Confirmation Updates from the Bishops
From September's FYI (News and Information for Clergy and Church Leadership): "The bishops and dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, in consultation with the deanery deans, have made the difficult decision to postpone Confirmations until at least Spring 2021. A short form of “Recognition and Prayers for those Awaiting Confirmation” is available here, providing a pastoral option to acknowledge in the congregation those who have completed a course of preparation. Once the safe and equitable administration of Confirmation becomes possible, multiple opportunities will be scheduled for those who have been waiting. In the event of an urgent individual pastoral circumstance warranting consideration, the clergy should contact one of the bishops. Questions about Confirmation services may be directed to the Office of the Bishop (lsimons@diomass.orgor 617-482-4826, ext. 407)."
We recognize that this is a disruption, and it might be difficult to put together a confirmation class with no secure date for confirmations. If there are one or two young people in your church who would benefit from the structure and fellowship of a confirmation class, we recommend that they apply for the Diocesan Youth Council. On the other hand, an entire cohort of young people who were looking forward to working together in a confirmation class might be interested in designing a long-term service or advocacy project using the resources from the Our World, Our Future campaign. If you'd like assistance with either of these possibilities, please reach out to us and we'd be happy to
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Maintaining Momentum Around Racial Justice at this month's Online Youth Worker Gathering
This summer seemed to be a watershed moment in our national conversation about racism and racial justice. At month's Youth Worker Gathering, on Thursday, October 15 from 3:30-4:30PM, we will talk about how to carry that momentum forward into the program year. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your hopes for the future!
To suggest topics for future youth ministry sessions, or to volunteer to demonstrate a game or activity or lead a discussion, contact the Rev. H. Mark Smith, Diocesan Youth Missioner.
Children’s Formation online gatherings are offered twice a month. For suggestions for the children’s formation sessions, contact Martha Gardner, Missioner for Networks and Formation.
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From the Episcopal Youth Ministry Network
First Tuesdays
October was the start of a series of once a month Youth Ministry Network Webinars coordinated by the Office for Youth Ministries and the Network Leaders who serve as a council of advice. By subscribing to the First Tuesday webinar email you will receive a Monday reminder email that includes the subject matter and the live link for joining. We plan to record and archive webinars for future viewing as well. Click here to sign up!
Episcopal Youth Ministry Network Retreat
December 4-5, 2020 Online
Stay tuned for more news as we meet and plan. The 4th and 5th will likely include midday sessions to be accessible to as many time zones as possible for wisdom, workshops and worship for all youth ministers who participate.
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Breaking ground. Breaking convention. Breaking bread.
The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray fiercely challenged social, political, and religious powers in the quest for equality for people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community. Join the foremost voices in racial and gender equity today in exploring the work of this advocate of the marginalized in healing the brokenness of our times. This event is sponsored by Emmanuel Boston and is open to all.
This virtual conversation on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at 4 pm, should not be missed!
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Diocesan Youth Council 2020-2021:
A New Youth Council
for a New Time
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Please help recruit young people ready to step up—or be raised up—to active ministry at the diocesan level: young people deeply engaged in questions of faith and the role of the church in the world today; those looking for more responsibility, more leadership opportunities, more creative outlets for their ideas and energies; those lone teenagers in congregation really interested in church but without peers their age. |
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This year the structure of the Youth Council is expanding to provide a broader range of opportunities, acknowledging that the young people of the Diocese of Massachusetts have a broad range of talents and interests.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Reach out to H. Mark Smith if you have any questions about the application process or structure of DYC this year. We can't wait to hear from you!
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This month, we'd like to highlight Screenagers' article "How to Think Like a Fact-Checker." The article highlights work done by the Stanford History Education Group, which has focused on empowering young people to use their powers of discernment and critical thinking on the news that they read and share. The whole article, as well as the work of SHEG, are certainly worth checking out, but we thought these questions in particular might spark a discussion among a youth group:
- Where do you get your news?
- Is there a person, famous or not, that you follow and trust whatever they post?
- How do you evaluate information on the internet and social media to make sure it is actually true?
- Have you ever been “fooled” by something online? How did they do it, and what did you learn for next time?
Got a resource you'd like to share? Got a question you'd like answered? Let us know!
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