin the journey with Bishop Franklin.

This youth ministry offers a life changing event to all teens, from among other teens in the diocese. The weekend experience is only the first step in a spiritual walk that will last throughout our lifetime.

The entire faith community benefits from youth being engaged spiritually, and growing in their walk with the Lord! Join Us on Saturday April 2^nd, 2011 at the new Ministry Center for the Western New York Episcopal Diocese, located at 1064 Brighton Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150. We will tour the new facility and meet from 9:15am – 3:30pm. All participants are asked to bring a snack to share and $3 so that lunch can be provided.

Contact Giselle Jackman, Happening Board Chair at g_jackman@hotmail.com or the Happening Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Harry Grace at (716) 836-3781 or htg385@gmail.com for more information.

Consecration Overnight - The Beginning of a New Dance

2011-03-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

If you're in grades 6-12 don't miss out on the chance to get together and have some fun! We'll be spending the night at the new Diocesan Ministry Center, play some games, learn a little bit about how our church works and, oh by the way, spend some time with Bishop Garrison, Bishop-elect Franklin AND the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Katherine Jefferts-Schori. You'll never get a chance like this again! Afterward you'll have the chance to go to the consecration and watch Bishop-elect Bill become Bishop Bill.

Friday April 29 7:00 PM to Saturday April 30 9:30

Cost is only $5

You must register in advance (to insure food and tickets)

Consecration tickets will be provided for the youth attending AND their parents/siblings

The First Steps of the New Dance

2011-02-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Consecration Overnight with Bishop-elect Franklin, Bishop Garrison AND Presiding Bishop Jefferts-Schori!

Friday April 29 7 PM to Saturday April 30 at 9:30 AM

Diocesan Ministry Center

Cost $5 per person

Open to youth in Middle School and High School

Youth and their parents will receive VIP tickets to the consecration on the 30th at UB

Online Registration

Permission slip

(Download the permission slip and mail it to:

St. Patrick's Episcopal Church

Atten: Wendy Schumacher

1395 George Urban Blvd.

Cheektowaga, NY 14225

We're planning a fun event with separate programs for Middle School and High School. We will work together on some projects and get a chance to meet with our incoming bishop and the Presiding Bishop as well. Then in the morning we can go to the Consecration event (with families!) to watch this wonderful event in the life of our diocese.

It is very important that you sign up in advance to insure we reserve enough VIP tickets for youth and families. If you have any questions email us at eyouthwny@gmail.com

Will you be my valentine?

2011-02-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

So for those of us who celebrating Valentine's Day I hope you have a wonderful one. Not everybody is a fan however. Some people just find it shallow and fake. Others find great pain when so much attention is focused on "people who are in love" if that's not where they find themselves at that moment. It can be a bit much I'll grant you.

For those who find the whole "Hearts and Flowers" stuff irritating/aggravating/painful I have this advice: Forget about all the "stuff" that comes along with this day. Remember that it is yet another opportunity to celebrate the love in our lives. Even if we're the only one who loves us at the moment. That is, of course, never true. God loves you. Yep, you. Right now. Just the way you are. No matter how messed up you may think you are God loves you and wants you to be the you He sees in His dreams.

That's always been one of the hardest parts of the walk in faith for me. The idea that God loves me despite how screwed up I am, that God loves me through how screwed up I am, that how screwed up I am doesn't deflect God's love for me so much as the width of a hair. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to work on the screwed up parts. He certainly does. It means that while I'm working on those parts God is still there beside me helping me (if I'll let him)

So forget the stuff that hurts you or strikes you as phony. Remember that you are always God's valentine and do something nice for yourself.)
Peace
Jay

Camp Applications are here!

2011-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for camp?

I know I am!

Check out the camp page at EYouthWNY where you can now download a camp brochure with application or go directly to the online application.

Applications are being printed even as you read this and will be in the mail to families and congregations starting next week!

REMEMBER Waiting to the Last Minute Puts

Camps at Risk! Send Your Application In

Right Away!

The Difference between "I Don't Like It" and "It Sucks"

2011-02-07T12:42:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking about how often I hear people of all ages announce that something sucks. When they say that what they mean is that it's without value, it's bad and no one should listen/watch/read/pay attention to it.

The problem is that more often than not they're wrong. What they're so quick to dismiss is usually just not to their taste. They don't like it. For some reason we're less likely to say that, "I don't like that" and that puzzled me a little. There are lots of things I don't like. Opera for example. I've been to an opera performed by quality professional singers. That was 30 years ago. I haven't gone back since. I can recognize the quality of the music (in fact there is some music from operas I kind of like), the quality of the performance by the singers and the orchestra. But I'd rather do a whole lot of other things rather than sit through another opera.

The problem with making the jump from "I Don't Like It" to "It Sucks" is that it says we've decided that our point of view, our taste in whatever is now the final word on the subject. That's a rather astoundingly egotistic statement when you think about it. Now there ARE experts out there in pretty much any subject. If they want to tell me that something sucks then I guess they have a right.

But what if I like it anyway?

I hate it when people try and inflict their point of view or taste on me and I bet you do too. People who think you should only listen to THEIR favorite music and thinks yours is horrible/awful/stupid/cheesy/

whatever. If they'd like to talk to me about the music or the movies or whatever that's fine. They might even convince me to change my mind. Maybe not but at least they'd treat me with a little respect. In the end, even if we still disagree, at least we know a little more about each other.

This really comes down to the Golden Rule (the great thing about our faith is that there are really only a couple rules and they're all simple) - Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you love Taylor Swift and your friend loves screamo death metal then treat their music with the same respect you'd like them to treat Taylor Swift's latest. They love all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and you hate them? Love the Buffalo Bills or hate all sports? Treat them the way you want to be treated.

That means to care for them, respect them and agree to disagree.

Any other way of life just, well, sucks.

Peace
Jay

Events and Applications!

2011-01-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Lots of things to think about:

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) -

June 22-26, St. Paul Minnesota

We need to assemble the delegation that will represent our diocese this summer!

There will be three very full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing, and working between the arrival and departure days. Base price is $275 plus the cost of transportation. We will travel as a diocesan group. You need to get your application into the Diocesan Registrar (Jay Phillippi) as soon as possible.

Applications are now available HERE and you should get yours in right away. There's LOTS of planning to do. Adult applications are needed too for leaders. You'll find them at the same link.

Bishop's Ball 2011

February 26, 7-10 PM

Diocesan Ministry Center

1064 Brighton Rd, Tonawanda NY
Admission $8

One more chance to party with Bishop Micheal at the premier social event of our year! Plus we'll be in a brand new place celebrating the move to the new Diocesan Ministry Center. If you haven't seen it this is a wonderful new location for us to get together and enjoy. Bring your friends. The dress code is formal and it is open to grades 7-12 and like minded adults.

Consecration weekend overnight

April 29-30

Diocesan Ministry Center

We're starting the planning sessions for this event and our hope is to have a great turn out of both Middle School/Junior High and High School students show up. There will be seperate activity tracks for each age group.

What we need right now are adults who are willing to help plan and pull off this event. We are very excited about the prospect of meeting with our new bishop and the Presiding Bishop as well. Please contact the event coordinator Wendy Schumacher at wschu79 (at) yahoo.com (substitute an @ for the (at))

Camp 2011

We're still finalizing the details but the online application is available for anyone who wants to jump right in. Prices should about the same as last summer and the dates are pretty much the same as well. You'll find all the details that we have so far on the CAMPS page at eyouthwny.org. All the forms are found HERE

Youth News 2011!

2011-01-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

As I said last time I'm really excited about what's happening this year, so let's get started.

New web page design - Every third or fourth year the design of the website needs to be revisited and this was that time again. The new design tightens up the organization of the information which will hopefully make it easier to to find (although we caught one goof right off the bat!). There's more emphasis on video and media and you'll see that continue in the future. The calendar has been moved to the front page and contains all event dates as they stand at this moment. The countdown to camps have begun as well. There is a lot to see!

Please head over to EYouthWNY.org
and check it out. All ideas and goof catches appreciated!

While you're there check out:
On the "Events" page:

The Bishop's Ball 2011

February 26, at the Diocesan Ministry Center,

1064 Brighton Rd, Tonawanda

Admission is $8

7-10 PM

Open to grades 7-12

(and like minded adults)
The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

June 22-26, 2011,

on the campus of Bethel University St. Paul, MN.
Applications are now available on the Downloads page.
This is a great event that only happens every third year.
For High School aged youth.
Looking for some adult leadership too!
GET YOUR APPLICATIONS IN ASAP!

Plus Happening and Journeys too!

Check out the photos and videos on the Media page, all applications for camp and other events will be on the Downloads page as they come available, great resources for youth and youth leaders and much much more! Take some time to explore!

TEXTING SERVICE

We're always looking for better ways of letting people know what's happening. Texting has become a primary communication tool for our young people so we're adding a texting option in 2011. We'll notify you of when camp applications are ready, new events, Youth Commission meetings and more. Plus the texting service allows you text back to us with questions or more information! If you'd like to be included just send me your phone number and I'll add you to the list.

Youth Commission

Next meeting is January 16 at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga.
Meeting is from 2-5 PM.
Check past minutes, 3 year objectives and get directions on the Youth Commission page on the website.

New Diocesan Ministry Center

I got the chance to take a quick tour of the new Diocesan Center and Diocesan offices. WOW! The new facility is going to be a gorgeous new centerpiece for our life together. It also offers some great opportunities for youth ministry too!

The new "great hall" on the left (site of the 2011 Bishop's Ball!) and the new entrance being finished on the right. Click on the photos and you should get a larger version.

EYouthWNY store has new items!

A couple years ago we offered items with our EYouthWNY logo on them to raise funds for youth ministry. The store is still open with lots of great items including two new ones! Check out the new gym bag and a new stainless steel water bottle that is half the price of the old one (now under $15). Got some Christmas cash burning a hole in your pocket? Grab some EYouthWNY items.

