<![CDATA[Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Delaware<br /> - BLOG]]>Thu, 24 May 2012 16:23:01 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Heroes]]>Thu, 24 May 2012 11:59:58 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/05/heroes.htmlI bunch of our camp staff LOVE comic book superheroes.  I don't really care about comic book superheroes... so I don't run out to the theater - but I'll Netflix movies like Thor or Captain America.  So - it was no surprise when some staff came to work a conference group that they asked if I had seen The Avengers yet.  Is it on Netflix yet?  Then no.

In the meantime, I've been slowly engaging in my homework from Donald Miller's Storyline Conference earlier this month.  One assignment is to literally name some of your heroes.  They're called Character Models - people you greatly admire and want to be like.  I've been studying some people... and so far my list includes Jim Henson, Jamie Tworkowski, Louie Giglio and Mother Theresa. 

So this morning - I saw a news slice on the Relevant Magazine Homepage about a little boy who's inspired a new Marvel Superhero.  Really?  He's 4 and hearing-impaired and decided one morning he didn't want to wear his hearing aid because Superheroes don't wear hearing aids.  His mother turned to Marvel for help.  

AND MARVEL RESPONDED!!  They sent Anthony an image of Hawkeye - a hero who IS also hearing impaired and also wears an aid.  
AND they sent of an image of a new Hero - The Blue Ear - named after Anthony's hearing-aid... 
AND eventually - Marvel also sent an image of Hawkeye WITH Blue Ear.  How great is that??

Maybe I'll go see Avengers in the theater after all...
]]><![CDATA[Upcoming Safe Church Trainings]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:57 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/05/upcoming-safe-church-trainings.html
  • Saturday, June 9, 8:30 am – 3:15 pm, St. James Church, Mill Creek 
  • October 13th, 8:30 – 3:15, St. Anne’s Church, Middletown – REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Oct. 1st
  • October 16th & 17th, 6pm – 9pm, All Saints Church, Rehoboth – BOTH EVENINGS REQUIRED –REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Oct. 1st
  • October 20th, 8:30am  - 3:15pm, Christ Church, Dover – REGISTRATION DEADLINE, October 8th
  • October 23rd & 24th, 6pm – 9pm, Immanuel Church, Highlands – BOTH EVENINGS REQURED –REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Oct. 8th
  • October 27th, 8:30am – 3:15pm, Christ Church, Christiana Hundred – REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Oct. 15th
To register, please mail registration form and $10 fee by deadline.  Registration forms and more detailed information can be found on our website, www.dioceseofdelaware.net If you have questions, please contactcyndebimbi@dioceseofdelaware.net 
]]><![CDATA[Don't be a robot.]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 10:43:44 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/05/dont-be-a-robot.html
I recently saw this floating around and being posted on Facebook.  I like it.  I like it a lot.
]]><![CDATA[Big Deal.]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:37:20 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/04/big-deal.htmlI've been posting about this stuff on FB and twitter for forever and the day is FINALLY here... tomorrow.

Blue Like Jazz (The Movie) releases tomorrow in limited theaters across the country and more openings  April 20th.

The SUPER short version:
This guy wrote a book about discovering God for himself in 2003.  It became a NY Times Bestseller.  He reveled in the success and found himself asking, this is it? Another guy called because he wanted to make a movie out of the book.  Turning the memoir into a movie proved difficult.  The first guy learned a LOT about what it takes to tell a GOOD story. He wrote another book about it AND about the process of writing the movie screenplay.  There was no money.  Movie production was halted.  Two superfans would not concede that that was okay.  They started an online fundraiser.   A ton of people gave and they  raised more than enough money.  The movie opens tomorrow.  
Why this is a big deal to me:
1)  Christian movies have earned themselves a bad rap.  This is not that kind of Christian film.  It's honest.  It's funny.  It's natural.  It's PG13.   
2) If it makes enough money it will open in more cities.  And if we Christians don't help movies like this one make box office money - More movies like this won't be easily made. 
3)  This movie will open a gagillion doors to talk about faith, and doubt, and God.  Are you ready?
4) I liked the book Blue Like Jazz and I LOVED the book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and have passed it on for many others to read.  
5) I may or may not have a crush (as do SO many other women I have met) on the author.
6) Who doesn't like making history? (the whole  funding bit on Kickstarter - it set records and could seriously change the way art is funded and made.)  
6)  And who doesn't like playing a small part in something that feels important.  I'm (approximately) backer #1500 listed in the credits.That makes me a literal "Associate Producer."  Seriously - I have the signed poster, the coffee mug and t shirt to prove it.  The director even called me.  Because he called ALL the backers.  ha.

 Here is the website &  showtimes, and here are tons of free resources  for ministry and home.   Below is the trailer.  
]]><![CDATA[Times, They Are A-Changin' ...]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:25:27 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/04/times-they-are-a-changin.htmlI like this Bob Dylan song.    I only know this song because every once in a blue moon Walt will play it during communion at camp.   That's not fair.  I think I've heard him play it 3 or 4 times since I've known him.   I own a cover of it by Tracy Chapman... and every so often I think about purchasing the version on the Remember the Titans soundtrack. 

As groups of us in Formation Ministries around the country huddle together and dream up helpful responses to budgeting ... I keep thinking about this debrief activity Michelle Cummings teaches to help groups deal with change.
She sets out objects asks the group describe their actions when put in a 'hot water' situation.  

The Egg: 
• Do you look the same on the outside but turn hard on the inside? 
• How easy is it for you to put your ‘game face’ on when talking to teammates about a decision you are not in favor of, but on the inside you are quite unhappy with the decision?
• If an egg is left in boiling water too long it will crack or explode.

Carrot: 
• What happens to a carrot when placed in boiling water?
• A carrot will turn soft and change itself dramatically as an effect of the hot water. Do you turn to mush and do whatever the 'hot water' wants you to do when faced with a change?

Coffee Bean: 
• Are you like the Coffee Bean, do you change the 'hot water' situation?
• Do you get ‘energized’ about new changes or try to influence how the changes get implemented?

Ice Cube: 
• Do you try to ‘diffuse’ the hot water situation? • Are you a small ice cube that attempts to ‘cool’ things down and then become overwhelmed with the situation and melt back into it? 
•Or are you a large ice cube that really affects the hot water situation and sticks with it to diffuse it. 

Rock: 
• When a Rock is placed in a pot of boiling water it will sink to the bottom and not change.
• What do you do with the ‘Rocks’ in your team—those that refuse to change while the change is happening around them?
• How does this change style encourage conflict within a team?

She goes on to explain that often, individuals will go through each 'stage' in a changing environment. 

She then suggest leading your group through these Debriefing Questions:
• What do you think is your typical change stage you begin with when faced with a new change?
• Does this stage encourage or prevent a conflict with others?
• How do you approach others who have different perspectives and opinions about the change?
• Describe the positive aspects of knowing what change stage each individual is in.
•Do you attempts to ‘cool’ things down and then become overwhelmed with the situation and melt back into it? Or are you a large ice cube that really affects the hot water situation and sticks with it to diffuse it.

How do you respond when times are a-changin?

]]><![CDATA[Panem]]>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:17:42 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/03/panem.htmlYes, I have been swept up into the world of Panem and the Hunger Games.  I decided for Lent I would read more - and this trilogy made it awesomely easy... and just in time for the release of the first film.

Yes - I did JUST today realize that Panem is Latin for bread.  Funny.  I studied Latin for three years and don't recall ever talking about the Romans enjoying bread - lots of WEIRD food, but not bread.  We probably did talk about it and Ms Lewis is probably somewhere shaking her head at me ... some things never change.

Relevant posted this blog today : Let the Hunger Games Begin by Alyce Gilligan, Why the story of Katniss Everdeen resonates with so many readers.  I mostly agree with the assessment. And so, I pass it on to you who may and may not have read the trilogy for yourself.   I can guarantee if you students haven't read it, they will watch it... and if they won't read of watch it - they haven't been able to ward off that one friend that just couldn't keep the story to themselves.


]]><![CDATA[The First Cut is the Deepest...]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:20:57 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/03/the-first-cut-is-the-deepest.htmlMarch 1st,  The draft proposed 2013-2015 budget for the Episcopal Church was posted on the General Convention website.  ( The budget is located under “Attendee Resources” and is accompanied by a narrative explanation prepared by a subcommittee of Executive Council.)

No big deal.  Business as usual.  EXCEPT  the Formation and Vocation line items have been slashed from $3,049,339 to $286,438.   Several cuts were made... this just seems to be the deepest and obviously the most personal. 


Bronwyn Clark Skov, (the Episcopal Youth Ministries   Officer), encourages everyone to be in touch with their bishops and diocesan deputies to tell your story and ask your questions. She asks for  prayers for strength, guidance, courage, and patience as she and her colleagues continue to carry out their ministry this year in an unsettled atmosphere, and do their best to discern what new thing God is doing in our midst and how we are called to faithfully respond.  (What class.) 

Here are my brief thoughts: 
It's a week later and I'm still a bit gobsmacked.  

Planned change is almost always good.  Dreaming and restructuring for the future are great and necessary ideas.  Implementing and a transition phases are key.  This move doesn't come across as inspired or transitional.  It kind of feels like a move The Capital would make in the Hunger Games... because they can.  This isn't a game to me.  It's kingdom work. 

The idea is to make formation ministries more lateral - leaning on Diocesan and Parish level leadership  Duh.  We lean on them already.  The problem is not every Province or Diocese or Parish has the resources... and I'm not just talking money.   This will only get worse as funding disappears.

Calling youth the future of the church already infuriates me...  (Why do we confirm them at 13 if we won't let them really participate until they're 40?)  I believe a move like this makes it even less likely that this next generation will stick around.  They may in fact be the future of the church - a new one that has nothing to do with this one.   Is that the intended goal? 

<< deep sigh  >>  Okay - that might have been a little much.  I am quite curious about the Presiding Bishop's response... and wait with somewhat bated breath for a statement.

