I just returned from the Young Adult Festival at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and I have to share how much the opportunity to represent Emmanuel Parish and the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta meant to me.
This five-day festival was held in conjunction with the General Convention to offer young adults from around the globe opportunity for fellowship, workshops and worship. It also provided opportunity for the young adult ministry of the church to be readily seen and appreciated by both Deputies and Bishops at the General Convention.
For me, it was an opportunity to learn from other young adults around the world what works best in their ministry to this vital and important part of our church, both globally and in our local parishes. In addition, the workshops offered as part of the festival offered an enriching variety of experiences in worship, formation and community.
The opening reception of the festival was a wonderful event where I had opportunity to meet young men and women from around the globe. I was fascinated with a young lady from Haiti who spoke with me about the challenges of poverty and violence in her country, and my heart sank as she shared the plight of so many of our fellow Christians struggling to survive that poverty and violence. My conversation with several young women from Scotland was cheerful and happy as they described their adventures in the United States. I was happy to meet my roommate for the festival, who also served on the design team, during the evening’s event. It was a marvelous start to what would be a very moving and engaging five days.
Each day many of us would gather for breakfast and then shuttle to General Convention. I spent most mornings observing legislative committees, the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops as they deliberated on the life of the church. The polity of the church is truly amazing, and clearly is founded in the same democratic ideals as those of our national life. Everyone who spoke did so with great passion and earnestness, and at times the emotion of a speaker stirred my own emotions. This was especially true when speakers shared their most intimate life experiences in support or opposition of a particular issue. It was difficult to avoid tears when several at the microphone began to cry as they spoke with great passion about the matter at hand. This was especially true of the matter regarding the inclusion of all the Baptized in the full life of the church.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the festival had to be the workshops held most days.
The first workshop I attended was entitled “Community Expressions” which centered on the unique ways in which local customs and practices are incorporated into worship. The workshop presented a variety of ethnic musical traditions from South Africa and some liturgical traditions from Japan. It was a fascinating and enjoyable time. I then attended the workshop entitled “Meditation: Beyond OM” which offered a brief discussion regarding the role of meditation in prayer and spirituality. This workshop used the Labyrinth as the example of meditative prayer, and I had hoped for a deeper discussion of other meditative practices.
Saturday’s first workshop perhaps took me out of my comfort zone the most. It was entitled “Don’t Just Sit There! Body Prayer” and was entirely about liturgical dance. Now you may not know me, but I’m a very tall, stout guy who has good dexterity, but I’m definitely not a dancer. This workshop was for me one of the most intimidating experiences, but also proved to be one of the most enjoyable. We learned to use dance to enhance the liturgy; yes, it sounds odd, but it really worked. I could see the value of this immersive form of worship, especially for younger people and children. The next workshop was much more in my comfort zone and was entitled “Prayer Beads: More than a Pretty Necklace.” This workshop offered a primer on the use of prayer beads for centering prayer, and then each participant had opportunity to make a set of prayer beads for personal use. It was tactile, engaging and wonderfully relaxing to assemble my first set of prayer beads. I loved it!
On Saturday evening I had opportunity to attend a special event entitled “Simple Dinner” in which the concept of sustainable farming was presented in a very meaningful and relevant manner. The use of local produce and meat in our meal that evening was the start to an engaging and encouraging presentation about the need for us as Christians to ensure that our environment is well cared for by society, and on a more personal level how the earth can provide for each of us the nourishment and sustenance that we need through our own hands. I believe very strongly in good stewardship of the earth and its’ resources, and this presentation really reinforced the need for this to be one of the focuses of the church.
The most moving experience for me had to be the worship.
At many of the Eucharistic services during the General Convention, I had opportunity to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. This is a ministry in which I serve at my own parish, and I was happy to do so during the General Convention. It was a blessed moment when during my serving of the Host at one of the Eucharistic services, I communicated my own Bishop Neil Alexander. I've never been so moved by the Holy Spirit as I was during Sunday's Eucharistic service, and my emotions overwhelmed me after taking communion. Being fully present in that moment and knowing that with us thousands upon thousands of fellow Christians were doing the same act of worship brought tears to my eyes. To think that each of us are one in the past, present and future when we partake of the Eucharist was overwhelming. What a gift from God! I haven't cried like that since my Mother passed away.
