Youth Reset
In his prayers for the Ephesians, Paul says “So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers.”
I want to personally say thank you for taking time out of your busy and overpacked schedule to join us for Reset for Renewal. My hope is that you were able to find and commune with God at some point during our three days together and connect with colleagues who are doing similar work across the country. As I said during the opening, I am confident that you are the right person to be leading our youth at this unique time.
You likely said yes to ministry before covid-19 was ever on the radar, but you have endured, adapted, and thrived which further affirms your gifts and call. You are not alone and many in youth ministry particularly have felt under resourced and isolated as you try new ways of creating community for youth who are already zoomed and burned out. One of the ways we at the National Office is trying to create community and collegiality is by offering the opportunity to be partnered with another person doing youth ministry. If you are interested in this kind of program, please complete the Google Form found here. We also created a collaborative document for youth ministers to share ideas, games and other resources that have helped you during 2020. If you would like to add or view the document please click here. This document will only be editable until December 4th.
Many of you asked if we could make the participant list available to everyone. Since that is not possible, we have created a Google Doc where you are invited to add your contact information if you would like to connect with your colleagues from Reset for Renewal. You can access the document here. You are also invited to join the UCC Youth Ministers Facebook Page.
To continue offering meaningful and impactful opportunities to you and your youth, please complete the Reset for Renewal Survey by December 4th.
During Reset for Renewal there were a lot of other resources shared and we have added all of them to our website, www.ucc.org/youth_reset . In the coming weeks we will make the recordings from the main sessions available for a limited amount of time. Once they are available you will receive an email with instructions on how to access them.
On behalf of the Faith INFO team of the National Office and the Network of Wider Church Youth Ministry, we again want to thank you for your support and attendance at this incredible event.
With gratitude,
Rev. Trayce L. Potter
Minister for Youth and Young Adult Engagement
RESOURCES
Opening Plenary
Remembering Our Purpose from Debby Kirk
Weekly Zoom Gathering for Youth Ministers hosted by Wisconsin Conference
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Hart (Wisconsin Conference UCC) has been offering a weekly drop-in group on Zoom for people engaged in Faith Formation and Youth Ministry in the Wisconsin Conference and beyond. We regularly have participants from across the United Church of Christ and several other denominations. The Zoom is offered every Thursday morning from 10 am to 11:30 am CT (8am PT, 9 am MT and 11 am ET). This is an opportunity to connect with others who are engaged in these ministries, to share ideas and resources, to offer support and to receive support. You are welcome to join us for the entire session or drop in for a few minutes to check in….whatever works best in your schedule.
This is a time for you to connect with colleagues across the country who are engaged in faith formation and/or youth ministry. We can talk about any topics that you would like to discuss…so, bring your ideas, your questions, your struggles and your successes. Resources and ideas generated during these sessions are compiled and shared with everyone on the contact list. To be added to the contact list, and to receive the link to join the Zooms, please fill out the Faith Formation Forum form.
Questions? Contact Lisa Hart – lhart@wcucc.org
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that makes it easy to create, share and play learning games or trivia quizzes
Worship and music provided by The Many
From Romal Tune: The Pulse of Young People Keynote
God’s Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens
Love Is an Inside Job: Getting Vulnerable with God
From Min. Amy Johnson: Sacred Bodies Plenary
Lady Preacher podcasts—Debunking Comprehensive Sexuality Education Myths
Alive! In Our Sexuality and Our Faith Series on Podcast for a Just World
Information about Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith
Sign up for the Our Whole Lives Quarterly Newsletter
Questions? owl@ucc.org
From Dr. Rodger Nishioka: Discipling Young People Plenary
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Rev. Trayce Potter, Minister for Youth and Young Adult Engagement at pottert@ucc.org.
To access content during the event, please click the appropriate links below to be connected to the Zoom meeting.
