Greeting from Houston! It’s been a few days since I posted anything, and that’s because I’m at a diversity workshop for my job. I’m having a great time. I hope your week is going well too.
I wanted to cover the things we talked about at our last EYC meeting. Some activities for the year you guys came up with were a lock-in, laser tag, roller skating, and ice skating. We also discussed holding an Episco-disco as a fundraiser to help purchase a playscape for our St. John’s toddlers. This will be a great opportunity to combine fellowship with congregational service. Another service project that was approved by the group was a donation drive for refugees in the Austin area. The details in how we’ll go about organizing the drive are still to be decided.
For the first High School special activity, I’d like to suggest we have a movie night. High Schoolers, please email me to let me know if there’s a Thursday or a Friday that works well for you in July.
As always, let me know if you have any thoughts, or would like to help with the planning of any of these activities.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Today's Holy Saint: Alban
Alban, the first British martyr, was tortured and killed in the place of a priest who was fleeing persecution.
Alban lived (at some time during the 3rd century) in the Roman city of Verulamium. Although he was then a worshipper of Roman gods including the emperor, he gave shelter to a Christian priest fleeing from persecution. Influenced by the priest's prayer and teaching he became a Christian.
When the authorities discovered the priest's hiding place Alban exchanged clothes with him. The priest escaped and Alban was bound and taken before the judge. The judge was furious at the deception, and ordered that Alban should receive the punishment due to the priest, if he had indeed become a Christian.
Alban declared his Christian faith, saying in words still used as a prayer "I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things." Despite flogging he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was sentenced to death. He was brought out of the town, across the river and up a hill to the site of execution where his head was cut off.
Legend tells us that on the hill-top a spring of water miraculously appeared to give the martyr a drink; also that moved by his witness the original executioner refused to carry out the deed, and that after his replacement had killed Alban the executioners' eyes dropped out. [Other stories indicate that the original executioner became the second British martyr after hearing Alban's testimony and being so impressed that he became a Christian on the spot, and refused to kill Alban. The third martyr was the priest, who when he learned that Alban had been arrested in his place, hurried to the court in the hope of saving Alban by turning himself in.]
Info taken from the Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban.
Lessons and prayers: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Alban.html
For more info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Alban.htm
Alban lived (at some time during the 3rd century) in the Roman city of Verulamium. Although he was then a worshipper of Roman gods including the emperor, he gave shelter to a Christian priest fleeing from persecution. Influenced by the priest's prayer and teaching he became a Christian.
When the authorities discovered the priest's hiding place Alban exchanged clothes with him. The priest escaped and Alban was bound and taken before the judge. The judge was furious at the deception, and ordered that Alban should receive the punishment due to the priest, if he had indeed become a Christian.
Alban declared his Christian faith, saying in words still used as a prayer "I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things." Despite flogging he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was sentenced to death. He was brought out of the town, across the river and up a hill to the site of execution where his head was cut off.
Legend tells us that on the hill-top a spring of water miraculously appeared to give the martyr a drink; also that moved by his witness the original executioner refused to carry out the deed, and that after his replacement had killed Alban the executioners' eyes dropped out. [Other stories indicate that the original executioner became the second British martyr after hearing Alban's testimony and being so impressed that he became a Christian on the spot, and refused to kill Alban. The third martyr was the priest, who when he learned that Alban had been arrested in his place, hurried to the court in the hope of saving Alban by turning himself in.]
Info taken from the Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban.
Lessons and prayers: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Alban.html
For more info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Alban.htm
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Invitations
As a new member not only to St. John's, but to EYC too, I found Kristen Glass's article, "E-vites, Invites, and Other Ways to Welcome," especially interesting. Be sure to check out Elizabeth Conway's Faith Reflection section too.
Café is an electronic magazine for young women who want to build Community, participate in Advocacy, strengthen Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Women of the the ELCA, the women's organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, creates and publishes every issue of Café.
You can check out their articles online, or for you ipod lovers, sign up for their monthly podcasts.
Café is an electronic magazine for young women who want to build Community, participate in Advocacy, strengthen Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Women of the the ELCA, the women's organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, creates and publishes every issue of Café.