It's always a blessing to be in the body of Christ, and this experience was no different. Being with young men and women from around the world this last week was a joyful, engaging and exciting experience. Participating in the various workshops was great, and seeing the polity of the Episcopal Church in action was amazing. Truly the Holy Spirit moves in this body as the center of every action appeared to be centered on our love for one another and Christ's love in the world.
In all that I experienced at the General Convention, I realized ever more fully how blessed I am to be part of the Emmanuel Parish family. Everyone in my parish are blessings to me, and my unbounded joy at knowing them inspires me to greater service to my parish, my church and my God. I will carry my flame and share it brightly with all those around me, that they may experience the love of Christ through me.
I know that the love of Christ is indeed for all people in all of time, past, present and future.
General Convention and the Young Adults Festival was another opportunity to enhance my own ministry with young adults in Emmanuel Parish. The experience offered me a greater understanding of the importance of this vital ministry to the church, my diocese and my parish. As I shared my time with so many other young adults one thing became clear: each of us brings to our ministries and our lives a passion to share Christ with others and in doing so to bring His kingdom into being for us now through community and love for one another.
Brian Paul Freese is a parishioner at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia. He serves as the lay coordinator for the young adults ministry, called E2YA, as well as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Adult Acolyte.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
DAYA Enews -August 2009 Article
Reflections From Our Pilgrimage
“New York City? Did you say New York City? For a pilgrimage? … I’m in.” As a relatively new member of the Episcopal Church, received in October, I have been eager to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the church and to meet other young adults who share my faith. The New York pilgrimage met both of those goals plus a lot of fun and an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Lauren Woody did an amazing job organizing the trip to allow for a good mix of sightseeing, service to others, spiritual growth, two performances, and even an entire day of connecting with several departments at 815 Second Avenue including an hour and book signing with the Presiding Bishop Katherine.
Wednesday was my favorite day. Lauren, Elizabeth, David, Tiffany, and I all went for an unexpected subway tour of the Bronx after we missed our stop. Later that we morning, we strolled through the amazing park surrounding The Cloisters, which is a primarily religious art and architecture museum own by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After lunch, we traveled to the actual Met. Lauren had scheduled for us each to have audio tours at both museums so while we stayed together as a group, we were also each able to take our time and select the exhibits most meaningful to us as individuals. I particularly enjoyed the American art wing at the Met.
This relaxing time surrounded by history represented in so many beautiful things allowed me to process all of the meetings at 815 Second Avenue the day before. As I studied the different and similar ways civilizations have understood their world and worshiped their gods throughout the centuries, I felt more able to connect my experiences and my understanding while glimpsing the very small role my life plays in humanity’s tapestry. To top the day off, we worshiped at Smokey Mary’s for 12:15 p.m. Eucharist and ate lunch with a couple of the congregation members. This break in the day allowed me to re-center on the purpose of pilgrimage and further connect my faith and the modern Episcopalian order of worship to centuries of church worship.
For all of you were unable to join us, you missed not only one of the best deals on travel for the season, but an amazing time learning about American and Episcopal Church history and yourself. Most importantly, you missed a wonderful opportunity to connect with some amazing young adults in the Diocese of Atlanta and with the community of New York’s Manhattan. Please consider the DAYA trip opportunity next year even though I doubt Broadway’s Lion King and an opera called Shakespeare Comes to America will be on the agenda. ;-)
-Alayna Price
“New York City? Did you say New York City? For a pilgrimage? … I’m in.” As a relatively new member of the Episcopal Church, received in October, I have been eager to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the church and to meet other young adults who share my faith. The New York pilgrimage met both of those goals plus a lot of fun and an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Lauren Woody did an amazing job organizing the trip to allow for a good mix of sightseeing, service to others, spiritual growth, two performances, and even an entire day of connecting with several departments at 815 Second Avenue including an hour and book signing with the Presiding Bishop Katherine.
Wednesday was my favorite day. Lauren, Elizabeth, David, Tiffany, and I all went for an unexpected subway tour of the Bronx after we missed our stop. Later that we morning, we strolled through the amazing park surrounding The Cloisters, which is a primarily religious art and architecture museum own by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After lunch, we traveled to the actual Met. Lauren had scheduled for us each to have audio tours at both museums so while we stayed together as a group, we were also each able to take our time and select the exhibits most meaningful to us as individuals. I particularly enjoyed the American art wing at the Met.
