The theme for this year's meeting of Bay of Quinte Conference was The Tree of Life, and our moderator, Mardi Tindal upheld "caring for Creation" in a series of related addresses. Still, the conference looked a bit like the petrified forest with far too many of us oldsters on hand. The delegates to conference are aging without younger people replacing them. Except, that is, for a steadily growing teen contingent which this year numbered close to seventy. This aspect of conference has revived, in no small part due to Rev. Cathy Russell who was formerly part of our St. Paul's staff. Cathy was involved, as was Laura, our current youth worker.
It was these young adults who were the "new shoots from old roots" this year. They were fearless in challenging plans to reduce conference staffing for youth and they convinced the court to add a youth delegate to the conference executive. They trooped to the microphones to make their feelings known and while they were a bit brash at times isn't that what youth is for? I loved seeing our four teen participants and they graciously came and sat with me from time to time. They really are like family members.
I doubt that I would have been as brave and outgoing at the same age. Does it encourage you to hear that our young people are willing to participate at this level of church governance? Surprise you?
8 comments:
The Youth present this weekend in Lindsay were an amazing,diverse compassionate,concerned and energetic bunch.
They love being in community with like-minded friends, but they are also understanding that to walk their faith they have to figure out the processes that will allow them to affect change.
I am surprised that so many of them enjoy the "court time" as much as they do,(it can be a tad tedious) amidst the other more fun/social activities of youth forum, but as they grow to understand the governance of their church they see ways to change. I was amazed after one especailly long session that a young boy, grade 7, turned to me, his eyes sparkling and said "I loved that, that was just great." I note that many of these kids are involved in Ontario Youth Parliament as well, and of the graduating group this year many are hoping for careers in politics,social justice and even the ministry.
Mardi Tindall, our moderator, really inspired this group by acknowledging that they are not just the future of the church, they are the present.
I believe, young and old, we all live out our faith in different ways. Some choose a quieter, less public role of ongoing compassionate living to change the world, and others, like the 70 that gathered at Youth Forum this weekend use the energy of their youth, and community to change structures and procedures to change the world. Thanks be to God!
The weekend spent with such positive young, Christian energy was nothing short of hope-filled! The kids now have found their voice, a vote on executive council...the work truly begins! (and our very own Jonathan M.was integral in presenting this motion and speaking it into a reality, and his peers have chosen him, to be that representative on Executive Council...Go Jon!)
Good to hear. It doesn't surprise me, knowing the youth we have and the roots that they have. It all begins with roots, and we have given them that at St. Paul's. Using the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child", that is clearly evident in our youth. Congratulations to all who have played a part.
At Saskatchewan Conference two weekends ago, we had about 20 youth (which is an increase), and six young adults who were their leaders for the weekend. They spoke at the mics, they led a coffee house, they brought forward a proposal, and they led a flash mob at our Service of Praise. It was a wonderful weekend, with a very positive and energetic presence from our young people.
I think it is a great idea to have a young person present on Conference Executive. Good luck to Jon in that role!
Any youth from St. Paul's going to Rendezvous this summer. Look for Jeff!
Certainly sounds encouraging. Go, team!
I was hoping that you might share your experience Laura. I appreciate all your comments -- it is important for us to know that there is a positive outcome to nurturing these young people in our local congregations.
Good to hear about the Sask Conference experience as well.
Brings a lump to my throat.
Good for them to speak up and be heard. I was brought up in a children are to be seen and not heard enviroment. Now people my age are the minority at church.
I've often thought of the proverb "better to be silent and thought a fool that to speak and remove the doubt", but now I'm thinking "If you don't ask you will never get"
I had a wonderful time at conference and am not only pleased with the performances of the other youth there but with the overwhelmingly positive response from the adults both there and at home. I was worried about it when I sent the amendment forward but everyone (including the most vocal opponent of my ammendment) has beenvery supportive.
Thanks for adding your comments Jonathan!
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