From Denise Brumbaugh, Youth Ministry Coordinator:
As we work in these times of separation and long for connection and community, I want to remind you that the Youth Ministry arm of the Office of the Bishop is here for you. There are several ways youth and youth leaders can be in community with each other even though we are physically not together. This is particularly important when schools and extra-curricular activities are cancelled.
Follow us on Instagram @ecwwyouth. Youth are our target audience here, but all are welcome. So please pass this info on to them, and encourage them to follow us. We post regularly and will be using it to announce additional opportunities to connect virtually very soon. We’re planning Wednesday Worship which will be compline and also some days for youth to check in and have conversation with their peers and adults who care, as well as some days that will just be filled with virtual fun and games!
Like our page on Facebook, Episcopal Youth of Western Washington. Here you can see everything that’s posted on Instagram as well as additional posts that are geared for adults of youth or those working with youth.
If you work with youth as either staff or volunteer at the parish or diocesan level, please join our Facebook Group, Youth Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. This is our safe place to resource and encourage each other in our work.
And as always, you can call or email us at any time with questions, ideas, or consulting needs youth@ecww.org.
I leave you with this timely piece from Sarah Bessey:
May the peace of God give you renewed hope and wisdom,
May you find the strength you already carry within you to be enough,
May the grace of God be sufficient,
May you find a deep breath when the air around you is thin,
May you grow in compassion in these days,
May you love well, not in spite of these anxious times but because of them.
Resources
- Resources for Connecting in Youth Ministry
- Zoom: Zoom is a way to connect, have bible study, compline, or just see the youth you minister to on a more regular basis.
- Social Media: Social media is a great way to stay connected during these times. We recommend Instagram for youth.
- GroupMe: GroupMe serves as a great way to connect via group text with much better functionality than a thread text.
- D365: The online d365, with its format of Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go, provides daily scripture readings, reflection, and prayer for young people (although adults will find it inspiring as well). Users can subscribe through email or download the app. The format is succinct and engaging, start-to-finish requiring approximately five minutes.
- Diocesan Youth Ministry Resources
- We’re putting together a virtual weekly compline service. Watch our Instagram @ecwwyouth, https://www.instagram.com/ecwwyouth/, and Facebook page, Episcopal Youth of Western Washington, for dates, times, and the link. All youth and youth leaders are invited.
- We’re also putting together 2 other ways to gather virtually. One will be an opportunity to check in and have conversations; the other will be just fun virtual activities to do together. Please continue to check back regularly.
- We’ll also be sharing info and resources on our Facebook page Episcopal Youth of Western Washington and in the Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Olympia facebook group for youth leaders and volunteers.
