Senior High Conference Day Three!

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

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

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

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!!!!

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.

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!

 Check out the video from this amazing day!



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

April Youth Commission minutes

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!

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

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!

“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

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)

Register HERE

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