From Naomi Woodrum, Diocese of Olympia EYE Coordinator:
We are excited to introduce the team representing the Diocese of Olympia at the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) in Maryland, July 4-8. EYE is a gathering for youth ages 15-19 from around the world who assemble on a college campus to learn, laugh, and worship together. Its focus and mission are to help develop these young people’s leadership skills, spiritual practices, and early stages of vocational discernment. Our delegation is sending five youths from around the diocese, accompanied by two adult leaders who have been in youth ministry for almost two decades! As we prepare for this upcoming trip, we ask for your prayers that our hearts will be open and ready to embrace what God has in store for each of us. We look forward to sharing our experiences when we return!
Sarah Hosler (12th grade)
Church of the Good Shepherd, Federal Way
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: I want to meet Episcopal peers with similar yet different experiences to myself, and to challenge myself in preparation for college next year.
Keith Autry (11th grade)
Good Shepherd, Vancouver
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: It sounded exciting and I felt like it was a good way to know more about the church and meet new people.
Felix Beatty (12th grade)
St. Paul’s, Bellingham
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: I love traveling and I saw it as a great opportunity to meet new people.
Nick Carlisle (9th grade)
St. Antony of Egypt, Silverdale
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: To experience new adventures, enjoy other teen company, and to take a trip alone without parents.
Rory Roseberry (12th grade)
St. Stephen’s, Oak Harbor
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: It is an opportunity to expand my social network among other Episcopal youth before I head to college in the fall. I am excited for the opportunity to connect with young people who share the unique faith values of the Episcopal Church. I also believe this will be an amazing time to ask attending clergy and Episcopal adults questions about my individual faith practices, especially since I am newly confirmed as of April 2023.
Donna Green (Deacon, Chaperone)
All Saints, Vancouver
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: I am excited to attend EYE for the first time after 23 years of youth ministry around the diocese and several pilgrimages around the country with youth. I hope to learn new ways others have found to do youth ministry post covid.
Naomi Woodrum (Chaperone)
- Reason why I want to attend EYE: Growing up, I had the opportunity to attend regional youth events with hundreds of other youth from neighboring states. It was always so awesome to be in company with others who shared the same faith and who also desired to grow in their relationship with God. Being able to invite and encourage today’s youth to be part of these experiences is a huge honor!