EYouthWNY store

A Brand New Look

2010-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Check out our web page www.EYouthWNY.org! We've got a brand new look for 2011. More details on what's new coming up in the new year, plus more dates for upcoming events, photos of the new Diocesan Ministry Center and more!

Have a happy New Year!

Peace
Jay

The Christmas Story Video

2010-12-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

This is from a great congregation based project that brings together art and kids. Loved the star and the image of mother and child touching fingers in the manger is just beautiful.

A video Christmas card.

Faith and the Buffalo Bills

2010-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO..."

The words are from a tweet by Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson following his awful day against the Steelers. The dropped pass will follow Stevie for years to come, both personally and professionally. Until he has the chance to win the big game with a catch (and I believe that he will) THIS is going to be the play for which he is remembered. And that’s really too bad. Prior to this game Stevie Johnson has been an incredible addition to the Bills and a lot of fun to watch.

What jumped out at me though is what he said in his tweet. It’s a great chance to take a look at some commonly held beliefs. Let’s break the tweet down:

(And Stevie, why all the SHOUTING? I’ll do this in polite cyber- tones)

“I praise you 24/7” A good place to start and I’ll take him at his word. The problem is, quite simply, yeah, so what? Does God owe you something because you praise Him? No, it’s our place and duty to praise the Creator of the Universe (and us too). It is our appropriate response to the Divine. If we DON’T praise Him 24/7 will God somehow be deprived by that lack? Again, no. I believe that God is saddened when we don’t pray to Him on a regular basis but we can’t gain the upper hand in “negotiations” with God by withholding prayer. So pray for the right reasons, not because you think you gain something by it.

“And this how you do me?” Um, no. Let’s get past the idea that God gives a darn about football games. Even better let’s get past the whole idea that every time something bad happens in our lives it’s God’s fault. You see the underlying assumption there is that our lives would be perfect if God didn’t keep messing them up. I hope you can see how screwed up that idea is without a long explanation from me. No Stevie, God gave you all the tools you needed to make that catch. Your quarterback put the ball right where it was supposed to be and the Steelers defense (sigh, lifelong Steelers fan here) left you WIDE OPEN IN THE END ZONE (sorry, I promised not to shout)! And you dropped the ball. You did it Stevie. Not God.

“You expect me to learn from this???? How???!!! I’ll never forget this!! Ever!!!” Three thoughts but all related. God expects us to learn from everything. The good. The bad. The boring. Life is not a spectator sport. You’ve got to keep your head in the game as the football players say. How do you learn? One way is by not forgetting what happened to you. It’s about remembering how bad it feels when you screw up and hurt the folks around you. The memory of that pain is a great way to work hard to avoid ever being in that position again. Remember the joy of getting it right. That’s inspiration to do what it takes to get back there as well. Pay attention. Make sure you use your gifts to the best of your ability, every time, all the time. Trust me, no matter what age you are you’re not done learning. Thinking you know everything is the best way to set yourself up for some major pain and failure.

“Thx tho” In the end Stevie gets it right. Even when you’re mad at God (and getting mad at God has a long and distinguished history. It’s OK, God understands) always remember to say thanks. Thanks for your life, thanks for your gifts, thanks for the person or people in your life that makes a difference, thanks for the chance to be the person making a difference. Thanks for kittens and puppies and sunsets and thunderstorms. Thanks for all things that make you special and your life special along side.

In the meantime say a little prayer for Stevie Johnson. A lot of people are dumping on him right now. He feels terrible. Remember what it felt like the last time you screwed up. Pray that God will help ease his pain. And give him another chance to win a game for our Bills.

Peace

Jay

On the Election of a new bishop

2010-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's a difficult time.

For a lot of us it is a reminder that a relationship we value is coming to an end. We are “losing” our bishop. Changes in relationship are always painful. Of course we always knew this change was coming, it's a natural and normal part of the process but that doesn't change the pain.

Then there's the whole election thing. It means that many of us didn't end up getting our first choice. Of course that's part of the process as well. Let's take a look at that process for a second.

This election took place in a community of faith. Like most of us I didn't actually have a vote. People from my parish (another election) were trusted to make this decision on my behalf. I trusted them to make that decision carefully, prayerfully and while listening with their hearts to hear God's direction. So if I trust them and trust that God wants what is best for that portion of his children known as the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York then I need to trust their decision.

And that can be hard sometimes. It's not something that “polite Episcopalians” would normally speak of but the reality is that some folks really liked/really disliked some of the candidates. Which means that some folks saw this election as a huge win/terrible loss. We're not supposed to talk about that but let's be honest. Some folks are happy with the choice, some are not, the rest are hopeful. Happens in every diocese every time.

So what do we do? Our faith declares us to be people of hope. Our next bishop won't be as good as some people hope and he won't be as bad as some people fear. In faith and hope we need to be open to the possibilities of this new relationship. We need to be prepared to offer our support and council to our new bishop-elect and to listen prayerfully to the council and leadership he will offer us. It's the exact same process we went through when Bishop Garrison was elected.

Being a bishop isn't easy. My question for all of us in the youth ministries of the diocese, youth and adult, lay and clergy, is this – will we chose to work with the bishop-elect for the glory of God and the health of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York or will we chose to hang out to our disappointment and become a stumbling block.

Have a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving.

Peace

Jay

Stair Dance

2010-11-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

We have been greatly blessed with four amazing candidates to be our next bishop. May the Holy Spirit's voice be heard by all my brothers and sisters voting tomorrow.

In the meantime here is an amazing video featuring one of the four!

Checking in From Home

2010-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update video so you can see that I'm doing OK.

Meet the bishop candidates, EYE and more!

2010-10-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Newsletter for October 25 2010

Welcome (again) to the new youth minister at St. Luke's, Jamestown - Miguel Covarrubias! Miguel was commissioned by the parish this past Sunday in a service that involved everyone from the Vestry to the youth to the Diocesan Youth Missioner! It was a great service.
Miguel comes to western New York from Montana and youth work in other denominations, most recently in the Presbyterian Church.

If you get the chance I'm sure he'd love to make connections with other youth leaders in the Diocese.

Bishop Candidates Walkabouts

"Come Feel the Emotion & Spirit

November 6,7 & 8"

We have a wonderful opportunity coming up in just a few short weeks: the chance to hear the four outstanding candidates for bishop answer those questions that are relevant to our diocese and that, in fact, were created by YOU. The new bishops need to see young people and hear your voices and questions. You can come to any of the following:

Saturday, November 6, 2010 @ 1 p.m.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1 East Main Street
LeRoy, NY 14482

Saturday, November 6, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church
7145 Fieldcrest Drive
Lockport, NY 14094

Sunday, November 7, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
371 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

Monday, November 8, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
410 North Main Street
Jamestown, NY 14701

You can learn more about the nominees and the entire election and consecration process at www.wnybishop.org. Save the date, March 6, for the Celebration of the Episcopacy of Bishop Michael.

Youth Prayer at Electing Convention

There is still room on our youth prayer team. We have a solid core but could add up to another 10 or so. Please contact Giselle Jackman for details. We need adults to work with this group as well. Contact Giselle about that too.

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

We are beginning the process of creating our delegation. The first thing we need is some idea of adults who are interested. The adult application packet is now ready. You can download it HERE

EYE 2011
June 22-26
Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Three full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing and working - followed by an opportunity for three days of urban or rural mission in Minnesota.
The Episcopal Youth Event is open to youth in grades 9-12 during the 2010-2011 academic year. Up to 32 youth and 8 adult sponsors from each of 109 dioceses and 3 regional areas of the Episcopal Church are invited.

$275 per participant (youth or adult) covers meals, lodging and event activities. (Ten percent of fee goes toward mission opportunities at the event.)
Shuttle to and from train/airport is approximately $25 additional.
$20 per day covers lodging and breakfast for additional days of mission.

Please contact me at EYouthWNY@gmail.com if you're interested.

Episcopal Youth Event - Adult applications are ready

2010-10-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

2011 is the next EYE and we're starting to get ready. The first thing we're doing is trying to judge how many people are interested and ABLE to go. The dates are going to be difficult for some folks so please double check them. As always this is going to be a great event. The home page for EYE 2011 is HERE

Because the adults need to meet several criteria in order to qualify we are getting their applications up first. Adults interested in being part of the diocesan delegation can get the packet HERE

What's EYE all about? Check the core issues below plus
Photos from 2008
2008 Video (find it on our Facebook page EYouthWNY)

The Core Values of EYE
created by the Provincial Youth Ministers in February 2010
Focusing on Jesus Christ and his presence in our lives, EYE will provide an opportunity and create an environment where our young people and the adults who accompany them can continue to grow on their journey in faith.

Striving to be a uniquely Episcopal Community and acknowledging that each person is a child of God and that we are called together into a full relationship with God and God’s Creation, we claim that we are a sacramental people of common prayer with diverse understandings and cultural contexts, all of whom work together as the Body of Christ.

Celebrating our mission and our ministry as the Body of Christ in Community, we will offer training for young people and adults and equip them to be faithful servant leaders in their local and diocesan communities.

Embracing the “Anglican Marks of Mission” as our charge, we will strive to engage the passion and energy of faithful youth, to embrace their call to ministry and to empower them to put their faith into action.

We Need Your Opinion!

2010-10-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Youth Commission is always looking to help people join us. A question has come up about the TIME when we meet. Please follow the link below and take the very short (3 questions!) survey to help us discover the answer to that question.

Youth Commission Meeting Time Survey
Click here to take survey

Meet Your Presiding Bishop!

2010-10-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lunch and Q&A

with Presiding Bishop

Katherine Jefferts Schori

A chance for High School aged youth and
Young Adults (up to age 30) to meet and
talk with Bishop Katherine.

