Youth Forum 2012

Youth Forum is over for another year. WOW! What an amazing weekend. Sacred space was created where the Youth could be inspired, reflective, be challenged and changed. 

God was at work in so many amazing ways.  But don't take my word for it, here are some comments from the evaluations completed by the youth who were there:

When asked "Where did you see or feel the presence of God this weekend?" these were just some of the responses:

    -EVERYWHERE!!!!!

    -In the Labyrinth, silent reflection, worship, home groups.

    -I felt the presence of God at the worship in the Long House and in my Home Group.

     -When we were singing

    -Everywhere, especially in all the great people

    -Throughout the whole weekend

    -Saturday night worship

    -I felt VERY connected to God this weekend

    -Everywhere, in singing, in nature, in worship . . . .everywhere!!!

    -When David led in prayer

    -when David would talk to us.

    -Nature walk

    -Worship

    -In every single person

    -In my last home group meeting, at the candle worship, and in the labyrinth

    -During candle lit worship, in others and in myself

    -walking alone outside

    -in all the friendships

    -he/she was very present all throughout this weekend in everything we did.

    -in Ricks teddy bear, every time I had a home group time I always felt like God was watching us from the bear and protecting us.

     -In silent time

     

Some of the Other reflections:

     -I`m so happy I can come back next year

    -wonderful time being here and might bring a friend that goes to church next year to Youth Forum

    -I am extremely thankful

    -I LOVE YOUTH FORUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -Amazing, I have never felt this strong in my faith before.

    -I`m really going to miss this next year

    -all the people here were so welcoming and nice, this was such a great experience

    -Amazing weekend, am already excited for next year

    -Nature walk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -"I am always waiting for someone to slip up and judge me- and it never happened"

    -I`m coming back!

    -Youth Forum was a really peaceful place to spiritually get connected to God and create friendships to last a life time.

    -Youth Forum led me to an amazing amount of reflection and peace that I had never experienced in such depth.

    -God will always be with me and help me conquer my fears thanks to Youth Forum!

As you can tell from these comments, this was a fantastic weekend.  We laughed and prayed and ate and cried and played.  This weekend happens every April for high-school aged youth, so if you weren't able to come this year make sure that you're there next time!  See what all the fuss is about for yourself!

Andy's new website

Here is Andy's form bio: 

Andrew Root is in the Olson Baalson chair as associate professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN). He is the author of The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry (with Kenda Creasy Dean, IVP, 2011), The Promise of Despair: The Way of the Cross as the Way of the Church (Abingdon, 2010), Children of Divorce: The Loss of Family as the Loss of Being (Baker Academic, 2010), Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation (IVP, 2007) and Relationships Unfiltered: Help for Youth Workers, Volunteers and Parents on Creating Authentic Relationships (Zondervan/YS, 2009). He has worked in congregations, para-church ministries and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children (Owen and Maisy), and their two dogs (Kirby and Kimmel). When not reading, writing, or teaching Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.

Andy has become a new voice in theology and youth ministry, making us rethink what it means to be in relationship with youth.  He has been invited to speak all over the world.  He also loves ju-jubes :)

Andrew has a new website where you can be inspired and challenged by his thoughts and writings.  I encourage everyone to take a look at www.andrewroot.org.  Besides his articles and books, you can also listen to his liveblogs. I promise it will be well worth your time!

The Good Friday Swell

The Swell is a service designed to engage high school aged youth in the worship of God and is open to people of all ages. The aim is to create a comfortable space for United Church youth to worship and is open to people from any/all denominations. The service uses elements from contemporary culture—including popular music and videos—as a springboard into the exploration of the scriptures and our rich United Church theology.


This GOOD FRIDAY the theme is the "Unger Games."  Imagine a worship service that brings together "The Hunger Games" and "Kick Ass".

Friday, April 6, 2012

Wesley-Knox United Church

91 Askin Street

London, Ontario

6:00 - Wii ON THE BIG SCREEN

7:00 - THE SWELL

9:00 - REFRESHMENTS

Hope to see you all there!

www.theswell.ca

Camping Sunday

The sun is shining, the days are longer, the flowers are blooming...winter is over and that means it is time to start thinking about CAMP!


If you are looking for ideas for a Camping Sunday Service, the 2012 service is now available at http://unitedcamping.ning.com/forum/topics/camping-sunday-service

Dates for summer camp at Kenesserie are also up and available at www.kenesserie.com start planning for your awesome camp experience now!

