10/01/2008
Youth Ministries Team
by Aimee Bostwick
That is the mantra for YMT this year as we venture out to serve our diocese, our churches, our communities, the world and our fellow youth. We hope that you too are feeling this call and plan on joining in on this exciting adventure of "radical hospitality".
So what is YMT? The Youth Ministries Team of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia is made up of Episcopal young people in grades eight to twelve and adult youth leaders throughout the diocese, with the ratio of youth to adults never being less than 6:1. Members of YMT design and lead the various diocesan youth programs offered throughout the year, as well as make decisions concerning youth policies, serve on the diocesan Executive Board, and represent the youth of our diocese at Province Three Gatherings (P3Y).
Members are expected to attend at least two of the three yearly meetings, serve on the design team for either Fall Youth Event (FYE) or Spring Youth Event (SYE) and help with Y@C. In addition, all members are required to participate in the YMT Leadership Training retreat in the spring. The purpose of this special training retreat is to provide opportunity for spiritual growth, to help build community among all the members, and to develop stronger leadership skills in such areas as leading small groups and large groups, leading games, and leading worship. If you are unable to attend the retreat (March 7th-9th at Phoebe Needles) then please contact Aimee to discuss your options.
We ask that as you submit your application you realize the commitment that comes with the honor of serving on YMT. Please prayerfully consider your time schedule including sports, academics and other church activities. Meetings are several times a year, often held in Roanoke and involve a nights stay.
We have begun accepting applications for the 2008-09 year. If you are currently in 8th grade or older and are feeling called to serve others, please fill out the application below, along with the medical form and community covenant and return it to Aimee Bostwick at the diocesan office. We look forward to you joining the team!
YMT 2008 Update:
Well... let's hear it for the largest group of applicants in YMT history! We have 31 new YMT members who received their training on March 7th-9th. It was a wonderful weekend of finding the way our souls sing. our theme, "Take This Soul and Make It Sing" is taken from U2's song "Yahweh" and the following lyrics:
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul
And make it sing
What we learned over the course of the weekend is that YMT is quite like a choir/orchestra with all of the additional talent, voices and energy. We find our voice when we find our purpose in serving Christ and one another with the unique abilities that God has given each of us. Please view the slideshow below to share in our experience.