RSVP for lunch required, see below

lunch choices are tuna salad, chicken
Salad, or a veggie wrap

October 30 2010
Noon - 1:30 PM

St Patrick’s Cheektowaga

1395 George Urban Blvd,

Cheektowaga, NY

RSVP to:

897-3420

Or

PBresponseWNY@Gmail.com

DeVeaux Scholarships

2010-10-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is a great gift that we have here in Western New York. My daughter was honored to be a DeVeaux scholar.

It is again time to publicize the DeVeaux Scholarships available for Western New York Episcopal students attending Niagara University. Please encourage and inform your parish families during November, December, and early January. The recipients of the 2010-11 DeVeaux awards were published in the Spring/Summer edition of Journeys , the diocesan magazine.

Scholarships to be awarded in the academic year 2011-2012 are:

Three three-thousand dollar ($3000) tuition scholarships.
Judge DeVeaux Endowed Scholarships. The number and amount of these grants depend on the number of applicants and the interest available in the fund. For the 2010-11 academic year eight (8)grants averaging twenty-nine hundred dollars ($2900) each were awarded.

The scholarships are restricted to full time students at any undergraduate level at Niagara University and to high school seniors who are considering entrance to Niagara University for the fall of 2011. Students must be residents of the Diocese of Western New York and have their clergy or church warden submit a short letter of recommendation to the Deveaux Commission.

Letters of recommendation should contain the following:

Student's name, address, and phone number.
Present high school/present year at Niagara University ( Freshman, Sophomore etc.).
Attributes that make the student a worthy candidate for the award.
Contributions the student has made to their school, church, community.
Parent's name, address, and phone number.

Letters should be mailed to the DeVeaux Commission at 1159 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, New York 14222.

The deadline for all recommendations is January 15, 2010. When all procedures are completed awards will be granted by this commission through Niagara's Financial Aid Department and Admissions Office.

Big News about Camp!

2010-09-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EYouthWNY

Newsletter of the youth ministries of the Diocese of WNY
September 27, 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Early word is that our Journeys #1 Weekend was a big success. More details on that to come.

For this week I'm dedicating the entire newsletter to changes coming in our camp programs. Youth Commission and I have been working on some ideas for quite a while now. At the September meeting some decisions were made. I don't want to just drop them on people but to give some background on them as well. We'll be back to our usual format next week.

All the following changes will take place starting in 2011.

For All Camps

Two Week Rule - From now on cancellation-of-camp decisions will be made two weeks prior to the start of that program. We have bent over backwards trying to avoid cancellations. This meant hanging on to the last possible minute trying to scrounge up the campers needed. In the end this was grossly unfair to the families, who had made plans based on camp going forward, and our facility partners. We also believe it encourages folks to wait to the last minute.

No more. We either have the applications in hand by two weeks in advance or the camp will be canceled. Note that it is "applications in hand". We have been victimized in the past by folks who made promises that they were coming but never did.

Therefore we need everyone to push hard for families to fill in the applications and get them in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Our camp minimums are quite modest now. There's no reason why we shouldn't have put those behind us every year in the Spring.

A Focal Point for Programs - As part of our ongoing process of creating a cohesive diocesan youth ministry that supports the needs of our young people and their congregations I am asking all our camp programs to place two concepts at the center of their work. I believe that the diocesan ministry can best meet the needs of our constituents by helping our young people to go deeper into their faith exploration and by helping our young people to develop as leaders. In that way we can return to the home congregation a young person with a deeper understanding of who they are as a person of faith, and a better idea of how their gifts may best be served in the community of faith.

A congregational ministry has the advantage of developing a deeper relationship with the youth because you see them weekly (or whatever). In general however that is only for a short period of time. We believe our best effort can be spent by taking our longer period of time, once a year, to dive deep on specific issues. In that way the diocesan and congregational ministries can mesh together for the benefit of our younger brothers and sisters.

For Sleep Away

Date move - LCLC has shortened their program year by a week. This forces us to move our camp as well. It will now take place a week EARLIER in August than in the past. Probably the week of August 7 next year (tentatively)

Start Day Change - As we discussed other issues with LCLC they asked us to consider changing the days that Sleep Away runs from Wednesday thru Saturday to Sunday to Wednesday. The old format created a "dead time" for their staff and increased their costs (paying staff for just hanging around). We consulted with Deacon Cathy Basile the camp director and determined that it presented no major obstacles.

The Sleep Away staff will be examining their program and goals this winter in preparation for re-launching Sleep Away better than ever before in 2011.

Junior High

Junior High has just completed a major overhaul of the program (which was very successful) and no further changes are anticipated in the immediate future.

Senior High

After a long process (that actually began several years ago) and much passionate discussion Youth Commission has agreed with my recommendation to move the Senior High Conference from SUNY Fredonia to LCLC.

This move was based on a single simple criterion - what would be most advantageous for the program? We have rejected this move in the past because we didn't see LCLC having the facilities we needed to do our program. After discussions with Lee Lindeman, director of LCLC, it became clear to me that by using the Retreat Center we would indeed be able to use the camp. Lee looked at what we would need and came back with a price that was better than our current cost at the college.

But this was not primarily a financial decision. SUNY Fredonia hosts many camps and conferences the same week as ours. Additionally Freshman Orientation is going that week and Summer School is in session. Over the last several years our access to facilities has become more and more restricted. The campus environment gives very little for our youth to do when not in worship or classes. With restricted access to facilities like the pool or the Williams Center I believe our program has suffered.

At LCLC we would be the primary program for that week. We would have access to many more activities. The environment at the camp will be more conducive to our work in helping our young people go deeper into their faith experience. At the same time we would continue the "graduation" experience of moving up towards more adult style experiences by using a facility that is NOT used by Sleep Away.

LCLC is very excited to have our conference and in fact moved one of their long time programs to make room for us.

I don't anticipate any major changes to program because of the move. We will have to make some functional changes. By adopting the program focus challenge I wrote about above I believe we can make next year a very exciting change.

I also acknowledge that change can be painful. We have several "generations" of young adults for whom SUNY Fredonia is synonymous with Senior High Conference. We must remember that for other generations it was St. Bonaventure and before that Thiel College or even Alfred University. Change of location is part of the history of this conference. That doesn't diminish the pain. The camp and conference center that I "grew up in" was sold by my diocese just before my senior year. There is still a pang in my heart when I drive by it each day (curiously I now live just a few miles from where my own faith journey really began). What I can offer to the current youth who are unsure about this move and the "graduated youth" with the same concerns is that the decision was made carefully, thoughtfully, prayerfully and with full consideration of all alternatives. This is my recommendation. Before I made it I've done my best to insure that the voices of our young people, both pro and con, were heard. The discussion at Senior High this year was very passionate.

One of the deciding factors was that a long time argument in FAVOR of a university experience was disproved by our own young people. I had a variety of college age youth come back to me, independently of one another, to say that the Senior High experience in fact did NOT prepare them for life in college. While the physical environment was the same the experience was completely different. If you'd like a quick tour of our facilities at camp check out this video on YouTube "Senior High Tour"

In the end I looked at what I thought was in the best interests of the Conference long term. I believe that once our young people have settled in at LCLC they will agree that a great experience will continue.

I am excited about the future of our camps. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. This information and more will be sent out to camp parents, clergy, congregations and anyone else interested over the next several months. But I am always willing to talk with anyone - electronically, on the phone or in person.

So till next week!

Thanks.

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

copyright 2010 :: Youth Specialties
300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020

Contact Information

Jay Phillippi e-mail - EYouthWNY@gmail.com
Diocesan Youth Missioner Phone - (716) 483-6405
410 N Main St, Jamestown NY 14701 cell phone (716)432-1946 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (716)432-1946 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Diocesan Youth web site - EYouthWNY.org

Diocesan Youth Ministry Blog

Big News Coming Soon!

2010-09-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EYouthWNY

Newsletter of the youth ministries of the Diocese of WNY
September 20, 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well we are under way. And some exciting stuff is coming.

Journeys - If you want to go you still can! Get an application (see below) and let me know that you're coming. Then show up! We are taking last minute registrations so don't miss out!

Senior High - Happening #27 is a little further away but there's no reason not to get your application in right now too! There's a great team of young people preparing an amazing weekend for you. Happeners make sure you spread the word to your friends!

The first Youth Commission meeting of the program year was Sunday. We covered a LOT of ground and some exciting decisions were made. There are a few details to be nailed down but next week we'll have at least one announcement to make! Remember you can be a member of Youth Commission if you're in Junior High or High School! The third Sunday of the month. Check the calendar for the details.

Have a great week!

Don't forget to look for the EYouthWNY page on Facebook!

or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.

Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The next meeting of the Commission is
October 17, 2 PM at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Journeys #1 -

September 24-26, Good Shepherd Buffalo
Applications available HERE

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." (Ephesians 1:15-16)

How should you pray for your friends, your parents, your siblings, anyone you really care about? This week, Paul will show us some essential things to pray for other Christians -- and for ourselves -- by telling us exactly what he prayed for his friends in a town called Ephesus.

Notice first that he is praying for believers -- people who have trusted Jesus and who love other Christians. He is happy for them and their life in faith.

The first thing Paul says to God about these brothers and sisters in Jesus is "thank you." Then he says it again. Then he says it again. In fact, he says he never stops saying it. To give thanks for others, to remember them to God, is a way of admitting that when God created and saved them, He did a good thing. Their lives matter because they matter to Him. Also, of course, we thank God because they matter to us.

Think: How often do you thank God for the Christians in your life? Your parents? Your friends? Why don't we think to do that more often?

Pray: Ask God to help you to be grateful for other believers and to express that thankfulness to Him.

Do: Make a list of five Christians in your life you can pray for this week using Paul's words in Ephesians. Include at least one person you don't always get along with. Add yourself to the list at #6. Start today by thanking God for everyone on the list.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.
Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.

POTENT QUOTABLES

Arise, and be not afraid.
~ Jesus (Matthew 17:7)

Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones.

~ Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre

PARTING SHOT

Why did the doughnut shop close?
The owner got tired of the (w)hole business!