This relaxing time surrounded by history represented in so many beautiful things allowed me to process all of the meetings at 815 Second Avenue the day before. As I studied the different and similar ways civilizations have understood their world and worshiped their gods throughout the centuries, I felt more able to connect my experiences and my understanding while glimpsing the very small role my life plays in humanity’s tapestry. To top the day off, we worshiped at Smokey Mary’s for 12:15 p.m. Eucharist and ate lunch with a couple of the congregation members. This break in the day allowed me to re-center on the purpose of pilgrimage and further connect my faith and the modern Episcopalian order of worship to centuries of church worship.
For all of you were unable to join us, you missed not only one of the best deals on travel for the season, but an amazing time learning about American and Episcopal Church history and yourself. Most importantly, you missed a wonderful opportunity to connect with some amazing young adults in the Diocese of Atlanta and with the community of New York’s Manhattan. Please consider the DAYA trip opportunity next year even though I doubt Broadway’s Lion King and an opera called Shakespeare Comes to America will be on the agenda. ;-)
-Alayna Price
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
DAYA ENews -June 2009 Article
New York City Here We Come
by Lauren Woody
Getting ready for our pilgrimage to New York City this month has left me with mixed emotions. I am the kind of person who loves to plan things, so that is a really exciting part of the trip for me. I have gathered ideas from many different people on fun activities and ways to engage everyone in learning more about the Episcopal Church and how we interact with the world around us. I think we have come up with a list of wonderful things that will help us move into a closer relationship with God, while cherishing the community that will help us get there. I can’t wait to see how the people around me react to visiting with the Presiding Bishop, touring the first Episcopal Seminary, climbing the spire at a Cathedral, or seeing a Broadway play.
Among the participants going, more than half have never been to New York. I think being there when they see Times Square or the Statue of Liberty for the first time will be such a gift. I have not been back to New York since 9/11, so I will get to share in the awe and sadness of one of the greatest tragedies of modern times. I am a little nervous as to how I will react. We are taking a self guided audio tour that was put together by people meeting in Trinity Wall St. the day the towers fell. I have listened to it already and I cried when I heard the stories of crane workers, firemen, and family members of the deceased. I wonder where I will see God in the experience of being at this hallowed site.
I have had life changing experiences every time I have been on a trip like this and I expect this trip to be no different. I pray that I have the patience and the wisdom to be present, silent and still in a place so inundated with noise and hurry. I hope that I can open myself up to the presence of God and I can be present with the other people sharing this with me. I hope I can come home and incorporate the things I learn on this trip into my everyday life. I hope it will open my eyes to the wonderful things the Episcopal Church is doing to radically change the world around us. If only some of these hopes get realized it will be a successful pilgrimage. Wish us godspeed.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
DAYA Enews- May 2009 Article
The Great 50 Days of Easter
by Tiffany Hatfield
Okay, so now I may have lost some of you as I let a bit of my nerdy side show through. I admit it, I love Lord of the Rings (LOTR). In fact, I booked my flight home from college one year so I could go directly from the airport to a midnight showing of The Return of the King. Bear with me though, even if you’re not a huge fan or haven’t seen the movies.
For last month’s Theological Brew, our Diocesan Coordinator, Lauren Woody had the ingenious idea to create a version of Stations of the Cross using movie clips—from Shawshank Redemption, Simon Burch, Cinderella, Chicago, and more—to tell the story of Jesus’ final hours. Lauren chose a clip from LOTR of the reaction of the characters to the heroic, sacrificial death of Gandalf the Grey to illustrate the despair that was surely felt by the disciples after Jesus died. She also chose a clip where Gandalf returns from apparent death in a glow of bright light—the same and yet remarkably different— to show the shocking nature of Jesus’ return to earth after three days.
As most people who sat through all 558 minutes (of the theatrical version) of those movies would tell you, after you’ve seen the heart-wrenching agony this band of brothers felt upon losing their leader, the reappearance of Gandalf is a sight for sore eyes. Even in a time of peril and uncertainty, there is such joy, such relief, such hope upon his return that your heart can’t help but leap a little in your chest. He’s back! The same, only different! So much like our own Savior! How awesome is that?!
Sometimes, it is easy to think, “Okay, Easter’s over, now back to normal.” Our “normal” is entirely new though. In this Great Eastertide, I keep pondering what a great thing it is that He’s back, that Jesus is raised from the dead. I think that each time we really, truly allow ourselves to experience the power of God breaking through the darkness, through the silence, through our walls and barriers and bodily shells, we come out all the better for it. We see the world in a new way. We encounter others in a new way. We are the same, only different. Like our old selves, only better… and it is truly awesome.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Young Adult Pilgrimage Announcement and Information
“As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow.” A.C. Benson
Pilgrimage has always been a strange word to me. I have always thought that life itself was a pilgrimage, and it is, but I have recently begun to understand the very spiritual nature of being intentional about a trip somewhere. Wikipedia defines a pilgrimage as “a long journey or search of great moral significance.” Great Moral Significance.
When I first started planning for the Young Adult Pilgrimage coming up in June, I sat with that statement for a while. We decided that going to New York, to the headquarters of The Episcopal Church, would be a great way to get to know how we fit into a larger picture.
We asked for an audience with the Presiding Bishop because we thought it would be a great way to understand what The Episcopal Church wants from us and what it is doing for us. We want an opportunity to show her who we are and why we are so important to the life of the church. We also think that having an opportunity to explore our cultural and religious history and its significance in the way the church interacts with the community is important. And our last goal is to try to get a better understanding of what the church does in times of crisis, like our relief work after 9/11. I think all this plays in to the exact definition of a pilgrimage, a “search of great moral significance.”
I never really understood the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage until I went on a trip to Quito, Ecuador, in South America. I never thought that a “vacation” could change my life in the way that trip has.
By going with a group of people who were also there trying to have a life-changing experience, I was able to transform what could have been any other trip with something that opened my eyes to the love and grace that Jesus left when he died on the cross. I was given the language to put my spirituality into words. Having people around you who are searching for a deeper relationship with God is essential to the spiritual growth of any person.
Pilgrimage has always been a strange word to me. I have always thought that life itself was a pilgrimage, and it is, but I have recently begun to understand the very spiritual nature of being intentional about a trip somewhere. Wikipedia defines a pilgrimage as “a long journey or search of great moral significance.” Great Moral Significance.
When I first started planning for the Young Adult Pilgrimage coming up in June, I sat with that statement for a while. We decided that going to New York, to the headquarters of The Episcopal Church, would be a great way to get to know how we fit into a larger picture.
We asked for an audience with the Presiding Bishop because we thought it would be a great way to understand what The Episcopal Church wants from us and what it is doing for us. We want an opportunity to show her who we are and why we are so important to the life of the church. We also think that having an opportunity to explore our cultural and religious history and its significance in the way the church interacts with the community is important. And our last goal is to try to get a better understanding of what the church does in times of crisis, like our relief work after 9/11. I think all this plays in to the exact definition of a pilgrimage, a “search of great moral significance.”
I never really understood the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage until I went on a trip to Quito, Ecuador, in South America. I never thought that a “vacation” could change my life in the way that trip has.
By going with a group of people who were also there trying to have a life-changing experience, I was able to transform what could have been any other trip with something that opened my eyes to the love and grace that Jesus left when he died on the cross. I was given the language to put my spirituality into words. Having people around you who are searching for a deeper relationship with God is essential to the spiritual growth of any person.
Here’s what we are planning:
- Leave June 20 and return on June 27
- The cost will be $1100 for an entire week in New York City, which includes flights, lodging, activities, and transportation while we are there.
- The activities, which are subject to change at any time and are included in that price, are:
--visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, The Episcopal Church offices, Trinity Wall Street (one of the first Episcopal churches ever built)
--tours of General Seminary (the first Episcopal seminary), The Cathedral of St John the Divine including a spire climb, Ground Zero and St. Paul's Chapel (where most of the 9/11 relief was housed)
--a day of mission work
--a Broadway show and a show at St. Mary's put on by the Episcopal Actors Guild; and
--A MEETING WITH THE PRESIDING BISHOP!!
The only thing not included in this price is your food. You will be required to bring extra money to cover that. I suggest you budget $50 a day, which is $350, but you can eat for cheaper than that if you try.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due by April 10. An additional $300 is due on May 8, and a $300 payment on June 5.
I hope you will consider joining us for this meaningful trip of discovery to learn who we were, who we are, and who we want to be as Americans, Christians, and Episcopalians.
Lauren Woody
Young Adults Coordinator for the Diocese of Atlanta
For more information or to register, please contact Lauren Woody at lwoody@episcopalatlanta.org.