You can check out their articles online, or for you ipod lovers, sign up for their monthly podcasts.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Writing Contest about Poverty & Hunger
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is pleased to announce a writing contest for youth. We invite you to present your views on how to arrive at a world where no one lives in poverty and hunger.
Deadline for submissions (typed and in English only): August 1, 2007
Length: 2,000 words maximum
Use your writing skills to write an essay, short story, poem, open letter to a national leader, short play, or other text on
- How we can make poverty and hunger problems of the past in all nations across the globe.
First prize is US$ 500, plus a booklet in which your essay will be published with other high-quality contributions. Runner up prizes are US$ 250, plus a booklet in which your essay will be published. The booklet will be posted on IFPRI's website.
For additional guidelines and details, please visit our website: http://www.ifpri.org/2020chinaconference/chconfcontest.asp
Please send your submission to:
Writing Contest
IFPRI
2033 K Street NW
Washington DC 2006, USA
Fax: 1-202-467-4439
Email: IFPRI-2020WritingContest@cgiar.org
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Episcopal Youth Event (E.Y.E.)
Once every three years the Episcopal Church holds its Episcopal Youth Event and next year it will be held in San Antonio, July 8-13, 2008. It serves as a celebration to inspire a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, and a renewed commitment to mission and ministry. E.Y.E. is for young people who have completed grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 by spring of the event year and have not already attended college. Each Episcopal diocese is initially allocated 15 slots (12 for young people and 3 for their adult sponsors). Participants must apply and register through their diocese. EYE is also attended by numerous staff, resource people, and bishops.
Registration will open in the fall of 2007. If you are interested in attending E.Y.E. please contact your local diocesan office. $480 covers your housing, meals, program, and registration for six days and five nights of worship, learning, and fun. The Episcopal Church's budget picks up the difference between your registration fee and the actual cost of the event.
For more information: http://www.eye2008.org
Registration will open in the fall of 2007. If you are interested in attending E.Y.E. please contact your local diocesan office. $480 covers your housing, meals, program, and registration for six days and five nights of worship, learning, and fun. The Episcopal Church's budget picks up the difference between your registration fee and the actual cost of the event.
For more information: http://www.eye2008.org
Monday, June 18, 2007
Today's Holy Saint: Bernard Mizeki
Bernard Mizeki, Christian witness and martyr in South Africa, dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel in South Africa. He was killed during an uprising of the native people against the Europeans. He would not desert his converts at the mission.
Bernard Mizeki was born, probably in 1861, on the shores of the Bay of Inhambane, in Mozambique south of Beira. At 14, he travelled to Cape Town with other young men to look for work. He found work in a butchery and during his time there he came into contact with the Anglican Church. He was baptized and confirmed. Although he did not begin his education until late he had particular gifts for music and languages. He was also a man who prayed much, and his gentleness and graciousness impressed all who met him. In time he came to believe that God was calling him to be a missionary.
His chance came in 1891, when Bishop Knight-Bruce recruited him to join a party to make the difficult journey via Beira into Eastern Zimbabwe to found the new diocese. Mizeki was given the task of living among Chief Mangwende's people near Marondera, and to build up the mission there. For the next five years, Mizeki worked hard and after a time, he became a key member of the small group which was given the task of producing part of the Prayer Book and the Scriptures in the vernacular.
He soon realised that the belief of the local people was something to be respected, and upon which he could build. His humility was such that he destroyed furniture he had built for himself because he wanted to live the same life as those around him. His identification with Mangwende's people became even more complete when he married a young woman called Mutwa, who was related to the Chief.
Converts began to gather round Mizeki but some of his teachings aroused jealousy. So, when the behaviour of many white settlers provoked the first great rebellion anyone associated with them was under threat. Mizeki was advised to leave his post and seek safety until peace was restored. He refused to leave his converts, and on 18 June 1896, he was speared to death by two of Mangwende's sons. Mutwa escaped, and in November gave birth to a daughter, Bernardina.
Mizeki's life and death have deeply influenced the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. His memory is preserved by books that have been written about him, and schools named after him.
The shrine which Bishop Paget caused to be erected at the site of his martyrdom is the scene of a huge open-air service held each year at the weekend nearest to 18 June.
Info taken from Diocese of Southwark in London.
