Mission Trips! May 2, 2008

The staff of the Diocese of Virginia just returned from it’s first ever (but not its last) “staff mission trip.”  We were in Mississippi from Saturday until Thursday night - staying at Camp Coast Care, and building houses for Katrina relief.  I was very proud to be a part of this diocese, as many others from around here have already been down there on mission trips.  I saw all the trucks that our diocese donated - and various other “Virginia” things were all over the place!  It was a wonderful experience, and I will talk about it to anyone who wants to listen, but it brings me to a good QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

- Youth Mission trips: Have you been on one?  Any tips on how to plan a great trip that involves youth?  Any potholes that should be avoided?

I look forward to hearing back about this, as I’m starting to compile info about youth mission trips - what agencies are helpful (or not helpful), where good spots are, what churches have done it before, etc… I also have some information about youth mission trips from the national church that I would LOVE to send to you, if you are thinking about planning one for your group!

Until next time - have a wonderful weekend.  Check out THIS LINK to learn more about Camp Coast Care, and you can also link (under “youth program) to info about Mission on the Bay, the spot for groups with youth to go.

Questions of the Week April 23, 2008

Here’s a new idea for this blog:  Questions of the Week!

Each week, I’ll post a new question, thought, or whathaveyou — for youth leaders to respond to.  I’ll keep track of the responses, and include documents which will show the lists of responses in the “resources” page.  People can respond as many times as they would like, and they can respond weeks (and months, even) after the initial question was posed!  At least in theory - it’s an interesting idea!

SO - this week’s question:

What are the general “stats” of your church and youth program?  For example - how many folks (total) do you typically see on a Sunday?  Do you have a “youth person” on staff?  Full or part time?  What curriculum do you use/events do you put on/special activities do you do with youth?  How many youth do you have showing up for your events/trips/regular meetings?

This may see a little basic - but we’ve gotta start somewhere.  :)  Thanks for your input - and I do understand that this information changes often!

Peace - PB

Words of Wisdom April 15, 2008

Greetings, Youth Leaders:

I just returned from a great lunch of Youth Leaders in the Richmond area. I imagine that many places around our diocese host lunches, dinners, what-have-yous for the youth leaders in the area — but if there isn’t one going on in your neck of the woods, and you would like for there to be…. let me know! I can help connect you with people, and even get the ball rolling!

Anyway, a topic of discussion which came up during the meal sort of fell under the theme of “words of wisdom” — what do new youth leaders (or even the “not so new”) need to hear as they endeavor to create programming that is meaningful, spirit-filled, and exciting for the youth they minister to? What are some “tricks of the trade” so to speak?

So, on this afternoon, I would like to share some of the thoughts that came out of our discussion (in no particular order). Have some more to add from your experience? Comment away!

Tips and Thoughts for Youth Leaders…

• Offer the kids you work with something “different” than what they get in other places.

In other words - just playing games and eating pizza isn’t enough - they can do that in many other places. Kids come to youth group for many different reasons, but they stay because of what you have to offer.

• Meet them where they are -

especially as you’re starting out, go to their track meets, soccer matches, drama performances.

• Set a schedule and stick to it.

This gives them continuity, and something they can rely on. (Also helps keep their parents from going nuts trying to keep up with your schedule!)

• Expectations are OK, and are good.

Set your standards high, and make them clear. Don’t be worried about being a stick in the mud - young people look to YOU to give them guidance and boundaries.

• Think outside of the box.

What you’ve been doing isn’t working? Maybe it’s time to toss the old model and try something new. Can’t come up with a new model? Maybe the youth - and their parents - would enjoy being part of a visioning/brainstorming session for the future of the youth group!

• And finally - Do not be frustrated.

I know, easier said than done. But keep in mind that programs generally take 3-5 years to become the organized, exciting, and well-oiled machine that you’re hoping for. And remember - even if “youth group” doesn’t begin until 6th (or 9th!) grade, it’s constantly a building process. Give those 5th graders something to get excited about now and in just a few years you can have a committed Senior High group!

PYM Senior High Weekend! April 3, 2008

Thanks to all who gave of their time and energy - this certainly was a great weekend!

On March 28-30, The PYM Committee opened Shrine Mont for the season by hosting over 150 people to spend the weekend together. It was an event filled with singing, talking, playing, and generally enjoying each other and the beautiful mountain springtime. The theme of the weekend was from the Gospel of Matthew, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

RC Laird, a church musician and seminarian, was the keynoter for this weekend. He entertained with stories and songs, and urged the senior high youth to explore what they find to be the treasures in their lives. Together, the group examined how we spend our time, resources, and energy — and questioned whether what we “do” reflects what we hold dear in our hearts. He left us all with plenty to chew on as we returned home on Sunday afternoon.

I hope that if you were there, you had a great time. Feel free to email me anytime (pball@thediocese.net) with feedback or suggestions for next year. And if you have kids in your youth group who are interested in learning more about and possibly joining PYM - please encourage them to contact me! I am currently ACTIVELY accepting applications, but I must be contacted by the youth first to get the ball rolling!

EYE Registration Form April 3, 2008

Click on this link to get a preliminary registration form for EYE this summer.

NOTE - deadline for registration (or at least for letting us know you are interested) is APRIL 11 - next friday!!

Youth Leaders Survey! March 18, 2008

Need something to take 5 mins of your time?

Fill out this survey!

The national church - Congregational Youth and Young Adult ministries group - has put together a survey for youth workers across our country.  Go to this link, fill out the survey, and hit submit!

Easy as cake!

EYE 2008! March 12, 2008

Greetings:

I want to inform you of an exciting and wonderful summer opportunity for high schoolers in our diocese! EYE – The Episcopal Youth Event – is an “intentional triennial gathering of young people and their advocates from throughout the Episcopal Church to inspire and empower youth as Christian apostles.” It is being held this summer, from July 8-13 at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas!

 

I hope that you will consider encouraging youth who you know to apply for this conference. This is a wonderful chance for rising sophomores through graduated seniors to experience a gathering of young Episcopalians – on a LARGE scale. There are great workshops, small groups, activities, fun events, and innovative and exciting worship opportunities.

 

The cost for this event is $600, which includes all your travel, accommodations, food, and event registration fees. Scholarship assistance is available! Our registration deadline is April 11^th, so please send in your registration form today!

 

Please, take a moment and check out the website for this year’s EYE and prayerfully consider whether someone you know would LOVE this event. If you have any questions – please contact Anna Moncure (amoncure@thediocese.net) or Paris Ball (pball@thediocese.net). We would love to speak with you about this wonderful event!

Check out the link here!!

Registration form #2

Registration Form #1

devo-to-go, anyone? December 6, 2007

Last Lent, I discovered “devo-to-go:” a site where - each day during the season - one could log on and listen to a quick (5-7 mins) meditation, with a good variety of speakers and music. It was a great way to start each day, and I am so excited that it’s back for Advent!

Check it out - its a wonderful collaborative effort of clergy and lay people throughout the country, including some of Virginia’s own! Check it out!

Welcome! November 30, 2007

If you are reading this page, that means that the Diocese of Virginia’s Youth Blog is up and running!! Welcome, and we are very glad that you are here. Hopefully, this will be a spot where youth leaders will frequent - to find information about our events, quick tips and games, and prayers and support for those involved in youth ministry. It can be a tough and very thankless job, and we understand that. Please let us know if there are specific things you would like to see or that would be helpful for you - we always love feedback.

In the meanwhile, sit back and enjoy!

Peace,

Paris & Carolyn