Printer Friendly
Email to FriendPresiding Bishop challenges Episcopal youth to act for justice
Jefferts Schori spoke at the opening plenary session of the Episcopal Church's 10th triennial youth event on the evening of July 8 at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She was speaking to the theme of EYE 2008, "Sown in the Heart of Christ."
The evening program was all about seeds, planting and harvesting. Following her introduction by the host bishop for the gathering, the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge of the Diocese of West Texas, Jefferts Schori made her way into Laurie Auditorium with an entourage all throwing bags of sunflower seeds into the audience.
"When you were baptized," Jefferts Schori told the students, "Jesus planted in you a seed, a promise that you are loved beyond knowing."
"It's a promise that God will keep on loving you even if you turn out to be a red flower instead of a white one. God will keep on loving you if you look a little wilted. God will keep on loving you even if you don't produce any fruit. God hopes for fruit, but God's love does not depend on it."
She told the students that their job is to "live into the promise" and to let the promise "issue forth, being sent out to bless everything and everyone around you."
"Abundant life is meant for all of us and you have a part to play," she said.
Jefferts Schori challenged the students to "work for change" in the world and put an end to the "spiral of violence," recalling the writings of Dom Hélder Câmara, a late Brazilian Roman Catholic Archbishop.
"Câmara said that the only moral response to violence is the use of love -- non-violence --in seeking an end to structural violence and disposable people," she said.
"What will your harvest look like?" she asked. "What difference will it make that you were here?"
Preparations ready
The Presiding Bishop's remarks came at the conclusion of a day in which 1,260 Episcopalians from the United States, Central America and Europe -- 850 of them high school students -- traveled to the campus of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. They were met by 40 members of the design team, peer ministers and support staff, who had arrived two days earlier to begin final preparations for what is the largest official Episcopal gathering other than the General Convention.
Betsy Boyd, associate program officer for congregational learning and youth ministry of the Episcopal Church and chief organizer for EYE, said the design team had been at work for nearly two years planning every aspect of the gathering. The four original "ministry teams" comprising the larger design team -- hospitality, communication, worship, and program -- were joined by two new teams over the summer: music and media.
On the final afternoon before the official opening of EYE, those teams were scurrying to make ready all the final preparations.
Ryan Benitez, a member of the communications team from the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, said his group was busy preparing to produce a daily news program, to air at the start of each plenary session. He and Austin Row, from the Diocese of Long Island, will co-host the program.
Over in Laurie Auditorium, Ian Miller, from the Diocese of Deleware, and Joren Skov, of the Diocese of Minnesota, were rehearsing their lines as emcees for the plenary sessions -- roles they will play out in comical western attire.
The auditorium was also ringing with the sounds of the EYE Band, in final rehearsals to lead each plenary session and worship service of EYE.
Will Hamilton, a member of the band from the Diocese of North Carolina, said that with less than two full weeks of rehearsal over the summer, the musicians had memorized more than 50 songs.
Upon hearing the band at the opening plenary session, one participant remarked that it seems like the band had been playing together for years.
Meanwhile, at the Bell Athletic Center, Lauren Guillory, of the Diocese of Western Louisiana, and her colleagues on the hospitality team, were making final preparations for a smooth registration. The team had also positioned its members throughout the campus to assist guests getting to and from the many campus buildings used by EYE.
Monna MacLellan, veteran Episcopal Church youth ministries staff member and registrar for EYE, said it all went smoothly and, surprisingly, only three participants were delayed in arrival until the next day.
Dampened clothes, but not expectations
The participants were also greeted by unexpected heavy rainfall, many of them arriving at the registration area with dampened clothes and luggage. The weather caused the cancellation of several outdoor "welcome activities" planned for the afternoon.
Yet spirits and anticipation were high as young Episcopalians -- including eight from the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, gathered for an adventure of discovery and encouragement in their journeys of faith.
Justin Davis, from the Diocese of Southern Virginia, summed up the feelings of many when he said he came to EYE to meet new people from around the country and world who share "that same faith that I have" and just to have a lot of fun.
Four full days of learning, worship, fellowship and recreation began early on July 9. EYE 2008 concludes with "the Sending" on Sunday morning, July 13.
» Respond to this articleSearch
Browse by Topic:
