wfn.org | Episcopalians: Episcopal youth deal with 'hot issues' at summer meeting

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

May 21, 2002

2002-126

Episcopalians: Episcopal youth deal with 'hot issues' at 
summer meeting

by Episcopal Life staff

(Episcopal Life) The campus at the University of Wyoming will be 
transformed for six days in July when 1,400 youth of high school 
age congregate for the triennial Episcopal Youth Event (EYE). 
Young people from each of the church's nine provinces, who have 
worked with adult leaders in planning the event, say it will be 
a celebration that will inspire in youth a deeper faith in 
Christ and new commitment to mission and ministry.

"The design team is committed, following the tragedies of 
September 11, to make this event focus on issues affecting youth 
today and offer a faith-based, hopeful response to the world in 
which teenagers live," said Brad Woodall, a student in 
Springfield, Missouri, who is chair of the communications 
committee for the event.

Organizers say the event beginning July 23 includes worship 
with a dynamic group of 12 musicians and singers, a cultural 
carnival with food, contests and souvenirs to exchange with 
others, games, recreation, workshops, discussions on "hot 
issues" and an opportunity to experience the high plains of the 
western U.S. The event's theme, "Bring it to the high plains! 
Tell the people who I am," based on 1 Timothy 4:11-16, is 
appropriate for the Laramie, Wyoming, campus situated 8,000 feet 
above sea level.

At the design team's last meeting in Orlando, Florida, in 
January, some youth talked about the effect of the terrorist 
attacks on September 11 on their lives and on this summer's 
event. "This is a chance for us to make a statement that 
something like that isn't going to affect our lives," said Joe 
Wallace of New Orleans. "My hope for EYE is that it will be an 
environment for fun and spirituality."

"I'm hoping that EYE will truly unite the church's youth," 
said Paul Canady of Ellicott City, Maryland, the adult 
representative from Province 4. "Then the Episcopal Church as a 
whole will grow and be strengthened." Skye Lund of Kadoka, South 
Dakota, added, "I hope that EYE brings youth closer to God and 
each other. I hope to bring music to EYE as an expression of our 
faith."

Each diocese has been allocated accommodation for 12 youth 
and three adult sponsors, but dioceses that recruit a diverse 
group of young people can register additional participants. 
Registration cost is $275, including room, meals and ground 
transportation.

More information on EYE is available at: 
www.episcopalchurch.org/myp/EYE. Daily postings will be made on 
the Web site during the youth event, July 23-28.

------