Please note: all times listed below are Eastern Time
Thursday, November 12th
2:00-3:30 PM Welcome & Opening Plenary: Creative Shifts
Join the Network for Wider Church Youth Ministries for a conversation about the creative shifts we are seeing in youth ministry in a variety of settings. Members of NOWCYM will share some of the creative ideas they have observed during the pandemic and will provide space for you to share your ideas. Whether you are desperately seeking new ideas, are excited to share something you have tried, or you just want to hear what others are doing…this session promises to help you reset for renewal!
4:00-5:30 PM Keynote Address: The Pulse of Young People
Author and speaker Romal Tune will join us for our opening plenary as we set the context for our work in youth ministry.
5:45-6:45 PM Small Groups
A few aspects of ministry are collaboration, sharing resources and building collegiality. During this hour long session, you will have the opportunity to connect with others who share your passions and interests for informal discussion with a designated group leader.
- Small Groups
7:00-7:15 PM Evening Vespers & Prayer
Friday, November 13th
1:00-2:00 PM Regional Small Groups
A few aspects of ministry are collaboration, sharing resources and building collegiality. During this hour long session, you will have the opportunity to connect with others who share your passions and interests with individuals who are geographically located near you.
2:00-3:45 PM Plenary: Sacred Bodies
Have you ever felt like there are various parts of yourself or your life that cannot be brought to church? That cannot be talked about or are just plain off-limits? In this life-giving interview, Minister Amy Johnson brings the fire, shedding light on how sexuality and our faith lives do not have to be separate. Spoiler alert: sexuality does not just mean sex. It is our relationships, our senses, our communication. There are many ways in which sexuality, faith, and even justice intersect, and Minister Amy offers us a place to reflect on how churches can be places where we can come as our full selves; leaving nothing at the door. Her message: God loves you exactly as you are.)
4:00-5:00 PM Workshops
- OMA Panel
Members and representatives of the Outdoor Ministry Association and UCC Camps discuss best practices, share wisdom and discuss the everchanging landscape of camps and conferences.
- Renewal and Reconnection
Description: During this workshop Rev Boyd will thoughtfully model how those leading youth ministry can engage in renewal of soul and reconnection. Additionally, participants will gain tools and ideas of how they can then offer the same opportunity and invitation to the youth they serve alongside of.
- Ka Makana O Ka Hana- The Gift of The Work
Description: God has placed a call upon each of our lives. This calling is a gift, graciously given for humble service to his all people and all of creation. At times this work can be tiring and wearing, especially when we’re faced with uncertainty. Acknowledging our need for restoration, we invite you to join us as we utilize the spirit of aloha, to breathe new life into our calling, renewing and sustaining the work of the Spirit.
- Let’s Get Uncomfortable
Let’s Get Uncomfortable: A Place to Start is a supportive, safe space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism and how we share the responsibility to work for change. Our facilitators are trained improvisers who encourage an improv mindset through the skills of listening first, being curious and harnessing our imaginations.
5:30-6:30 PM Social Hour
Saturday, November 14th
2:00-3:00 PM Closing Plenary: Discipling Young People & Each Other
- Rodger Nishioka will lead us through a time of helping us to refocus on our call to make disciples within our youth ministry
3:15-4:15 PM Workshops
- Ka Makana O Ka Hana- The Gift of The Work
Description: God has placed a call upon each of our lives. This calling is a gift, graciously given for humble service to his all people and all of creation. At times this work can be tiring and wearing, especially when we’re faced with uncertainty. Acknowledging our need for restoration, we invite you to join us as we utilize the spirit of aloha, to breathe new life into our calling, renewing and sustaining the work of the Spirit.
- Let’s Get Uncomfortable
Let’s Get Uncomfortable: A Place to Start is a supportive, safe space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism and how we share the responsibility to work for change. Our facilitators are trained improvisers who encourage an improv mindset through the skills of listening first, being curious and harnessing our imaginations.
- Fighting for Earth (offered Saturday only)
As part of the 3 Great Loves campaign, we have been encouraged to take better care of the world we have been gifted. Join Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice on finding ways to help youth become involved in this meaningful work.
4:30-5:00 PM Closing Service & Blessing