March 2009 Article
A Lenten Reflection
by Michael Asmussen
Well, it is that time of the year again. We are now halfway through the time when we give something up or take something on for the 40 days of Lent (well, really more than 40 days, as you are allowed to indulge on Sundays). Growing up I would typically give up something that I had so rarely that I really wouldn’t miss it for those 40 days (like Dairy Queen blizzards). In fact, I got to be pretty good at picking something so specific that I really didn’t have to change my lifestyle. Obviously it was easy for me, but now I feel as if I was really missing the point (although, as a little kid, I think missing the point now and then really isn’t that big of a deal).
In recent years I have taken to giving up candy and ice cream for Lent, which is difficult, because I am a HUGE fan of some of the Easter candy. (Especially Cadbury mini eggs-- in fact, I have been munching on a few while writing this). I figured that these things would be simple enough to give up, and really didn’t think they would be that hard. But the first time I decided to give up candy and ice cream for Lent I really struggled. I would often wrap up work doing groundwater sampling at a gas station, and an ice cream bar or milk shake really would’ve hit the spot. Somehow I managed to restrain myself, and in the process I felt as if, in a strange way, my faith had been strengthened.
Something that I have not tried myself is the idea of taking on something for Lent. As strange as it might seem, for those of us who feel like we have too much going on, or maybe for those that find it too hard to give something up, taking something on might be the better fit. It can be something like trying to exercise more, eat healthier, make an attempt to make a difference in somebody else’s life, or even something as simple as making the effort to take time out of each day to clear your head and re-focus.
If you haven’t started a Lenten discipline yet, it isn’t too late to start. We still have half of Lent left, so whether you decided to give something up or take on something, take the opportunity to step back and think about the promise of Easter that comes at the end.
by Michael Asmussen
Well, it is that time of the year again. We are now halfway through the time when we give something up or take something on for the 40 days of Lent (well, really more than 40 days, as you are allowed to indulge on Sundays). Growing up I would typically give up something that I had so rarely that I really wouldn’t miss it for those 40 days (like Dairy Queen blizzards). In fact, I got to be pretty good at picking something so specific that I really didn’t have to change my lifestyle. Obviously it was easy for me, but now I feel as if I was really missing the point (although, as a little kid, I think missing the point now and then really isn’t that big of a deal).
In recent years I have taken to giving up candy and ice cream for Lent, which is difficult, because I am a HUGE fan of some of the Easter candy. (Especially Cadbury mini eggs-- in fact, I have been munching on a few while writing this). I figured that these things would be simple enough to give up, and really didn’t think they would be that hard. But the first time I decided to give up candy and ice cream for Lent I really struggled. I would often wrap up work doing groundwater sampling at a gas station, and an ice cream bar or milk shake really would’ve hit the spot. Somehow I managed to restrain myself, and in the process I felt as if, in a strange way, my faith had been strengthened.
Something that I have not tried myself is the idea of taking on something for Lent. As strange as it might seem, for those of us who feel like we have too much going on, or maybe for those that find it too hard to give something up, taking something on might be the better fit. It can be something like trying to exercise more, eat healthier, make an attempt to make a difference in somebody else’s life, or even something as simple as making the effort to take time out of each day to clear your head and re-focus.
If you haven’t started a Lenten discipline yet, it isn’t too late to start. We still have half of Lent left, so whether you decided to give something up or take on something, take the opportunity to step back and think about the promise of Easter that comes at the end.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November Newsletter Article-- Young Adults ROCK
Young Adults ROCK
There is a reason why Compline is more wildly popular among young adults than say, Morning Prayer. Sure – on one hand, it fits better into the rhythm of our lives, and soothes the mystery of our day with offerings to God. However, if you spend a lot of time reading Compline, and accept – as most Episcopalians do – that praying shapes believing, the words found in this bedtime prayer speak to the deep needs of many young adults today and help us through the “chances and changes of this life.”
Tending to our deep spiritual lives was just one of the topics in the north Georgia mountains on the weekend of October 10-12, 2008. Sponsored by the Diocese of Atlanta Young Adults (DAYA), the first Young Adult Summit was held at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA. This gathering – the first of its kind for young adults in the southeast – drew 35+ young adults from three surrounding dioceses, for workshops, fellowship, and discussion on empowering young adults for leadership and personal spiritual growth. With workshop topics ranging from campus ministry to spiritual direction, Episcopal Relief and Development to the discernment process, there was a wonderful balance between learning how to feed our own needs and the needs of others.