Prayers and Lessons for Today: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Mizeki.html
For more info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Bernard_Mizeki.htm
Bernard Mizeki was born, probably in 1861, on the shores of the Bay of Inhambane, in Mozambique south of Beira. At 14, he travelled to Cape Town with other young men to look for work. He found work in a butchery and during his time there he came into contact with the Anglican Church. He was baptized and confirmed. Although he did not begin his education until late he had particular gifts for music and languages. He was also a man who prayed much, and his gentleness and graciousness impressed all who met him. In time he came to believe that God was calling him to be a missionary.
His chance came in 1891, when Bishop Knight-Bruce recruited him to join a party to make the difficult journey via Beira into Eastern Zimbabwe to found the new diocese. Mizeki was given the task of living among Chief Mangwende's people near Marondera, and to build up the mission there. For the next five years, Mizeki worked hard and after a time, he became a key member of the small group which was given the task of producing part of the Prayer Book and the Scriptures in the vernacular.
He soon realised that the belief of the local people was something to be respected, and upon which he could build. His humility was such that he destroyed furniture he had built for himself because he wanted to live the same life as those around him. His identification with Mangwende's people became even more complete when he married a young woman called Mutwa, who was related to the Chief.
Converts began to gather round Mizeki but some of his teachings aroused jealousy. So, when the behaviour of many white settlers provoked the first great rebellion anyone associated with them was under threat. Mizeki was advised to leave his post and seek safety until peace was restored. He refused to leave his converts, and on 18 June 1896, he was speared to death by two of Mangwende's sons. Mutwa escaped, and in November gave birth to a daughter, Bernardina.
Mizeki's life and death have deeply influenced the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. His memory is preserved by books that have been written about him, and schools named after him.
The shrine which Bishop Paget caused to be erected at the site of his martyrdom is the scene of a huge open-air service held each year at the weekend nearest to 18 June.
Info taken from Diocese of Southwark in London.
Prayers and Lessons for Today: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Mizeki.html
For more info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Bernard_Mizeki.htm
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Today's Holy Saint: Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham
Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, helped revive the Church in eighteenth century England and defend the Church against Deism.
What's Deism you ask? Look at the word for a sec. Have you heard the word "deity" before? Deity is from the Latin word, "deus" which means "God". [We've all heard the Spanish phrase (a Latin based language): ¡Dios mío!] So Deism is a belief in God. Have you ever heard someone say they were spiritual, but not religious? That belief goes along with what a Deist believes. A dictionary description of Deism says a Deist is, "one who believes in the existence of a God or supreme being but denies revealed religion, basing his belief on the light of nature and reason."
The 18th century was called the age of Enlightenment. The big philosophical names of the day were Descartes, Voltaire, Kant and Rousseau. (Okay, so there were tons more, but these are the names I remember from my 18th century literature courses.) Instead of the world being a huge puzzle that only God really knows, people began to see that they could logically figure out, or deduct from scientific reason, how things worked. Most people still believed in God, but they also felt that the Church didn't allow for individual freedom and expression of thought. It's far more complicated and interesting, but this is a broad brushstroke for you to see what Butler was all about.
Lessons and Collect for today's Saint: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Butler.html
For more info on Butler: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Joseph_Butler.htm
For more info on Deism: http://www.deism.com/
For more 18th Century fun: http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm
What's Deism you ask? Look at the word for a sec. Have you heard the word "deity" before? Deity is from the Latin word, "deus" which means "God". [We've all heard the Spanish phrase (a Latin based language): ¡Dios mío!] So Deism is a belief in God. Have you ever heard someone say they were spiritual, but not religious? That belief goes along with what a Deist believes. A dictionary description of Deism says a Deist is, "one who believes in the existence of a God or supreme being but denies revealed religion, basing his belief on the light of nature and reason."
The 18th century was called the age of Enlightenment. The big philosophical names of the day were Descartes, Voltaire, Kant and Rousseau. (Okay, so there were tons more, but these are the names I remember from my 18th century literature courses.) Instead of the world being a huge puzzle that only God really knows, people began to see that they could logically figure out, or deduct from scientific reason, how things worked. Most people still believed in God, but they also felt that the Church didn't allow for individual freedom and expression of thought. It's far more complicated and interesting, but this is a broad brushstroke for you to see what Butler was all about.
