DAYA Enews - May Article

This is the complete article that appeared in the DAYA Connector - the official enewsletter of the Diocese of Atlanta Young Adults.

A New Community by Charles Shipp
May Enewsletter

When I was in high school, one of my friends told me to be sure to find a church when I went to college because having that community was so important during turbulent times. That advice stuck with me, and after I moved from Memphis to Auburn—seven hours away from home—I quickly realized how true it was. I found a church there, and that community really helped me get through college and grad school.

When I graduated and moved to Atlanta, I had to leave that support group. I felt a little lost—Atlanta is a huge city and I hardly knew anyone here. I found myself thinking “Where do I start? How do I start from scratch and find a new group of friends?”

About a week after I moved in, I got a message on Facebook from a fellow Episcopalian welcoming me to the city. Granted, I was a little weirded out by this. How did this person find me and know I had just moved here? But, I did feel welcome. Then, two days later, I got another email, this time from another Episcopalian about my age. By this point I was thinking there was some covert Episcopal spy network hunting me. Anyway, she told me she was Episcopalian and invited me to church the next Sunday. (God sometimes has a blunt way of getting through to people.) So, I went.

She invited me to meet a group of young adults for lunch after church, and presto: within a week of moving in, I had met about ten Episcopal young adults. It was amazing—instant community. I now had a lifeline in this incredibly big city. Those young adults from across the diocese are now my best friends in Atlanta.

Spring is a big time for moving. School is out, people are coming home for summer, graduating and finding a job. Wherever you end up, reach out and find a group. I know it helped me get my bearings here in Atlanta. The church is such an easy way to get rooted in a new place, be it Atlanta or somewhere else. Atlanta, and much of North Georgia, is full of 20s and 30s, and the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta has some of the best young adult ministries in the country, both in our parishes and at the diocesan level. If you’re moving into the diocese, across the diocese, or to a neighboring diocese, DAYA is a great place to get hooked into to your new community and find some fantastic new friends. Check out the website at www.dofaya.org for information on how to get involved in diocese-wide events, and for links to individual parish young adult groups.

Peace in Christ,

Charles Shipp

DAYA Enews - March Article

This is the complete article that appeared in the DAYA Connector - the official enewsletter of the Diocese of Atlanta Young Adults.

Don't Call it a Retreat:
A Reflection on the Vocare Experience by Sarah Jordan
March Enewsletter

What does “vocare” mean? Sure, it’s Latin for “to call,” but what does it really mean? As a pilgrim at DOG/DOA Vocare #3, I discovered that Vocare is about discovering who I am meant to be through God’s eyes. I went to a weekend filled with uncertainty and found a loving community who accepted me- flaws and all- and helped guide me through my journey. I learned to rely on God for insecurities that I didn’t even know I had. I found love, acceptance, and clarity all through what- at the time- seemed like goofing off with a bunch of wackos.

I wasn’t expecting to find genuine friends who I would so quickly call “family.” My biggest struggle going into the weekend was a lack of community; I had recently been severely betrayed by those around me and felt weary of everyone. I know God had me attend this weekend to meet them and fill my heart with love and trust again. Even now after Vocare is over, I talk with my new friends daily and rely on them for strength in God’s word. I truly feel like I’ve been adopted into a new family and feel completely blessed to know such strong ties formed through the love of Christ.

As for my fellow pilgrims, many struggled with insecurities about their future. Which path should they go down? Can’t God give them a clear sign? What should they do in the meantime waiting for an answer? I am extremely blessed to know my calling, but others who struggled found peace through the weekend. Slowing down and praying about God’s will helped guide them to trust God into sharing His plan when the time is right.

This sounds intense- I know- but it wasn’t until I began reflecting upon my weekend once I returned home that I discovered these things. While I was there, I thought that I was having a fun time with a group of cool people who just happened to be sitting around having deep conversations. It’s hard to explain what Vocare is because it must be experienced for oneself. I do know, however, that Vocare will be a milestone in my continuing spiritual journey. Don’t call it a weekend. Don’t call it a retreat. Call it an experience. And it’s one I will treasure in my heart always.