World Water Day

Water is life.

Today marks the UN's World Water Day.  Water is one of the major issues of our time and is likely to become even more important in the future.  People around the world and in our own country lack access to clean drinking water.

When a billion people in the world already live in chronic hunger and water resources are under pressure we cannot pretend the problem is ‘elsewhere’.

We can all help by following some simple steps:

• follow a healthier, sustainable diet;
• consume less water-intensive products;
• reduce the scandalous food wastage: 30% of the food produced worldwide is never eaten and the water used to produce it is definitively lost!

wasted food.

The average water footprint for a Canadian is 6,392 litres a day — that’s the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services we consume.

Here’s the down low on H2O:
70 per cent of the world’s water is used for agriculture
1,755 litres of water required to make one sausage.
160 litres of water is used to produce one large banana
230 litres of water are used to make one 200-ml glass of apple juice.
1,040 litres of water are used for 1 kg of potato chips
50 litres of water is used to produce one tomato; about 530 litres to produce 1 kg of tomato ketchup
500 litres of water goes into producing 100 grams of cheese
1,260 litres of water goes into one margherita pizza
120 litres of water is used to make a 125-ml glass of wine
74 litres of water is used to make a 250-ml glass of beer
30 litres of water is required to grow enough tea leaves to make a single cup of tea
30 percent of the food produced worldwide is lost or wasted every year.
50 per cent reduction of food losses and waste at the global level would save 1,350 cubic kms of water a year. (By comparison, the volume of Lake Ontario is 1,640 cubic kms.)

Sources: United Nations, Canada Water Week, Water Footprint Network and One Drop. 

For more information check out: www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/

CHALLENGE: help your families plan meals for the week in a manner that will reduce food waste.  Remember that the less processed the food is the less water is used in its production.

40 Practices for Lent - Part 8

Day Thirty-six: Find ways to recognize people as children of God.  Make eye contact with the grocery store clerk.  Smile at strangers.

Day Thirty-seven: Try fasting from a different kind of hunger, consumerism.  Choose one day in Lent to prayerfully explore consumer spending habits and how often we bu more than we need.  Refrain from making purchases on that day.

Day Thirty-eight: Death is inevitably part of the Lenten journey as we tell the story of Jesus' death on the cross and find assurance of our new life we have because of the resurrection.  Take this time to remember those who have new life with God and be strengthened by the witness of their lives.  Take out photos of family and friends who have died.  Talk about these people with your family or share their stories with a friend.

Day Thirty-nine: Learn and practice the traditional practice of praying the Stations of the Cross.  Ask a friend who attends a Catholic church if you might attend a Lenten program with them that prays the stations, or visit: http://www.markdroberts.com/htmfiles/resources/stationsofthecross.htm

Day Forty: Practice resurrection.  We are the people of resurrection and hope, called to live passionately and compassionately with others, to defy death, to forgive, and to bring others back into the community, to do something that is life-giving, that fights death and needless suffering.



These are the last 5 days of Lent.  I hope that you have found some of these practices we've explored in Lent meaningful.  Peace & Joy, Nancy.

40 Practices for Lent - Part 7

Day Thirty-one: Follow your breath as it leads to God.  Simply observe your breath.  Inhale and exhale slowly, recognizing that breathing is a life sustaining and God-infused action.

Day Thirty-two: Fast. The purpose of fasting is to support our prayers and heighten our awareness of a most basic human need.  Paying attention to our hunger can help us connect to our thirst for God and the emptiness we feel.  Fast one day or one meal to join our physical needs to spiritual ones.

Day Thirty-three: Spring cleaning can be more than a way to get rid of "stuff".  Along with asking yourself "what don't I want" also practice asking "what don't I need?"  Invite God into these question and explore together a journey of letting go of the excess in your life.

Day Thirty-four: Light a candle.  Pray as it is lit "God thank you for the gift of your Light in the midst of all darkness.  Let his candle be a symbol of our faith in your presence among us."

Day Thirty-five: We follow Jesus and journey with others whose heritage has left a path before us.  Reflect on your faith journey and remember the names of those in whose footsteps you are following and who is on the road with you now.  Find a way to share with them your gratitude for journeying with you.

40 Practices for Lent - Part 6

Day Twenty-six: Think of persons you haven't heard from you in a while.  Give them a call, or send them a card.  If there is something that needs mending in your relationship, take the first step.

