The church can take great encouragement from the active participation of many young Episcopalians in a variety of events this summer. Young persons from several dioceses participated in a range of summer activities, including refurbishing houses and participating in a work camp (p. 7). Participants from 102 dioceses lived, prayed, worshiped, sang and danced together at the Episcopal Youth Event [TLC, Aug. 25]. Several diocesan camps described record turnouts for summer camping periods, and vacation Bible schools for younger children were widely reported.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign in all this activity is the fact that many Episcopalians have gotten beyond the idea that young people are the future of the church, and have recognized that they are the church. Young persons are part of General Convention as well as of many diocesan conventions. Teen-agers are serving on parish search committees, as lectors, on altar guilds, and even on some vestries and bishop's committees.

The participation by thousands of young persons in such a variety of church-related ministries and activities is a positive sign for the future. Many persons have had healthy experiences of Anglican diversity. Others have learned more about the words "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourselves," from the baptismal covenant. For many, the experiences will last a lifetime.