Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Delaware

Below is a link to an interesting blog from Adam Walker Cleaveland referring you to Andrew Root's audioblog... It's an interesting 15 minute conversation about how culture is changing the meaning of community.

I find this especially interesting because of a great community experience I had when I lived in Ohio.  I was out there for a whole nine months - ha ha ha.  BUT - I lived for nearly 6 months in a house with 3 other young women while investing in and committing to a young adult small group of 23 people.  This blog struck a chord with me because 1) I have since moved. 2) I kind of keep in touch with some of those people (texts, tweets, and FB).  3) I have completely lost touch with many of those people as well...

http://pomomusings.com/2010/04/21/promise-of-despair/#more-5793

I recently heard news from a neighboring Diocese about a Youth Worker hired to give 30 hours a week (part time) for a VERY low salary and no benefits.  It got me more than a little fired up...

April 6th, Bronwyn Clark Skov, (The Episcopal Church as Officer for Youth Ministries) posted some really solid thoughts about compensation. here http://episcoyouth.blogspot.com/2010/04/compensation.html

This week I've been finishing up some "thoughts" on Youth Ministry for a training I'm doing in the Diocese of Maryland this weekend.  Refining is always a good thing right?  I was going through some trainings I've lead before and came across a prayer from The Book of Uncommon Prayer (by Steven L Case: Zondervan, 2002. p 108)  I used this prayer to open a session in the fall... and I still really like it.  I think it's a pretty good way to start this blog...


I am your servant, God. 
Where you want me to go, I will go.
Point the direction, Show me the way.
You called me to work with your young people.
They want to hear your voice, God. 
They want to know you.
Help me show them the Creator of the universe.
Send me enthusiasm when I don’t feel enthusiastic.
Send me patience when I am out of it.
Send me large shoulders to lean and cry on.
Send me ears to hear the things
that aren’t being said.
Send me eyes to see beneath the surface.
Send me words to say when they ask
the hard questions.
Give me the ability to laugh at myself.
We offer up to you Lord, the students we teach, shepherd & love
       THE PEOPLE PRAY SILENTLY OR ALOUD
We offer up to you Lord, those staff, volunteers and parents that toil along-side us
       THE PEOPLE PRAY SILENTLY OR ALOUD
We offer up to you God, members of our parishes that just don’t understand youth or our ministry to them – give them wisdom, soften their hearts, and give us patience
       THE PEOPLE PRAY SILENTLY OR ALOUD
I am your servant, God.
Where you want me to go, I will go
Point the Direction.  Show me the way.

Amen.