Day Twenty-seven: Find ways to live more simply, shring God's good gifts with others by protecting the environment and supporting local farmers.  Read stickers and labels to see where your food is grown.  Make efforts to buy food grown within our community or province.

Day Twenty-eight: Learn the names of individuals contributing to the leadership of the local community.  Offer prayers for them.  Express your appreciation for their service.

Day Twenty-nine: Make a prayer wall at home.  Put up a large peice of paper and encourage famiy members to write or draw pictures of the prayers of joy and concern they have for that day.  Pray together for each person and for the prayer tey have expressed.

Day Thirty: Slow down and observe the Sabbath.  Whether Sabbath time is one hour in a day or a 24 hour period, take time to intentionally stop "working" and spend time in worship, prayer, and family time.

Confirmation Retreat

I am putting together a confirmation retreat for you on April 20-21.  It will be themed around spiritual practices, with a few games and fun thrown it, too!

Let me know if you are interested - nancy_walker@hotmail.com

40 Practices for Lent - Part 5

Day Twenty-one: Find a psalm or hymn text that is meaningful to you.  Write the words out and study them.  Choose a different portion of the text for each week of Lent and memorize it.

Day Twenty-two: If you consider yourself a spiritual "dropout" reach out to someone you trust and talk about your feelings.

Day Twenty-three: Practice random acts of anonymous kindness.

Day Twenty-four: Pray the scriptures by using the ancient art of Lectio Divina.  For more information: http://www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html

Day Twenty-five: Find the oldest person you know and ask them to teach you something.

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2012 is Empower Women – End Hunger and Poverty.  In many countries, International Women's Day is an occasion to honor and praise women for their accomplishments. In 2012, Oxfam America is inviting people to celebrate inspiring women in their lives by sending them a card or honoring a woman whose efforts make a difference in the fight against hunger and poverty.

How are you celebrating the work of women in the world today? 

For more information and ideas check out www.internationwomensday.com

40 Practices for Lent -- Part 4

Day Sixteen: Remember your baptism.  Place a bowl of water in a visible place in your house.  Touch the water and remember that we are linked to Christ and the Christian community through the waters of baptism.

Day Seventeen: Write a letter to God.

Day Eighteen: When attending worship or other gatherings of your faith community pay attention to how the music, liturgy, conversation, and fellowship time affect you.  Be open to how God speaks to you through community.

Day Nineteen: Prayer on the move. When in the car be intentional about turning the radio off and not talking on the cell phone.  When you are alone in the car, use that quiet time to be in prayer. 

Day Twenty: Jesus didn't "convert" Christians, he formed disciples and sent them out to continue the formation process.  Reflect on ways you have been shaped by the teachings of Jesus and shared them with others.

40 Practices for Lent - Part 3

Day Eleven: Circle of gratitude.  Before meals invite everyone around the table to share one thing they are grateful for that day.

Day Twelve: Call or visit someone who is lonely.  This might include an elderly shut in, stay at home parent, someone who has recently lost their job or is grieving.

Day Thirteen:  At the end of the day ask your "Where did I see God today?"  Make a list.

Day Fourteen: Caring for others as ourselves take acts of truth-telling and confrontation.  Abstain from laughing at jokes or comments that are hurtful to others.  Share with that person your commitment to caring for God's children.

Day Fifteen: Keep a prayer journal (can be on the computer or in a paper notebook).  Include prayers of joy, concern, and questions.  Write down the prayers offered to God for yourself and for others.

World Day of Prayer

Today is the World Day of Prayer.  World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. 

You don't have to be a woman to want to pray for peace, justice and solidarity in the world.  I wonder which part of the world you hear crying out for God's light and love?  Is it the political situation in the Middle East?  Is it the hungry and sick in Africa?  Is it the communities in the north of our country?  Is it the people in your own community or family?

Say a prayer and light a candle for whatever situation particularly touches your heart.

A prayer for today:
We believe hat God is present
In the darkness before dawn;
In the waiting and uncertainty
Where fear and courage join hands,
Conflict and caring link arms,
And the sun rises over barbed wire.
We believe in a with-us God
Who sits down in our midst
To share our humanity.
We ffirm a faith
That takes us beyond the safe place:
Into action, into vulnerability
And into the streets.
We commit ourselves on the line;
To bear responsibility, take risks,
Live powerfully and face humiliation;
To stand with those on the edge;
To choose life
And be used by the Spirit
For God's new community of hope.
Amen.
-Iona Community.

