Showing posts with label Newsletter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newsletter. Show all posts

Monday, February 4, 2013

Weekly Update - Bishop's Ball photos


What a great time we had this year at the Bishop's Ball.  The weather was not real nice and kept some folks away.  But we had 39 young people get together and dance and play games and just have a good time.  Check out the photos HERE
  
Camp applications can now be downloaded on the diocesan youth web page (www.EYouthWNY.org) Check the Camp page or Download page.  Don't miss the Early Bird registration discount.  Get your application AND deposit in by March 1 and save $15!

Happening Weekend #31 still needs team members.  You have to the end of this week to get your application in.  Applications can be downloaded on the web page.

Monday, October 1, 2012

This week's newsletter!

Don't forget you can receive this news (plus a lot more!) each week as an e-mail.  Just subscribe using the links at the top of the page on www.eyouthwny.org.


Do not miss out on the great fall youth events!  Get signed up today.
  
Next weekend is Journeys for grades 6-8.  This is a great weekend of fun and a chance to get together with friends you made at camp!  Tired of school and the same old routine?  Here's a weekend getaway.  Don't miss out.  We'll be at St. Mark's Orchard Park.  Cost is only $30 and applications are available at the website eyouthwny.org.  Go to the Downloads page!  Come join us!

Happening weekend #30 is also coming up.  We need to have 12 candidates applications in hand by next Saturday.  We are short of that right now.  This Saturday is a HARD DEADLINE!  If we don't hit 12 by then the weekend will be postponed.  Please get your applications in ASAP.  You can e-mail them to me at eyouthwny@gmail.com or fax them (716)483-6406.  If you get it in the mail by Wednesday you should be fine.  

You've probably heard lots of people talk about this weekend away.  It is a lot of fun, music, games, and a faith experience that is really aimed at you.  How do we do it?  Simple, we leave young people in charge.  A great team is waiting for young people looking for a profound and fun weekend retreat.  If you're a Happener already urge your friends to come.  The applications are available at eyouthwny.org as well.

Our new text message service is up and running but you need to enroll in it to get the messages.  At the moment we have exactly ONE person signed up!  Details are available below and at our Facebook page or get in touch with me and I'll help you get set up (But it's REALLY easy!).
  What really is exciting is that you can decide if you want to receive the reminders as a text or an e-mail.  

We've done that by setting up groups for the youth based on your graduating class plus a separate one for adults.

Signs ups are done by either texting or e-mailing.  If you want to receive texts send a text, want e-mails send an e-mail. 

You'll need a code to sign up.  Codes are available at our EYouthWNY Facebook page or get in contact with me.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND CALENDAR
October 5-7 - Journeys #3
October 12-13 - Happening Team Overnight
October 14 - Youth Convention Delegation Meeting
October 21 - Youth Commission
October 26-27 - Diocesan Convention
November 1-4 - Happening #30
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Monday, January 30, 2012

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  


Monday, January 9, 2012

Happy New Year!

 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.

Monday, September 12, 2011

September 12 Newsletter

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...
...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:




Monday, September 5, 2011

Think About this!


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

Monday, August 1, 2011

Newsletter August 1

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.

Monday, July 11, 2011

After a busy time!

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


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

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

Monday, June 13, 2011

Newsletter June 13 - Father's Day Edition

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

Monday, April 11, 2011

Consecration Overnight Countdown!


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)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Newsletter March 28

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Will you be my valentine?


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

Monday, February 7, 2011

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

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

Monday, January 10, 2011

Events and Applications!

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

Monday, January 3, 2011

Youth News 2011!

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!


Main Hall at DMC - click for larger imageNew Entrance - click on image for larger version

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.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Faith and the Buffalo Bills

"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

Monday, November 22, 2010

On the Election of a new bishop

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

Monday, October 25, 2010

Meet the bishop candidates, EYE and more!


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.