Stephen Day - One of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinators & Campus Ministers in WV would add: That you should lobby your bishops, deputies and members of the PB &F ( Program, Budget and Finance Committee ) PB&F  will make revisions and submit a proposal to General Convention.    You can find a list of members of the PB&F here.

Several others have shared their thoughts:

Fr Robert Hendrickson - the program director of residential internship programs and curate at Christ Church New Haven

Fr Jonathan Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, WI


Fr Tom Ferguson -  - Dean of Bexley Seminary

Jordan Trumble - a grant writer and volunteer recruiter to feed the hungry of New Haven, CT  


“The Lead” on Episcopal Cafe an independent Web site featuring news, commentary, art, meditations and video. 

Forma (formerly known as The National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors) 

Cindy Spencer is the Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator at St Mark's Cathedral in Seattle.

Meg Wagner is the Christian Formation Director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City, an MDiv student and a postulant from the Diocese of Iowa.

]]><![CDATA[ECCC at Camp McDowell in Alabama]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:55:01 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2012/02/eccc-at-camp-mcdowell-in-alabama.htmlECCC stands for Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers.  They have an official gathering once a year but the members of ECCC often talk online, ask one another for resources, and come up with ways to hang out.

They week is full of capital F- FUN.  But it's full of professional development too.  They bring in keynotes [Mike Schut (pronounced Skut) - Economic and Environmental Affairs Officer for the Episcopal Church and Lisa Kimball - the Director of the Center for Ministry of Teaching at VTS].  They run all kinds of workshops.  They bring in folks to provide one on one guidance from the Medical Trust and Pension Fund. They plan outings like a hike, a visit to an urban farm or Civil Rights Institute.  There's a sing along night, a game night, and a square dancing night with a live band.  We have meditations daily and celebrate the Eucharist.  And they make space and time to foster genuine relationships.  That's why it takes a week.  And for a conference of "Camp People",   I don't think it should be done any differently.

I walked into a workshop on ... well; I don't know what it was on.  I heard it was fantastic so I went to the repeat session.  I had been fighting the worst cough ever and so I walked in late as not to alert the room that I really might cough to death.  I walked into a retired Bishop waxing poetically about Jungian psychology, and shadows of the unconscious mind... what, the what?  Okay, okay - it wasn't THAT difficult to follow.  There was a lot of talk about ego and projections.  

The Bishop tells priests all the time to not take the receiving line after church all that seriously.  You aren't as good as they say you are and you aren't as horrid either.  Those comments are far more about the person making them than you.  hmmmm.  From there it turned into personal questions about specific situations and exceptionally awkward or difficult family members.

At the end I walked away clinging to the nugget that it's really important as camps and conference centers (and youth leaders) to help remind people who (and whose) they are.  (We are God's beloved.  Our identity comes from our relationship with Christ).  So my question for the Bishop was about this rising generation.  They act ridiculously entitled.  Is that because we projected awesomeness on them instead of letting them gain legitimate esteem from achievement?  No one asked him that before.  His suggestion was that healthy esteem comes from struggle and if we make it too easy - there's a pride that rises but the bad kind not the earned and warranted kind... and that's not healthy esteem.   HMMMMM.  Interesting.

Allow our youth to struggle.
     Remind them who they are. 

sounds simple.  sounds good.

more thoughts to come....

]]><![CDATA[Official Youth Presence at 2012 General Convention]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:14:07 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2011/12/official-youth-presence-at-2012-general-convention.htmlDo you know or are you a high school teenager who is passionate about the Episcopal Church?

Do you know a youth, or are you 16-18 years old, interested in learning more about how the church makes decisions to join God's mission in the world?

The application and nomination process for the General Convention Official Youth Presence 2012 is now open!

Read the EpiscoYouth blog for more details, or click these direct links to the application and nomination forms.

Submission deadline is January 15, 2012.

]]><![CDATA[The Storytellers ]]>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:28:30 -0500http://www.diodelyouth.com/1/post/2011/11/the-storytellers.htmlAKA: To Write Love On Her Arms [TWLOHA] High School Campaign

I was hoping Jamie Tworkowski was going to speak about this campaign at the National Youth Workers Convention - but alas, Youth Workers were the wrong audience AND too many Youth Workers still hadn't heard of his organization.  C'est la vie.  ANYWAY - this is a great program for High School Seniors to get in on.... check it out.

"We believe in the power of high school students, and we have witnessed the way your passion combines with compassion to create change. You have a voice that can change your community. The Storytellers High School Campaign is a stage for you. This is a chance for you to create events, sell exclusive TWLOHA bracelets, and share this story to an audience of your peers. It’s an opportunity to do something with that powerful voice of yours.

The idea is simple: invite people who are passionate about TWLOHA, who have a unique platform every day of the school year, to tell our story. We allow your creativity and genius to decide how to tell it, as we give you resources to raise awareness and funds for an organization that matters to you....

...The Storytellers is a way to speak out to your campus and say that hope and healing are real by inviting your friends, your classmates, and your teachers to participate in our story.

You are inviting them to listen to the very stories surrounding them.

You are inviting them to truly live their own stories.

You are inviting them into our story.

You are inviting them into your story."

Go here to learn how the campaign works.

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