For more information about the World Day of Prayer check out www.worlddayofprayer.net

Practices for Lent - Part 2

Day Six: Start seedlings.  Plant seeds in small jars and place them in the light.  May they be physical reminders that we partner with God in creation.

Day Seven: Open your awareness to those things that are destructive in the world - sources of injustice and oppression that result in destructive behaviours that hurt individuals, communities, and creation.

Day Eight: Practice the Daily Examen.  One of the long-established spiritual practices in Christianity, championed by Ignatius of Loyola (a Spanish reformer and contemporary of John Calvin, who soudht to reform the Roman church from within), is a discipline of self-examination and repentance Ignatius called exmen.  For more information: http://norprov.org/spirituality/ignatianprayer.htm

Day Nine: Make a joyful noise to the Lord.  Make music by singing a song you have memorized or put on a CD and sing along.  Let your voice praise God.

Day Ten: Journey with Jesus.  Read Matthew, Mark, Luke or John from beginning to end during Lent and journey with him from the manger to the empty grave.

40 Practices for LENT - Part 1

Day One:  Ask for help.  Lent begins when we recognize that we can't do everything ourselves and we depend on God's grace for our lives.  Experience God's grace by asking for and receiving help for something we can't do on our own.

Day Two:  Follow "Journey to the Cross" www.d365.org an online special devotional for Lent/Easter.  Journey to the Cross features specially composed music, daily scripture reading and brief reflections.

Day Three:  "Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10).  Turn off the TV, computer, phone and rest in the stillness.  Even if it is just for 5 minutes.

Day Four:  Prayer walk in the neighbourhood (where you live or work).  Simply walk around and pray for what you see, hear, touch and smell.

Day Five: Prepare and cook a "simple meal" of rice and beans for lunch or dinner.  Give the money you save in preparing this meal to an organization that feeds the hungry.  Pray before the meal and be reflective about those for whom this is their only meal.

Spring Events

Swell:SuRF Weekend Retreat - there is still time to register!
Take all the best ingredients of London Conference Youth Forum, The Swell, and November Rally, mash them together, and shablam!, you've got Swell SuRF Weekend. SuRF is a four day weekend retreat where high school aged peeps from across London Conference create content for upcoming Swell worship services. Be part of the brainstorming, set the theme, and add your signature to what happens at The Swell.

Feb 23-26, 2012
Lambton Centre
www.theswell.ca


Youth Forum
Do you love to be inspire, challenged to think, meet new people and hang out with good friends?  Do you enjoy being in an open and welcoming community where you are free to be completely yourself?  Faith, fellowship and connection is what Youth Forum is all about.  Come and join the crew at YF 2012.

Theme: "Walking the Plank"
Speaker: David Giuliano (former moderator of the United Church)

April 12-15, 2012 @ Pearce Williams Christian Centre
Registrations available at www.londonconference.ca


Registrations for Young Adults in Transition and Children at Conference are also available at www.londonconference.ca.  Register before it is too late!

Reminders!

Youth Ministry Networking
Want to talk about youth ministry and your congregation?
Wondering how you can engage the youth in your church?
Wondering about new resources, ideas?
Want to connect with other leaders and adults who care about youth?

Let me know!  I've set aside time THIS Saturday especially for you!  Just let me know! 
If you can't come on Saturday, contact me and we can set up another time.

info@kenesserie.com

Swell:SuRF Weekend Retreat
Take all the best ingredients of London Conference Youth Fourm, The Swell, and November Rally, mash them together, and shablam!, you've got Swell SuRF Weekend. SuRF is a four day weekend retreat where high school aged peeps from across London Conference create content for upcoming Swell worship services. Be part of the brainstorming, set the theme, and add your signature to what happens at The Swell.

Feb 23-26, 2012
Lambton Centre

www.theswell.ca

Gratitude

"Maybe we could spend a moment at the end of each day and decide to remember that day - whatever may have happened - be grateful for.  In so doing we increase our heart's capacity to choose joy."

-Henri J.M. Nouwen

What are you grateful for today?

Bowling Fun!

Thanks to everyone who came out bowling!  I had a great time and I hope you did too.  It was great to have people there from four different congregations!