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Contact Information

Jay Phillippi begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting e-mail - EYouthWNY@gmail.com
Diocesan Youth Missioner Phone - (716) 483-6405
410 N Main St, Jamestown NY 14701 cell phone (716)432-1946

Diocesan Youth web site - EYouthWNY.org

Diocesan Youth Ministry Blog

Resource Review - Economy of Love

2010-08-26T11:23:00.001-07:00

I wasn't even half way through the introduction to this book before I thought "This is a dangerous book". Dangerous to the complacent and the comfortable. Dangerous in the same gentle, loving way that the Gospel is dangerous.

The greatest struggle that faces the church in the western world isn't sexuality or child abuse. It isn't liberalism or fundamentalism. I believe that the greatest struggle for us is finding our way back from the culture of consumerism and wealth. Now for many people those have become trigger phrases that will inspire rolled eyes and "Here we go again" comments. The reality is that even a humble diocesan youth missioner working at 80% of full time is wealthy beyond the dreams of a great many, probably the vast majority of the world's population. I have a house to live in which puts me ahead of plenty of the world. With two bathrooms, running water, functioning heat, room for my family and guest beyond that. My freezer is so full that I had to buy a second freezer to store some of it.

Rich. Not "doing OK" or "getting by". I am rich. R.I.C.H. And in all likelihood so are you. Yet just outside your window, certainly within a few miles at most, are poor people. Homeless people. Hungry people.

And God expects you to do something about it.

That's an uncomfortable thought. Which is why so many of us just don't think about it. We assume "someone else" is handling it.

"Economy of Love" won't let you stay there. Written as a 5 week study session it combines written material with a video clip for each week. The videos feature Shane Claiborne. I've fessed up to my mini-man crush on Shane before. I think he's an important voice in the religious world right now. This work grows from his work with the Relational Tithe community he helped found. Relational Tithe says this about themselves:

"(We are) a way to live in an “economy of abundance.” They believed that there are enough resources to meet the needs of every person, and that the needs of each person are the responsibility of all people. The beginning of Relational Tithe can be boiled down to a question: “What would happen if we all set aside a tenth of our incomes to meet the needs of people we know?"

There's a real challenge in the questions posed for all of us. This is a great new resource to begin that discussion.

Newsletter - It Can't Be the End of August Already, Can It?

2010-08-23T10:03:00.001-07:00

Wow, summer has just flown by! Colleges are back in session and public schools will be starting very, very soon. I hope you had a great summer. Please think about coming to a camp program next summer. Yes, it's time to start thinking about that right now. Reserve that last week in June, the second week in August or the third week in August for whatever camp works for you.

In the meantime it's time to start thinking about what's coming up this fall. Happening, Journeys, Youth Commission, Convention and the chance to meet and talk with the Presiding Bishop. And that's all BEFORE Thanksgiving Day!

Summer and camp aren't the only times to get together with your friends and have a good time. Come join us all year long!

But we don't have to let go of summer just yet. Junior High Photos are now available HERE
and Senior High HERE

Go relive the experience or check it out if you've never been.
Have a great week!

Here's the usual stuff.

Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.
September 19, 1 PM at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Journeys #1 -

September 24-26, Good Shepherd Buffalo
Applications available HERE

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8)

Humility doesn't come any more shocking than this. First, the Creator of the universe refuses to demand His right to be treated as God. Instead, He humbles himself by becoming stuck in time, first as a baby human, fully human, a servant down to His own human DNA. He grew, obedient to time, waiting for the hours and days and years to pass like every other human must. Finally, this passage tells us, God bowed so low as to obey even death.

Death -- the consequence for Adam's sin -- "for when you eat of it you will surely die." Now perfect and humble Jesus Himself obeys the consequence for sin to spare all of Adam's believing children. And not an easy death, either. Not a noble, kingly death. Not death "with his boots on" in the heat of battle or "passing in his sleep" to avoid the pain.

This was death at it's wickedest -- a death so cruel the Romans would not allow the worst Roman citizens to suffer through it. A death of shame. A death that invited mocking and spittle. How: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

Think: Why would God allow His only Son to suffer by obeying such an ugly death?

Pray: Thank God for Jesus' enormous humility to lower Himself to the point where He could pay the penalty for your sin.

Do: Look up the definition of humility in a dictionary and write it out word-for-word while thinking about this verse.

FORGETTABLE FACT

The most common time for a bank robbery is Friday, between 9 and 11 a.m. The least likely time is Wednesday, between 3 and 6 p.m.

POTENT QUOTABLES

You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans.
~ Ronald Reagan

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
~ Japanese Proverb

PARTING SHOT

What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?
A brick layer!

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

copyright 2010 :: Youth Specialties 300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020

Good News/Bad News

2010-08-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well it's a good news/bad news kind of week.

Since I like to hear the good news last let's take care of the bad:

For the first time ever Sleep Away Camp has been canceled. In the opinion of the camp staff there just weren't enough campers to make the camp work. That's an incredibly difficult and painful decision to make. Our goal is to step back and prepare to make next year even better. Every program will have a bump in the road. Let's hope that Sleep Away can quickly put this one behind them!

The good news is that the re-launch of Junior High was a success! We had 15 young people who had a great time! I'll have photos up from this just as quickly as we can get them there. The camp did all the usual stuff plus added a serious service project. We worked hard for two days at Chautauqua Rural Ministries moving boxes, sorting clothes, husking corn (LOTS of corn) and slicing tomatoes. It was a fabulous time.

Here's something that I probably don't say enough. The best recruiters for camp are you guys. I can stand up and say how wonderful camp is and make a small impression. If your friends hear YOU say it, they believe it. So if you had a good time this year or in years past please talk up our camp programs to your parents, priests, deacons, Sunday school teachers and all your friends. It's the best way to make sure we have camp every year.

Journeys, the new spiritual retreat weekend for youth is coming up in September! Now is the time to get registered. You'll find a link to the application file in the next item down.

One of the other things that Junior High Camp did was create a logo for Journeys. We'll be debuting it very soon. Congratulations to Emily Verdaasdonk and Cassie Butler for their winning design!
Contact me if you have questions.

Have a great week!

or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.
Have a great week!
Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

Journeys #1 -

September 24-26, Good Shepherd Buffalo
Applications available HERE

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20)

I love that the Bible never says, "Don't feel angry!" God understands that's not possible. Instead, He gives us some of the most practical and profound teaching on what to do with anger in all of recorded human history.

First, rush into hearing. Listen long enough to clearly understand all the facts and all the motives, as best you can. Then listen again. Second, shut up. The first words out of our mouths in an angry situation are often the worst ones. When you're angry, doubt your mouth.

Finally, own this: You're not going to make any real progress toward your real goals while the anger meter is in the red. Wait for it to cool off before taking action or making big decisions. Don't let your anger run your life.

Think: What are some ways you can slow your anger down -- and keep it from sending you spiraling in an unhealthy direction.

Pray: Ask God for speed control over your listening (faster), talking (slower), and getting mad (slower).

Do: Ask a mature Christian or two how they avoid allowing anger to control their lives.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

Dragonflies can travel up to 60mph.

POTENT QUOTABLES

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
~ Maya Angelo

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
~ Albert Einstein

PARTING SHOT

A closed mouth gathers no feet.

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Diocesan Youth Ministry Blog

Candidates for Bishop of WNY

2010-08-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

From our Diocesan news release.

"The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Western New York is pleased to announced the names of four nominees for the 11th Bishop of WNY. They are:

The Rev. Michael N. Ambler, Jr., 46, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Bath, in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine;
The Very Rev. Canon Michael A. Bamberger, 55, rector of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Sierra Madre, California, in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles;
The Rev. Dr. R. William Franklin, senior associate priest at St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia, PA, in the Episcopal Diocese of of Pennsylvania; and
The Very Rev. Canon Barbara J. Price, rector of St. Peter's Church in Eggertsville, NY, in the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York.

A brief summary of each candidate's credentials follows. More detailed information may be found on the diocesan transition pages of the diocesan website, which can be accessed directly via www.wnybishop.org.

Ambler, 46, was ordained to the priesthood in 2000 and has served as rector of Grace Church in Bath since 2002. He served as Assistant Rector at St. David's Episcopal Church in Kennebunk, ME from 2000-2002. From 1989-1997 he worked as an attorney with Pierce Atwood in Portland, Me. Ambler holds a B.A. from Princeton University, a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, and an M.Div. from Episcopal Divinity School. He also holds a Certificate in Mediation from the University of Southern Maine.

In the Diocese of Maine, Ambler serves on the Standing Committee, the Mission Strategy Task Force and the Response Team, and as chief judge of the Diocesan Trial Court. He has also served as co-chair of the Committee on Holy Orders and was a deputy to General Convention in 2009.

Ambler and his wife Darreby have been married since 1985. They have three teenaged children.

Bamberger, 55, was ordained in 1981. He has served as rector of Church of the Ascension in Sierra Madre since 1986. His previous posts include St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Needles, CA and Holy Spirit Mission in Bullhead City, AZ. He holds a B.A. from the University of California - Santa Barbara and an M.Div. from Nashotah House. He also attended language school in Cuernavaca, Mexico, to further his fluency in Spanish.

In the Diocese of Los Angeles, Bamberger serves as Dean of Deanery V, co-chair of the Commission on Ministry, diocesan lead trainer for Misconduct Prevention, and is a member of the Diocesan Benefits and Insurance Committee. He has also been a member of Diocesan Council. Bamberger is an honorary canon at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in Los Angeles and a reader for the General Ordination Examination for The Episcopal Church.

Bamberger is a member of the Sierra Madre Fire Department where he has served a battalion chief since 2004.

He and his wife Debra were married in 1979 and have two adult children.