Lessons and Collect for today's Saint: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Jun/Butler.html
For more info on Butler: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Joseph_Butler.htm
For more info on Deism: http://www.deism.com/
For more 18th Century fun: http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Tale of the Faithful Acolyte: Father Matthew Presents
You may also enjoy the “Tale of the Faithful Acolyte”. My favorite line: "Maybe we should just create an angry mob and go after her."
Do you think St. John’s is small, medium or large? In the church I was an acolyte in, we were so small, and getting smaller, that we were downsized from “church” status to “mission” status. (And as for a youth group – there was me and this guy, Nick – that’s it.) Father Matthew’s church in Yonkers had a similar problem; however, they had a more extreme situation and their church was closed. It’s been reopened now and they’re working on expanding the small church.
In an article from their webpage we can see just how small we’re talking:
“Sunday service at the church now draws some 25 people, up from just five when it closed. Part of that audience comes from a supporting parish in Manhattan that sent congregants to Yonkers to help revive the church.”
Ft Matthew says, "You get out a message and all you need is creativity." What do you think our message is for St. John’s EYC?
More info: http://www.spcy.org/artman/publish/article_88.shtml
Diversity in Faith: Father Matthew Presents
A friend of mine at St. David's downtown sent me the link to Ft Matthew's work in Yonkers. He does an online YouTube show every few weeks. http://www.youtube.com/fathermatthew The clip here is about the diversity of faith found in the world, let alone in our Episcopal churches.
Today's Feast Day Honors Evelyn Underhill
THEOLOGIAN AND MYSTIC (15 JUNE 1941)
Evelyn Underhill was born in 1875 and died in 1941. English lay theologian and writer, Evelyn Underhill awakened the spiritual hearts of her contemporaries and -- without realizing it -- pioneered a path for women in ministry. Born in South Kensington the only child of nominally Anglican parents, Underhill described her early life as lacking religious nurture. But even as a teenager, Underhill showed spiritual sparks that would be fanned into flames in young adulthood. Underhill graduated from King's College, London, and in her twenties began writing novels about the spiritual quest. After her marriage to Hubert Stuart Moore, Underhill began writing her best-known work, Mysticism (1911), which continues to be a standard on the mystical life. After the devastation of World War I and years of struggling with a longing to become a Roman Catholic, Underhill renewed her membership in the Anglican Church. She turned her attention to the spiritual formation of the average Christian by offering retreats for clergy and laity, radio talks, and as a spiritual guide. ... Having a strong ecumenical vision, Underhill created important bridges to believers of the Eastern Orthodox tradition and to spiritual writers beyond the Christian tradition. She authored thirty-nine books and over 350 articles, almost all on spiritual themes.
More info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Evelyn_Underhill.htm
Evelyn Underhill was born in 1875 and died in 1941. English lay theologian and writer, Evelyn Underhill awakened the spiritual hearts of her contemporaries and -- without realizing it -- pioneered a path for women in ministry. Born in South Kensington the only child of nominally Anglican parents, Underhill described her early life as lacking religious nurture. But even as a teenager, Underhill showed spiritual sparks that would be fanned into flames in young adulthood. Underhill graduated from King's College, London, and in her twenties began writing novels about the spiritual quest. After her marriage to Hubert Stuart Moore, Underhill began writing her best-known work, Mysticism (1911), which continues to be a standard on the mystical life. After the devastation of World War I and years of struggling with a longing to become a Roman Catholic, Underhill renewed her membership in the Anglican Church. She turned her attention to the spiritual formation of the average Christian by offering retreats for clergy and laity, radio talks, and as a spiritual guide. ... Having a strong ecumenical vision, Underhill created important bridges to believers of the Eastern Orthodox tradition and to spiritual writers beyond the Christian tradition. She authored thirty-nine books and over 350 articles, almost all on spiritual themes.
More info: http://satucket.com/lectionary/Evelyn_Underhill.htm
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Youth Sunday
The last Youth Sunday went really well - I heard tons of great comments from the congregation about the amazing sermons!
Our next Youth Sunday is coming up July 29th!
While Cathy is handling the sermon, I thought you'd enjoy a little sermon fun with Ft Matthew's video on writing sermons.
Our next Youth Sunday is coming up July 29th!