Part of what was so amazing about the weekend was that it was hosted, staffed, and sponsored by young adults for young adults. It “practiced what it preached” and “preached what it practiced.” If the point was to empower young adults, the best way it was done was that young adults were the ones doing the empowering. Sure, there were many people of all ages there to support what was happening and to lead workshops, and be resources, but none of it would have been possible without DAYA, director Lauren Woody, and the incredible young adults involved with this group.
Our own Bishop J. Neil Alexander addressed the gathering on Friday night, and was the keynote speaker. He rejoiced in this gathering, and spoke candidly about his own experience as a young adult in the church and his hopes for young adults today. Primarily he spoke of relationships – emphasizing God’s relationship in the Trinity, and urging us to worry less about how much we love God and focus more on how much God loves us.
And that is exactly what it felt like we did that weekend, and what I carried away from this amazing time together. Relating to each other was the purpose – some new relationships were formed, others rekindled, and others deepened. I believe the people that were at the first annual Young Adult Summit were impacted in ways that cannot be contained or measured. The energy was palpable.
You might not have actually felt the shift of the earth on its axis that beautiful fall weekend, but it occurred and nothing will ever quite be the same again. Primarily, we rejoice in just how far we have come already – the recognition of the gifts and ministry of young adult leaders in the Diocese of Atlanta who work many, many hours to make this event, and many weekly events possible. We celebrate and recognize the presence of Christ among us, working through us and in us to make a safe, warm, welcoming place for young adults in our church.
And we look to the future for the second, third, fourth…annual Young Adult Summits and to finding our place in this church and in the world. I am honored to have been a part of this first event, and know that mountains moved that weekend – and trust God is working in us daily to raise up, recognize, and nurture the young adults among us. Watch what happens next!
Submitted by Sharon Hiers
There is a reason why Compline is more wildly popular among young adults than say, Morning Prayer. Sure – on one hand, it fits better into the rhythm of our lives, and soothes the mystery of our day with offerings to God. However, if you spend a lot of time reading Compline, and accept – as most Episcopalians do – that praying shapes believing, the words found in this bedtime prayer speak to the deep needs of many young adults today and help us through the “chances and changes of this life.”
Tending to our deep spiritual lives was just one of the topics in the north Georgia mountains on the weekend of October 10-12, 2008. Sponsored by the Diocese of Atlanta Young Adults (DAYA), the first Young Adult Summit was held at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA. This gathering – the first of its kind for young adults in the southeast – drew 35+ young adults from three surrounding dioceses, for workshops, fellowship, and discussion on empowering young adults for leadership and personal spiritual growth. With workshop topics ranging from campus ministry to spiritual direction, Episcopal Relief and Development to the discernment process, there was a wonderful balance between learning how to feed our own needs and the needs of others.
Part of what was so amazing about the weekend was that it was hosted, staffed, and sponsored by young adults for young adults. It “practiced what it preached” and “preached what it practiced.” If the point was to empower young adults, the best way it was done was that young adults were the ones doing the empowering. Sure, there were many people of all ages there to support what was happening and to lead workshops, and be resources, but none of it would have been possible without DAYA, director Lauren Woody, and the incredible young adults involved with this group.
Our own Bishop J. Neil Alexander addressed the gathering on Friday night, and was the keynote speaker. He rejoiced in this gathering, and spoke candidly about his own experience as a young adult in the church and his hopes for young adults today. Primarily he spoke of relationships – emphasizing God’s relationship in the Trinity, and urging us to worry less about how much we love God and focus more on how much God loves us.
And that is exactly what it felt like we did that weekend, and what I carried away from this amazing time together. Relating to each other was the purpose – some new relationships were formed, others rekindled, and others deepened. I believe the people that were at the first annual Young Adult Summit were impacted in ways that cannot be contained or measured. The energy was palpable.
You might not have actually felt the shift of the earth on its axis that beautiful fall weekend, but it occurred and nothing will ever quite be the same again. Primarily, we rejoice in just how far we have come already – the recognition of the gifts and ministry of young adult leaders in the Diocese of Atlanta who work many, many hours to make this event, and many weekly events possible. We celebrate and recognize the presence of Christ among us, working through us and in us to make a safe, warm, welcoming place for young adults in our church.
And we look to the future for the second, third, fourth…annual Young Adult Summits and to finding our place in this church and in the world. I am honored to have been a part of this first event, and know that mountains moved that weekend – and trust God is working in us daily to raise up, recognize, and nurture the young adults among us. Watch what happens next!
Submitted by Sharon Hiers
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