Franklin, 63, was ordained to the priesthood in 2005 and since July 2010 has served as the senior associate priest at St. Mark's Church in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to this position, he served for five years in Rome, Italy, with the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. There he was associate priest at St. Paul's Within the Walls American Episcopal Church, associate director of the American Academy, and fellow and associate priest of the Anglican Centre. Prior to 2005, Franklin worked as a Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Angelicum University (2008-2010), Associate Rector for Christian Formation at Trinity Church in Boston, MA (2003-2005), Bishop's Scholar in Residence for the Diocese of New York (2002-2003), Dean and President of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University (1998-2002), Named Dean Emeritus of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale (2002); SPRL Professor of History and World Mission at General Theological Seminary (1993-1998), and Michael Blecker Professor of the Humanities at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN (1974-1993).

In the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe he has served on the Council of Advice and as a member of the leadership team and Weaver for Transformed by Stories Christian Formation Program in the European Institute of Christian Studies.

Prior to his ordination, Franklin served in the Diocese of Minnesota as a member of the Standing Committee and as Chairman of the Board of the Episcopal House of Prayer Retreat Center. He also served on The Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Ministry Development, the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations, and was appointed a Consultant to the 1998 Lambeth Conference of Bishops by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He has been married to his wife Carmela Vircillo since 1971. They have two children.

Price, 60, was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. She has served as rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Eggertsville, NY, since 2000 and vicar of Ephphatha Church of the Deaf, also in Eggertsville, since 2009. She served as director of the Bexley Institute and assistant professor of Pastoral Theology at Bexley Hall Seminary in Rochester, NY from 2000-2008. She was Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Western New

York from 1989-2000, Interim Vicar of Ephphatha Church of the Deaf in Buffalo, NY from 2001-2004. Price was interim Rector of Trinity Church in Lancaster, NY from 1998-1999, and Assisting Priest at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, NY from 1997-1998.

Price holds an RN degree from E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (now ECMC), a B.S. in Health Care Administration from St. Joseph College, Windham, ME, and an M.Div. from Bexley Hall Seminary.

In the Diocese of Western New York she serves as Dean of the Eastern Erie Deanery, as a member of the Board of Examining Chaplains and the Diocesan Ethics Committee, as a co-teacher in the Diocesan Anglican Formation Program at Christ the King Seminary, and an instructor in the Bishop Brent School. She is also active in Cursillo.

For The Episcopal Church she serves as Chaplain to the House of Bishops Spouses, and has served as a member of the Bishop's Election Process Consultants Group in the Office of Pastoral Development. She served on the national staff and faculty of the Church Development Institute, the Church Deployment Board, and as a member of the Deployment Ministry Conference. She has served in various dioceses as a clergy and clergy/spouse retreat leader and as a consultant to the planning and vision process.

Price is chair of the Board of Directors for Journey's End Refugee Resettlement, Inc. in Buffalo and as Director of Morningstar Ministries and the WINGS Program of education and training for spiritual directors.

She and her husband Alfred were married in 1992. They have four adult children.

More information about each candidate may be found on the transition pages of the diocesan website, which can be be directly accessed via www.wnybishop.org.

The election will be held Saturday, November 20 during a special convention to elect meeting of the diocese at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo.

According to a statement issued by Ms. Catherine Way, chair of the Bishop Search Committee, the 18-month search process involved 29 candidates from across the United States, as well as two foreign countries.

"The committee believes that any one of the four nominees can serve capably and admirably as our next bishop," Way wrote in her statement.

The Rt. Rev. J. Michael Garrison, who was consecrated tenth bishop of the diocese in 1999, will retire in April 2011.

Diocesan clergy and laity may nominate additional candidates by petition until August 30, according to the Rev. Glenn Fuller, president of the diocesan Standing Committee. More information about the petition process may be found at www.wnybishopsearch.org.

Under the canons (III.11.4) of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect's ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election. The consecration date is planned for April 30, 2011.

The Diocese of Western New York encompasses the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming and includes 60 organized congregations."

August 2 Newsletter

2010-08-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Junior High is back!!!!!!

I love typing that sentence! We've got some brand new things and some old familiar parts too. It's going to be a great camp. Which means I'll spend most of this week packing and trying to remember all the stuff we'll need.

Can you believe it's August already? Hope you're going to enjoy the rest of the summer. We'll be back into our regular routine starting in September. Remember that Youth Commission is always looking for people to get involved.

Have a great week!

or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.
Have a great week!
Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly." (Proverbs 12:23)

I'll admit; I've done it. Maybe you have, too. Propelled by insecurity -- afraid the smart people around me wouldn't know I was smart, too -- I've brought up topics in conversation just so I could show off how much I knew about them.

I've even spewed every last fact in my head about things I didn't really know that much about -- sometimes making up details and delivering them with fake confidence. I was foolish.

Sometimes fools, looking to feel significant or just unable to stop the words from spilling out, even reveal information that could expose them or others to genuine danger. (Think passwords, troop movements, a good friend's secrets.)
A wise person asks: "Who am I helping besides myself by what I'm about to say?" If the answer is, "Nobody," the wise person leaves that bit of knowledge left unsaid. If I only speak to serve myself, I'll just make it obvious more quickly what a fool I really am.

Do: Be honest with yourself: How often do you blurt knowledge just to build yourself up in the eyes of others? What do you think when you realize other people are doing that with you?

Pray: Ask God to help you to be prudent and not share knowledge foolishly.

Do: Listen this week for foolish talkers blurting out follly and try to catch some wise friends not sharing all they know.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

Until the year 1920, Canada had a plan for an invasion of the United States.

POTENT QUOTABLES

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
~ G.K. Chesterton

For the rain it raineth every day.
~ William Shakespeare

PARTING SHOT

What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?
A brick layer!

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

Newsletter July 26

2010-07-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Well the tornado this weekend dropped down about a half block from your Youth Missioner's house in Mayville. Happily there was no damage to our property or people. Other folks weren't as lucky through out the souther tier. It made the weekend interesting.

It does appear that Junior High camp is a go this summer. But if there's anyone who is still interested they should get in touch with us ASAP.

Summer is now about half way over. Hope you're having a good time!

or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.
Have a great week!
Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Titus 3:10-11)

You know that guy? The one who seems to enjoy finding the cracks in every group, the stress points, the small disagreements, the old wounds -- and then bringing them up over and over again until he breaks the group or the friendship or the church in half?

Yeah, that guy (or girl). Paul wanted Titus to give that guy in the Cretan churches two chances and then let him go. That guy is serious trouble for churches and groups of friends. If nobody's fighting, he's kind of bored. If everyone is just getting along, he's not having a good time. He lives for the drama of collapsing relationships.

Paul calls him warped, sinful, and self-condemned. In other words, he's not good to have around. The person who wants to break up your family shouldn't be allowed to stay in the house for very long.

Think: How many people do you know who seem to enjoy breaking up groups or friends? Have you ever noticed that tendency in yourself?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to be a divider but to find joy and purpose in keeping groups of Christians together and being a peacemaker.

Do: Ask a parent or other Christian adult if they've ever seen anyone who seemed to enjoy intentionally causing division in churches or among groups of Christians.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

The average human body contains enough fat to make seven bars of soap.

POTENT QUOTABLES

Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.
~ Henry Ford

I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity an obligation; every possession, a duty.
~ John D. Rockefeller

PARTING SHOT

What do you call a song sung in an automobile?
A cartoon.

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

copyright 2009 :: Youth Specialties
300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020

July 12 Newsletter

2010-07-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wow. Can't believe that Senior High is over again. What a great week. If you want to see what you missed check out the Senior High 2010 posts at the EYouthWNY blog. I should have photos posted by the end of the week. The official Conference photo is already up at the Facebook page. It was a great week as always.

Now I need a little help for Junior High. We are just 1 or 2 people short of having Junior High camp this summer. We are SOOOOO close! Please talk with younger brothers and sisters, kids you know at church, your priest, your youth group or Sunday school teachers about getting kids in that age signed up. It's open to young people going into 7th through 9th grades in the fall. We are planning a multi-day service project and several other new things this year. Of all our camps this one has struggled the most so please do what you can to help out. If you're in that age bracket, please make us part of your summer plans. We have a GREAT time and you'll make some new friends.

If anyone has questions (youth, parents, adults, clergy) you can get in touch with me. All my contact info is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Follow us on our Facebook page! Click on the logo!

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

""Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." (2 Kings 5:1)

We're dropping in on the story of Israel at a time when God's people had been conquered by their enemies once again. They had not remained faithful to God, and Naaman was part of the military that had defeated Israel.

Naaman was a success story. In his day, the only way you could hope to make a name for yourself (unless you were royalty) was to rise up the ranks of the military. He had done that. He reported to the king of Aram. And even though he fought against Israel, God had used Naaman to bring victory to Aram. A successful leader, highly respected, at the top of his game.

One problem: He was dying. He had leprosy, a disease still in the world today though much less common. There was no cure. Your skin would start turning grey/white and then begin to flake off until it ate away at your whole body. All the success in the world -- even being used by God -- didn't keep him from getting this ugly disease.

Think: What's the point of working hard to be successful if it can all be taken away in a moment . . . when you're just going to die anyway? Why do bad things happen to good people (and good things happen to bad ones)?

Pray: Ask God to give you insight into your own life this week through the story of Naaman. What are the things that seem unfair in your own life?

Do: Make a list of the hard things in your life and one of the blessings. Sometimes it seems like the hard things list is longer than the blessings because we take the blessings for granted. Think of ALL the good things in your life (for example you live in a time when leprosy can be successfully treated!). Remember to focus on being thankful for those blessings.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

The United States has never lost a war when donkeys were used.

POTENT QUOTABLES

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our talents are the gift that God gives to us... What we make of our talents is our gift back to God.
~ Leo Buscaglia

PARTING SHOT

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights. (That's ALL?!?!?!? Seems like more to me)

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Back to...Real Life?

2010-07-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

This first week back from Senior High Conference is always an adjustment. I have boxes of materials to re-sort, re-stock and then put away. I have to figure out what got lost versus what has merely been misplaced. And I have to start thinking about next year.

