It is often said in church circles that “young people are the future of the church.” In the dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, we believe that young people are the church now. We seek to provide quality programming that is accessible and valuable to youth from each of our congregations.
Junior and Senior High Spring Retreats
The partnership dioceses will hold a spring retreat weekend for youth in both junior high (grades 6-8) and senior high (grades 9-12) from May 10 to 11, with the option of staying through May 12. The retreat will be held at the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center in Bemus Point, New York and costs $60 to attend. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 10 and conclude May 11 at 7:30 p.m., with optional additional programming that will conclude May 12 at 1 p.m.
The junior high retreat will be modeled on Journeys, a program developed by members of Western New York about 10 years ago. The program is based on the understanding that we are all on a spiritual journey, and that in all journeys, there are choices, bumps, smooth passages, dead ends, and unexpected surprises.
The senior high retreat will build on Journeys and focus on living our lives in Christ. What does that look like for youth and young adults in the church and in the world?
Please email Missioner for Children and Youth Wendy Schumacher with questions.
GC81 Official Youth Presence
Applications are now closed for the Official Youth Presence at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church, scheduled for June 23 to 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of the Official Youth Presence have seat and voice on the floor of the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings both before and during General Convention. Up to two youth from each Episcopal Church province will be selected.
Applicants had to be 16-19 years old and enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Young Adult Service Corps
Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) are now closed. YASC asks Episcopalians ages 21-35 to consider a year of mission service as their “next faithful step.”
Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)
EYE is the triennial gathering of young people and their sponsors from every diocese of the Episcopal Church. It is a celebration to inspire deeper faith in Jesus Christ and a renewed commitment to mission and ministry. It is the single largest youth event in the Episcopal Church, attended by some 1500 young people, adult sponsors, bishops, staff, and resource people. EYE is an opportunity to meet other young people from around the world and experience the church on a global level. The next EYE is slated for 2026.
Summer camp 2024
The Partnership Dioceses will hold summer camp sessions in June and August. All students finishing grades 2 through 12, from both dioceses, are welcome at both camps. Learn more.
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