While Cathy is handling the sermon, I thought you'd enjoy a little sermon fun with Ft Matthew's video on writing sermons.
What's Your Spiritual Type?
"Personality types and spiritual types help us develop our self-awareness and our self-understanding," writes Neinast, author of MX Spiritual Types Test. "Types help us uncover the things that give us energy and joy. They alert us to the filters we use — our five senses, and our 'sixth sense' of intuition — to perceive the world around us. Types help us understand how we make decisions and why we interact with the world around us the way we do."
Check out your Spiritual Type here!
When you're finished you can check out the website's section on different prayer methods.
Check out your Spiritual Type here!When you're finished you can check out the website's section on different prayer methods.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Diocesan Events!
Here are some upcoming events in our Diocese.
June
25-30, Christian Leadership Conference @ St. Stephen’s School, Austin
The Division of Youth’s Christian Leadership Conference is a youth-led event that exists to connect youth through worship, ministry, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism. The weeklong senior high (grades 10-12) event focuses on the practical application of faith and includes various workshops along with its social activities.
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/Christian_Leadership_Conference.asp?SnID=67933746
Please discuss attending this event (held in our own Austin backyard!) with Rev Cathy.
August
24-26, Happening #120, YES #87 @ Camp Allen
A Happening is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Through this experience the Happening encourages participation in one's own parish and youth group. Any youth in 10-12th grade may attend Happening. http://www.happeningtexas.org/
A Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S.) weekend brings together members of the 7th-9th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community.
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/YouthEncounter_Spirit.asp?SnID=67933746
June
25-30, Christian Leadership Conference @ St. Stephen’s School, Austin
The Division of Youth’s Christian Leadership Conference is a youth-led event that exists to connect youth through worship, ministry, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism. The weeklong senior high (grades 10-12) event focuses on the practical application of faith and includes various workshops along with its social activities.
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/Christian_Leadership_Conference.asp?SnID=67933746
Please discuss attending this event (held in our own Austin backyard!) with Rev Cathy.
August
24-26, Happening #120, YES #87 @ Camp Allen
A Happening is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Through this experience the Happening encourages participation in one's own parish and youth group. Any youth in 10-12th grade may attend Happening. http://www.happeningtexas.org/
A Youth Encounter Spirit (Y.E.S.) weekend brings together members of the 7th-9th grade youth of the Diocese of Texas as a Christian community.
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/YouthEncounter_Spirit.asp?SnID=67933746
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Welcome to St. John's Episcopal Youth Community
Welcome to St. John’s EYC! Even though it’s summer, we still have some great things happening with our Middle and High School youth.
Summer Pizza Sundays:
Come enjoy pizza and fellowship in the Y’ALL building after the Jubilee service at 12:30!
June 24
July 22
August 26
Faith in Action:
Trinity Streets
On August 19th St John’s EYC will work the Trinity Streets Sunday worship and meal project. Trinity Streets is a Sunday afternoon worship service and meal for about 80 neighbors (people experiencing homelessness and poverty in downtown Austin). We will work from 2pm-4:30pm on Sunday the 19th. Our EYC participated in January and we look forward to the experience again! http://www.trinitycenteraustin.org/
Youth Sunday Services:
On the fifth Sunday of the month the EYC group leads Sunday services. Below are the upcoming dates for 2007.
July 29
September 30
EYC Bible Studies will begin in September.
For more information contact Megan at StJohnsEYC@gmail.com
Summer Pizza Sundays:
Come enjoy pizza and fellowship in the Y’ALL building after the Jubilee service at 12:30!
June 24
July 22
August 26
Faith in Action:
Trinity Streets
On August 19th St John’s EYC will work the Trinity Streets Sunday worship and meal project. Trinity Streets is a Sunday afternoon worship service and meal for about 80 neighbors (people experiencing homelessness and poverty in downtown Austin). We will work from 2pm-4:30pm on Sunday the 19th. Our EYC participated in January and we look forward to the experience again! http://www.trinitycenteraustin.org/
Youth Sunday Services:
On the fifth Sunday of the month the EYC group leads Sunday services. Below are the upcoming dates for 2007.
July 29
September 30
EYC Bible Studies will begin in September.
For more information contact Megan at StJohnsEYC@gmail.com
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