Yes, I'm still focused on Junior High and Sleep Away but planning for 2011 has to begin now. What worked this year? What didn't? What do we need to change? What can stay the same? The process takes a long time and I need to get some of it written down before I forget it.

This year's conference went pretty well. There's always some memorable things going on and usually a catch phrase or story that will be told over and over again. This year we had three phrases that seemed to catch on. They were:

Fish Vomit (from the story of Jonah)
God knows what you do in your bedroom (actually from that same teaching session)
The Front Fell Off - Rowland and Andrew did a great sketch at the Talent Show that was a re-enactment of this YouTube video. They did a great job. The video is NOT of a real politician but a couple of Australian TV comics (Check the Snopes.com story on the video)

The theme this year was "Shout to the Lord" and we looked at different ways of shouting, including Shouting in Anger, Shouting for Justice and Shout for Joy.

Evening activities included game night (with Bingo and prizes!), a picnic with the Kinda Sorta Beach Party (and ninja ducks!), the Talent Show, the Dance and Movie Night. The days were filled with classes (Sex Under a Tree with Mother Ellen - a salacious name for an excellent class, The Pickle class with Father John Paul, Rapping/Napping with the Bish with Bishop Michael and something brand new this year, the Poverty Game with Liz Brauza.) and swimming and free time and worship.

This probably explains why I slept for 13 hours when I got home.

We tried some new music this year. As always with new things it was a struggle sometimes and some folks didn't like it and some of it was pretty good. We also tried to lessen our garbage output this year by eliminating tons of plastic water bottles with 20 oz stainless steel re-usable bottles with the EYouthWNY logo on them. They were pretty popular.

Things still to do? Post some photos, including the Conference photo. Sort through video to see what we can post. Find the notes from our Journalists on Friday. I know they were given to me but I can't seem to find where I put them. Reclaim a few things that the rest of the staff picked up when I left them behind (maybe the notes too?)

Plus Junior High preparation and Sleep Away preparation. And planning for 2011.

Real life is a lot of work. When can I go back to camp?

Peace

Senior High Report July 1

2010-07-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Your reporter is Elisabeth Engle:

Today waking up I was very tired. Almost as tired as I was yesterday when I fell asleep on the ground...

Breakfast was nice so was morning worship. Unfortunately Jay's talk was a little...sleepy. So far they have been very upbeat but today I an a few others fell asleep. Jay, if you are reading this, I apologize sincerely (Jay - LOL. Forgiven!)

My "Walk with Momma G" (class) was very relaxing as was morning Eucharist (where I was picked up multiple times) Then we had lunch which was cool because I saw someone from school. I also had spaghetti - which made it even more fabulous.

During Siesta - sleeping time (much needed sleeping time) after lunch helped me gain back some much needed snoozing. I accidentally gave Laura my roommate some "sleepy sass" when she tried waking me up!

My talk with the Bishop was also fun and we talked about musicals.

(Jay - On Jello snarfing - this a tradition of long standing at Senior High. It's voluntary and done entirely for fun. The contest ends in a food fight. Our reporter had a tough inaugural attempt as you'll see)
Next came free time. Oh boy, if you are reading this you may not know what Jello snarfing is . Well let me explain: it is a vicious and cruel way of forcing red Jello down a poor helpless person, making them have bowls of it. And then have have everyone else throw it at you, down your shirt or shorts, in your hair , on your face and up your nose. Yes really. This being my first year here did not prepare me for the animals my camp mates could become in the face of Jello. Especially if you saw Laura's hair!

After taking a shower...I cleaned off and hung out downstairs. Then I go dressed for the dance.

The dance was a lot of fun and I sill need to improve my "stanky leg" (Jay - Nope, no idea) Rowland and Rachel wowed the crowd with their mix of ballroom and some sort of hip-hop. The limbo got interesting and even though I am 4'11" I'm NOT that flexible.

There were different types of dances, such as the YMCA, Cupid Shuffle, Soldier Boy, You're a Jerk, "Stanky Leg" and ballroom. I got to dance with pretty much everyone there (even Momma G busted some moves) and was also picked up to dance by DJ, leaving my feet off the ground, and then being put down as he knelt on the floor and made me feel tall.

Today was fantastic and I still can't believe there are only one and a half days left until the end of camp. Personally I thik this camp should stay until....August?

Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle

Our second reporter is Kelsey Jeffs :

Today some of the personal highlights were what I thought were the greatest. In the morning during breakfast I looked over to find Drew asleep and hovering (over) his coffee! Some members of my table laughed because of the position he fell asleep in.

Today we had the famous annual Jello snarfing contest! My first ever experience "snarfing" Jello. I enjoyed every minute of it. Next to me was Seth and Tara. They were exact opposites in how they ate the Jello. Tara could barely get the first bowl of jello down. But who can blame her? Snarfing Jello isn't easy! On the other side of me Seth sat and ate all his Jello in an unbelievable amount of time. So I thought. Although no one could compare to the champion DJ. With his triumphant wrestling belt and great coach P.Mo. Afterwards everyone grabbed the remaining Jello and went at each other. Suddenly, out of the blue, Quinn and Autumn attack everyone with popcorn! With big smiles, everyone heads back to the dorms covered in red sticky Jello.

Personally, I though today was the best out of all so far. At the dance I got to have laughs with friends, dance, joke and just forget everything. Other people agree with me as well. The night ended on a great note and some good exercise from dancing. I must say that all the ladies looked absolutely beautiful and all the young gentlemen looked very handsome (hard to believe about the guys, I know) ha, ha!

Senior High Report June 28

2010-07-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

(Director's note - I'm getting some reports out of order so I'm just posting them as they come in)

Your reporter is Elisabeth Engle:

Tonight while meeting with our counselors we were discussing our day. Then Mother Ellen becamed noticable while trying and failing to get online. She became very aggravated and I thought it was because she needed to check here e-mail or something. I was sadly, and surprisingly, mistaken. Her and Mom Jen started talking about how their crops will die and their pets run away and her food will rot. The with my vast knowledge of the popular networking site Facebook I realized she really needed the internet for - Farmville, Petville and Cafeville. Yes, really. Oh and not to mention the Neopet that Laura found. She needs to be fed too! Mom Jen proceeds to tell me about how much Mother Ellen also likes Play-dough... I think I'll get her some sidewalk chalk after camp.

Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle

Day Three at Senior High

2010-07-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Your correspondent is Andrew Turner.

Today is the "off" day of the Conference. It's the middle day, so Jay usually has a special workshop for us. Today's theme was "A Quiet Shout". I liked the title because it both ties in with the titles of his chaplain's hour talks, and the theme of this year's camp program. Unlike some workshops in the past, this one was quite entertaining. Well, maybe entertaining isn't the right word. I don't know, it's informative, entertaining, calming and helpful. Is there a word for that? Our routine was changed slightly because we also have a service project later in the day. This year we return to Chautauqua County Rural Ministries. We were (or are, I'm a little tired) from 12 (noon) to 5 PM. We worked hard, stacking boxes, sorting food and clothes, and painting. Jay took us for ice cream too, but I doubt that it will happen all the time, we did have an extra 30 minutes. (note from Jay - they had pay their own way!)

And on a side note Drew Laudenslager apparently dropped his ice cream...

Anyway, Andrew Turner gave a small presentation to the rest of the conference about the Bishop Search Committee...

After that we had the annual Talent Show. Everyone was great, both the various acts and the audience. Compline was calming as usual and everybody got along well. Good day today, hope the next is even better.

Day Two at Senior High

2010-07-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Your correspondents are Emma Johnson and Liz Dray

Today after a fun class with Mom G(iselle) a few of us walked to starbucks and driving past were two men around 20 dancing to Justin Bieber in their "Mom van"! It was quite a sight. Later during fee time when we came back to the dorms there was a squirrel that Seth tried to chase. Overall today was a good and productive day. - Emma

Rayna popped the volleyball with her thumb. Dominique won limbo. There was distracting music playing outside again, along with a stand up comedian thing. Emma's lemonade spill all over Liz's leg. Seth tried to catch a squirrel. - Liz

Senior High - Director's report

2010-07-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know what's going on.

The weather has gone from insanely hot and humid to much nicer (it could be a little warmer!) I hope to get some photos up soon.

Wednesday was our service project day so we headed down to Chautauqua Rural Ministries, an Episcopal Community Services agency and did a lot of work. Moving boxes, sorting donated clothing, painting various rooms. We worked hard and rewarded ourselves with some ice cream!

Classes have been going very well. Our theme is "Shout to the Lord" and we've been considering different kinds of shouts - Anger or for Justice. Tomorrow we'll look at a shout of joy. On Wednesday we also do something different so we took a look at prayer.

Otherwise we've had our Talent Show (which was extraordinary this year!), our "Kinda-Sorta Beach Party" and Game night.

Tonight is the Dance.

And tomorrow is, wow, our last full day!

Peace
Jay

Day One at Senior High Conference!

2010-06-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

My apologies for this getting up late, we've had a busy day and the WiFi has been cranky! Your first reporter is Taylor Smith:

"Today was a great way to start off camp. In the morning Matt tried to videotape, when there was no tape in the camera! For only being the first day, I'm having a great time and meeting many new people. In the dining hall there's an ice cream bar with many different choices in toppings.

This year Jay's study session is in the media room of our library @ Fredonia.

This year there was a variety of classes to take like Sex Under a Tree (not like it sounds) and A Walk with Mom G. They're very fun and interesting. After classes we went to lunch, had rest hour and then went to our second class. For free time a bunch of people went to Starbucks. We listened to Matt and Alexis jam on their guitars. Avery and Pat shared some jokes as well.

We actually have the pool for all 5 days we're here. It's good because so far it's been humid but the heat hasn't gotten in the way of anyone's fun! Tonight's evening activity was game night! It was a lot of fun had by all. Me, Autumn, Kelsey and Liz played football with the boys. It was quite intense, hot and fun. After playing games like Episcopoly and Apples to Apples we had Compline then called it a night. I had a great first day at camp! There was many fun things to do and many people to share it with. I hope tomorrow is just as good as today was.

