Youth Ministry Training Launched
Episcopal News Service. March 5, 1987 [87051]
HARTFORD, (DPS, March 5) -- The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, with the endorsement of the Episcopal Church Center Youth Ministries Office and Network, is offering to the Church a learning and training opportunity for adults who work with young people.
The Youth Ministry Leadership Academy is an eight-day residential program aimed at equipping adults with a greater understanding of the dynamics of "relational ministry" with young people. The Academy integrates these principles with planning, theological reflection, resources and practical application into a project which participants work on for one year, assisted by a project guide. Following the project year, participants return for a four-day session to share learnings and develop next steps.
The program is designed to serve up to 24 persons (clergy and lay) who have a minimum of two years' experience and current direct involvement in Youth Ministry. Participants are expected to be connected with their diocesan program and system and come with the support of their bishop and should be at least 21 years of age.
The first session of the Academy is scheduled for May 29 to June 6, at Mont Marie Conference Center in Holyoke, Mass. Dates for the four day follow-up session in 1988 will be determined by those selected for the program.
Trinity, South Norwalk, Conn., Mission Fund, has provided major funding so the cost for the first complete cycle of the Academy will be only $450, which includes everything except transportation to and from the Academy for both the 1987 session and the return in 1988.
The staff for the Academy will include Bobbie Bevill, national Youth Ministry Coordinator; the Rev. Gene Robinson, Executive Secretary, Province I, and a member of the National Youth Ministry Development Team; Devon Anderson, a college student with extensive experience in youth ministry; Judy Conley, co-chair of the Youth Committee for the Diocese of Connecticut and Youth Advisor to the National Union of Black Episcopalians; Bill Milford, a professional musician and consultant to the national Church Youth Ministries office; the Rev. Mary Lee Talbot, Youth/Young Adult Program Associate for the Presbyterian Church (UTSA); the Rev. Peggy Bosmyer, Province VII Youth Ministry Coordinator; the Rev. Thomas Ely, Director of Youth Ministries for the Diocese of Connecticut.
Persons interested in receiving a fuller description of the project, including an application, should contact the Youth Office of the Diocese of Connecticut, 1335 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT. 06105; telephone (203) 233-4481.