Newsletter June 21

2010-06-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is the craziest week of my life. My office is filled with boxes, some packed, some unpacked, extra stuff lying all over the floor....

It's called prep for Senior High. Junior High and Sleep Away are easier because I've already packed these boxes! Gotta try and make sure that I've got everything covered, ready and available. I usually get about 98% of right. Then I have to call Mom Donna to bring up what I forget, LOL!

Hope everyone is getting ready for camp all summer long. Still need lots more applications for Junior High and Sleep Away! Don't forget and don't wait.

If you can't be at camp this week make sure you check NEXT week's newsletter for a way to check out what's going on. Details coming.

There's lots more stuff going on. Check the youth ministry web page EYouthWNY.org ,

or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.
Have a great week!
Jay

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The June meeting is held Tuesday evening at Senior High Conference.
Please contact if you wish to attend (and aren't attending the Conference)

The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.' " (Acts 1:9-11)

I don't think countforward is a real word, but we're not counting down any more. The countdown was finished when Jesus walked out of His tomb alive and more powerful than ever. Now the clock is moving forward toward the day He will return.

In the verses right before these, Jesus said we don't get to know how long. Nobody knows the hour or the day -- but there is a specific hour, a day on the calendar, coming. He will be back. The Father knows exactly when.
In the meantime, we have a job to do, you and me and all those who believe. We have a job to use real power -- the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead at work in us -- to be witnesses of what we've seen that power accomplish. That job may be something very small or something very large. We're never quite sure till the moment comes and it's time to go to work. The other amazing thing is that it doesn't matter if the job is small or large. Each part of God's work in this world (which we are called to do with and for Him) is important.

It's a job that matters. And the clock is ticking. That's the message of Acts 1.
Think: Are you looking forward to the return of Christ? What difference does His return make in your life? How seriously do you take the call to be His witness in your world?

Pray: Ask God to help you to make the best use of the power and time He gives to you to accomplish whatever He asks of you in this life.

Do: Read Acts 1 all the way through.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

Facts, Quotes and Shots

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FORGETTABLE FACT

Bluebirds cannot see the color blue.

POTENT QUOTABLES

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
~ Robert Frost

Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
~ Charles Dickens

PARTING SHOT

Lead me not into temptation (I can find the way myself).

EYouthWNY store

2010 camp t shirt

Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Newsletter Jun 14

2010-06-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, still lots of things to do between now and the start of Senior High! It should be a lot of fun. So hang in there as the final days count down. These are always the toughest days as I remember. It's so nice out THERE and it's such a drag in HERE! Summer's coming, I promise!

There's lots more stuff going on.

Check the youth ministry web page EYouthWNY.org ,
Find us on Facebook

Thanks.

Other Events on the Calendar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The June meeting is held Tuesday evening at Senior High Conference.
Please contact if you wish to attend (and aren't attending the Conference)

The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)

Prayer seems like one of those things that you just OUGHT to know how to do. But I'd be willing to bet that a lot of folks aren't really comfortable doing it. So maybe you just skip it. You're losing out on a great part of a life in faith so let's take a look at Jesus' advice.

First step: Pray for God's ears, not other people's. Praying in public makes some people nervous. I don't really blame them for saying silly things to God in those moments, but you can sometimes tell they're worried about "sounding right" to the people around them. They work in a few churchy phrases because they've heard everyone else do it. Jesus told his listeners to do their praying behind closed doors -- in secret.

Why? For one thing, it weeds out all the wrong motives. The Jewish religious leaders gave each other spiritual brownie points for style and form in their public prayers, but they were missing the point of talking to God. When you're alone, you know you're not impressing anyone with your prayer-talk. You're more likely to talk to Him straight out of your own life, not out of someone else's prayer fashion handbook.

Of course, you're not going to pray in secret unless you're convinced God is listening. Prayer in secret is an act of greater faith in the God who cares so deeply about you. Jesus promised that our invisible Father listens and rewards those prayers. You don't need to step up to the microphone for Him to hear and answer you.

Think: If you ever pray in front of people, do you pray any differently than you do when you're alone? Are you ever tempted to try to impress people with your prayers? How likely are you to pray when nobody is looking?

Pray: Ask God to help you talk to Him more often when nobody else is around.

Do: God a closet handy? Try praying in it today. No, you don't really need to pray in a closet for God to hear you, but trying it once or twice might make you more aware of how you're talking to God.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Facts, Quotes and Shots
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FORGETTABLE FACT

99% of people cannot lick their elbow.
(OK how many of you are going to check? I did. I can't)

POTENT QUOTABLES

Often it is the most deserving people who cannot help loving those who destroy them.
~ Hermanne Hesse

The opposite of love is not hate; it's indifference.
~ Elie Wiesel

PARTING SHOT

What bird can lift the most?
A crane.

EYouthWNY store

This is a way for us to show everyone our involvement in our church and to help support all the youth ministries. The money raised by the stuff at our store is used by Youth Commission to help make camps, and Happening, and mission trips and the Bishop's Ball a little bit better. If you haven't checked out what's available recently please do.

2010 camp t shirt t shirt
Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

copyright 2009 :: Youth Specialties
300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020

Contact Information

Diocesan Convention Youth Delegation

2010-06-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Every year a delegation of high school aged young people are chosen to be the voice of youth at our Diocesan Convention. This is an important role and one that has had a real impact on the direction of our diocese.

We are called to get representation (if possible) from each Deanery so we need to select 8 youth. This is open to ALL high school aged youth of the diocese. You don't need to have been active in any of our other diocesan programs. If you are interested in how our church is governed and would like to be part of it please download an application.

Convention is October 29-30. Activities start Friday morning (this IS an excused absence since you will be actively involved in a church governance activity. A written excuse will be provided on diocesan letterhead if you need it.) If you can not arrive till Friday afternoon that's fine. We do ask that you be available for all of the rest of convention (which is over by 3 PM on Saturday).

Joining us this year will be the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and there will be an opportunity for the delegation, along with other youth and young adults, to meet separately with her.

All of your expenses are covered by Youth Commission. If selected you will be given a list of what you need to bring and other information in preparation for your duties.

This is an amazing leadership opportunity, a chance to learn and grow AND a great additional credit on your college applications and public service requirements for graduation.

If you or your parents have any questions please contact the Youth Missioner at 716-432-1946 or through my email.

Applications can be downloaded HERE. You need to have your application submitted BEFORE June 28, 2010.

Fun Youth Ministry Video

2010-06-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah the whole games in the sanctuary thing? Been there, done that. Won't go into details but let these words chill you....kids in among the pipes of the organ.

Yeah, not so good.

Newsletter Jun 7

2010-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Our camp season starts very soon. Did you know that there is a countdown timer for each of our camps on the camp page at EYouthWNY.org? You can check to see just how long it is till we all get together for a really great time again!

Senior High is doing OK but we could still have room for more. Some cool new stuff this year (and secret ducks!), Junior High and Sleep Away have LOTS of room so spread the word!

Plans are underway for the young people of our diocese to spend some time with the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Katherine Jefferts Schori. Bishop Katherine will visit with us TWICE over the next calendar year. The plan is to have High School and Young Adults meet with her during the Diocesan Convention in October and for Middle school youth meet with her when she comes for the consecration of our new bishop in the spring. Details are still being worked out (you think YOUR schedule is busy? You should see hers!) but keep checking back as the dates get closer.

There's lots more stuff going on. Check the youth ministry web page
EYouthWNY.org ,
Find us on Facebook

*************

Other Events on the Calendar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The June meeting is held Tuesday evening at Senior High Conference.
Please contact if you wish to attend (and aren't attending the Conference)

The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Happening #27 - November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications on the website

******************

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

This isn't the way I usually think of ambition. If I'm feeling ambitious to live for God, at all, I want to do BIG things: Witness to every person at school. Build an orphanage with my bare hands. Memorize the New Testament . . . in Greek.

But Paul wants us to think of a long-term strategy to help unbelievers to notice Christ in the way we live every day -- not just in the BIG things we do to "change the world."

Lead a well-rested life (not a silent one). Pay more attention to how you're living than how everyone else is living. Get a job and do good work so you can be a giver and not a taker.

Doing the opposite may lead people to think following Jesus leaves us exhausted, judgmental, lazy, foolish, and broke.

Think: What's your plan for your life? Will it help you to lead a restful, wise, and working life that will be respectable to those who don't know Jesus?

Pray: Ask God to help you to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands in a way that earns Him the respect of outsiders

Do: Make a quick list of 3-4 Christians you respect. Notice how these qualities do (or don't) fit into their lives.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Facts, Quotes and Shots
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FORGETTABLE FACT

Take your height and divide by eight. That s how tall your head is.

POTENT QUOTABLES

We cannot truly face life until we face the fact that it will be taken away from us.
~ Billy Graham

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.
~ Winston Churchill

PARTING SHOT

The prospective son-in-law was asked by his girl friend's father, 'Son, are you able to support a family?'

'Well, no, sir,' he replied. 'I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves.'

*****************************

This is a way for us to show everyone our involvement in our church and to help support all the youth ministries. The money raised by the stuff at our store is used by Youth Commission to help make camps, and Happening, and mission trips and the Bishop's Ball a little bit better. If you haven't checked out what's available recently please do.

2010 camp t shirt t shirt
Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Journeys is here!

2010-06-04T12:30:00.001-07:00

We've been talking about the new Junior High/Middle school aged program that has been under discussion. Well the program has been worked out, the official word is spreading and here are the forms needed!

Journeys is a retreat weekend similar in spirit to Happening but totally homegrown. It's a time for fun and laughter and some holy time with friends.

The application for middle school aged youth to attend the first weekend is HERE

The application for a youth to be on team is HERE

The application for an adult to be on team is HERE

These files are in pdf format so you will need a pdf reader on your computer. There are lots of great free readers including Adobe Reader and PDF-Exchange Viewer (this is the software on my computer)

If you have any trouble with the downloading of the documents please contact me immediately at EYouthWNY(at)gmail.com

We will eventually have a dedicated page for Journeys and online application ability at EYouthWNY.org

EYouthWNY newsletter May 25

2010-05-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week for your Youth Missioner. A stomach bug has been wiping me out so I'm a little behind in my work. The list of who is going to Senior High needs to be submitted in the next couple weeks. So make sure you get your application to me ASAP! If there's a problem get in touch with me so we're ready for you.

Camp remains high on everyone's priorities. Senior High is looking better but we still need to get those Junior High and Sleep Away registrations started. It's never too early to get in your application (don't worry if you can't get everything done right now. Just the application is a great start) plus don't forget there are only 30 slots available at Junior High this summer. First come first served! (All the info you need is at www.eyouthwny.org)

Don't forget the VERY IMPORTANT NEWS!!!!!
Date for Junior High camp has changed!!!!!!!
Junior High Camp is August 8-14

We are getting ready to select youth delegates to this year's diocesan and election conventions. There will be an application form available soon. These are very important events and a chance for you to take on a leadership role. Delegates slots are open to any high school aged students.

EYE (Episcopal Youth Event) is at an awkward time for many of us next summer (June 22-26), before school is out and actually overlapping a Regents test date. Our hope is that we will still be able to send a small delegation. This is a great event. It's also a great chance to make new friends and learn more about our church (which is found all around the planet and worships in multiple languages!). Take the time to talk with your parents and look ahead on your schedule to see if you might be able to go. Applications and more information will be coming later in the year.

Congratulations to Quinn Haggerty who was elected as the rector of Happening weekend #27 in the fall and continues to serve as the Youth Co-chair for Youth Commission.

There's lots more stuff going on.

Check the youth ministry web page EYouthWNY.org ,
Find us on Facebook
or check out the EYouthWNY blog

Here's the usual stuff.
Have a great week!
Jay

Other Events on the Calendar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

The June meeting is held Tuesday evening at Senior High Conference.
Please contact if you wish to attend (and aren't attending the Conference)

The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.

Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

The gospel is analog. It can't be automated. It will never be digitally delivered. Even if someone hears it on the radio or reads it on a Web page, the message itself is written down or spoken by a living, breathing human being who heard it from another one -- going all the way back to the biblical writers themselves.

That's one reason we are convinced that the good news of Jesus is true. We can see with our eyes how it has changed the lives of the people who have taught us about God from His Word. We can see it at work in them. Their lives are evidence that this powerful message is real.

Don't look at the Christian leaders you admire who are really living as they teach and say, "That works for them and not for me." Look at them and say, "This works for them! Look how God works in them!" Then, we're told, imitate their faith. Copy them. Follow their example.

It's the same Christ in you that is alive and active in them. Don't give up.

Think: Who are the people who have spoken the Word of God to you? How has their relationship with God changed their lives over time? How could you imitate their faith?

Pray: Ask God to help you to imitate the faith of the trustworthy Christian leaders in your life who have definitely been changed by Him. Thank Him that the same Jesus is at work in your heart.

Do: Pick one or two people you would consider Chirstian role models in your life and ask them how they trust God and how their faith in Christ has changed them over time.

A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Facts, Quotes and Shots
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FORGETTABLE FACT

Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots.

POTENT QUOTABLES

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
~ Proverbs 16:9

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
~ Mohandis Ghandi

PARTING SHOT

Q: What do you call a dinosaur that wears a cowboy hat and boots?
A: Tyrannosaurus Tex

EYouthWNY store

This is a way for us to show everyone our involvement in our church and to help support all the youth ministries. The money raised by the stuff at our store is used by Youth Commission to help make camps, and Happening, and mission trips and the Bishop's Ball a little bit better. If you haven't checked out what's available recently please do.

2010 camp t shirt t shirt
Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

*All "surf report" internet links and "potent quotables" are provided for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement by Youth Specialties or the Diocese of WNY.

copyright 2009 :: Youth Specialties
300 S. Pierce St. // El Cajon, CA 92020

Youth Newsletter May 17

2010-05-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great Youth Commission meeting yesterday at LCLC. You missed a great day to wander around one of our camps in the sun. Plus some more very interesting ideas keep bubbling up as we move towards summer time.

Camp remains high on everyone's priorities. Senior High is looking better but we still need to get those Junior High and Sleep Away registrations started. It's never too early to get in your application (don't worry if you can't get everything done right now. Just the application is a great start) plus don't forget there are only 30 slots available at Junior High this summer. First come first served! (All the info you need is at www.eyouthwny.org)

Don't forget the VERY IMPORTANT NEWS!!!!!
Date for Junior High camp has changed!!!!!!!
Junior High Camp is August 8-14

Other Events on the Calendar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Commission -

Happening #27 -

November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)

Camp Dates -

Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21

Check for camp applications HERE

Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!

Something for your Heart

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." (Hebrews 11:7)

Imagine how hard it would have been for him to accept the idea of a worldwide flood, of an enormous shipload of animals adrift, of all the destruction and death. His act of faith in building that vessel seems far greater than mine in believing it happened.

The words "by faith" show up three times in this verse. Noah's belief showed up in what he did, in how he obeyed. Noah's faith saved his family -- and revealed the faithlessness of everyone else who chose instead to do what was right in their own eyes.

Think: What hard thing is God asking you to trust Him and do even though you can't yet see how it will work out?

Pray: Ask God to help you to have the kind of faith Noah had, the kind that obeys even if you don't understand all the hows and why's.

Do: Choose some specific command of God to you from His Word to obey in your life today, maybe something you've been putting off.
2. SURF REPORT
Movie review of Letters to Juliet [Christianity Today]

Movie review of Robin Hood [Christianity Today]

FORGETTABLE FACT
The bark of an older redwood tree is fireproof.

QUOTABLES
A clever man commits no minor blunders.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

But then, shall I never get any older than I am now? That'll be a comfort, one way -- never to be an old woman -- but then -- always to have lessons to learn!
- Alice from Alice in Wonderland

The Funnies

What do you get if you cross an elephant and a kangaroo?
(Answer after the ad!)

*************************************************

EYouthWNY Store

This is a way for us to show everyone our involvement in our church and to help support all the youth ministries. The money raised by the stuff at our store is used by Youth Commission to help make camps, and Happening, and mission trips and the Bishop's Ball a little bit better. If you haven't checked out what's available recently please do.

2010 camp t shirt t shirt
Get the 2010 camp t-shirt for only $10. If you'd like to get something else with the camp logo on it let me know and I'll try to arrange for it!

The EYouthWNY store

Big holes all over Australia!

Have a great week!
Peace
Jay

Camp update!

2010-05-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

So here we go again....

That's right the camp numbers are way low. People keep promising to get their paperwork in and yet....

We got next to nothin' right now. For any of the camps.

No we're not panicking but let's get this straightened out right away.

Every congregation in the diocese has received a packet with applications in it. Ask your priest, your parish secretary, the warden, your Sunday school teacher, youth group leader about where they are. If they can't find them then go to:

Camp Page at the Diocesan Youth Ministry web page (www.eyouthwny.org). From there you can either download the application (in pdf form) or use the online application. The online application takes less than 2 minutes to fill out and you will get everything else you need mailed to you.

Either way you can get yourself registered for camp.

Which would be good.

Really, really good.

Peace.

And we're back again

2010-05-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

After a great break for sabbatical (which I chronicled on my personal blog) I am back. I feel great and rested and centered in a way I haven't been in a long time. The subject of sabbatical was on personal prayer. I've got a wide variety of thoughts on the subject that relate to both youth and adults. If you have an interest or there might be an interest at your parish please feel free to give me a call.

In the meantime it's time to be thinking about camp! Haven't checked to see how we're doing but I can tell you I'd like to see MORE applications rolling in! Don't wait!

Get in touch if you have any questions.

eyouthwny

Happy New Year!

Looking for a challenge in 2012?

General Convention Official Youth Presence

EYE Videos and the Overnight with the Bishop!

September 12 Newsletter

Think About this!

Camp Photo albums are up!

Newsletter August 1

A Retreat for Adults Working with Adults

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

After a busy time!

Senior High Conference Day Five

Senior High Conference 2011

Senior High Conference Day Four!

EYE coverage from Episcopal News Service

Senior High Conference Videos

Senior High Conference Day Three!

Senior High Conference Day Two

Senior High Conference Day One

Newsletter June 13 - Father's Day Edition

Senior High is In Danger!!!!

Our new bishop!

April Youth Commission minutes

Consecration Overnight Countdown!

Newsletter March 28

Help create the future for Happening!

Consecration Overnight - The Beginning of a New Dance

The First Steps of the New Dance

Will you be my valentine?

Camp Applications are here!

The Difference between "I Don't Like It" and "It Sucks"

Events and Applications!

Youth News 2011!

A Brand New Look

The Christmas Story Video

Faith and the Buffalo Bills

On the Election of a new bishop

Stair Dance

Checking in From Home

Meet the bishop candidates, EYE and more!

Episcopal Youth Event - Adult applications are ready

We Need Your Opinion!

Meet Your Presiding Bishop!

DeVeaux Scholarships

Big News about Camp!

Big News Coming Soon!

Resource Review - Economy of Love

Newsletter - It Can't Be the End of August Already, Can It?

Good News/Bad News

Candidates for Bishop of WNY

August 2 Newsletter

Newsletter July 26

July 12 Newsletter

Back to...Real Life?

Senior High Report July 1

Senior High Report June 28

Day Three at Senior High

Day Two at Senior High

Senior High - Director's report

Day One at Senior High Conference!

Newsletter June 21

Newsletter Jun 14

Diocesan Convention Youth Delegation

Fun Youth Ministry Video

Newsletter Jun 7

Journeys is here!

EYouthWNY newsletter May 25

Youth Newsletter May 17

Camp update!

And we're back again

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