| Q U I C K I N D E X | ||||
| Spring District Retreat | CCS | RYC | YAC | Camp Emmanuel Dates |
| Fall District Retreat | NYC | MSS | Camp Emmaus Dates | |
| Youth Sunday | Annual Conference | JrHi | Workcamps | |
Interested in Serving on the District Youth Cabinet?
If you are a senior high youth who is interested in serving on the Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth Cabinet, click here for more information. New Cabinet members are selected each August.
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If you are a senior high youth who is interested in serving on the Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth Cabinet, click here for more information. New Cabinet members are selected each August.
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Young Adult Conference - May 23-25, 2009
Young Adult Conference
May 23 - 25, 2009
The Journey of Discipleship
Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pennsylvania
The annual Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference will be held on May 23-25 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "The Journey of Discipleship" (1 Peter 3:8-15). The event is sponsored by the denomination's Youth and Young Adult Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.
The conference will revolve around questions of discipleship, such as, "What does it mean in today’s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle?" Activities will include worship with sermons by Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O'Donnell, as well as workshops, music, campfires, a coffeehouse, and recreation.
Cost is $90 prior to April 15, $100 from April 16-22, and $110 on May 23. Those registering before April 15 may request that a letter be sent to their congregations asking for a $50 scholarship. Online registration is now available at www.brethren.org/yac09 or contact Bekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
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Young Adult ConferenceMay 23 - 25, 2009
The Journey of Discipleship
Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pennsylvania
The annual Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference will be held on May 23-25 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "The Journey of Discipleship" (1 Peter 3:8-15). The event is sponsored by the denomination's Youth and Young Adult Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.
The conference will revolve around questions of discipleship, such as, "What does it mean in today’s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle?" Activities will include worship with sermons by Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O'Donnell, as well as workshops, music, campfires, a coffeehouse, and recreation.
Cost is $90 prior to April 15, $100 from April 16-22, and $110 on May 23. Those registering before April 15 may request that a letter be sent to their congregations asking for a $50 scholarship. Online registration is now available at www.brethren.org/yac09 or contact Bekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
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National Junior High Conference - June 19-21, 2009
June 19-21, 2009 will be the second National Junior High Conference in the Church of the Brethren. The first was held in 2007 at Elizabethtown College. The 2009 Conference will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (just off Interstate #81). The conference will begin on Friday evening after dinner and will end before lunch on Sunday morning.
Ken Medema will lead singing in each of our worship services, as well as perform a Saturday evening concert. Ted Schwartz (formerly of "Ted and Lee") will present scripture skits. Other speakers will be announced after the planning committee meets in September.
Registration for National Junior High Conference began Jan. 15 and already 466 people are registered. The conference is at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., on June 19-21. Registration is limited to 1,300 people. Early registrants will receive air-conditioned housing. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf to register. Request brochures from Rebekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
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June 19-21, 2009 will be the second National Junior High Conference in the Church of the Brethren. The first was held in 2007 at Elizabethtown College. The 2009 Conference will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (just off Interstate #81). The conference will begin on Friday evening after dinner and will end before lunch on Sunday morning.Ken Medema will lead singing in each of our worship services, as well as perform a Saturday evening concert. Ted Schwartz (formerly of "Ted and Lee") will present scripture skits. Other speakers will be announced after the planning committee meets in September.
Registration for National Junior High Conference began Jan. 15 and already 466 people are registered. The conference is at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., on June 19-21. Registration is limited to 1,300 people. Early registrants will receive air-conditioned housing. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf to register. Request brochures from Rebekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
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Annual Conference: June 26-30, 2009
The 223rd Recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held in San Diego, California, on June 26-30, 2009. The theme statement, taken from II Corinthians 5:16-21, is:
The old has gone!
The new has come!
All this is from God!
The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is now available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference to take place in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including information about registration fees, travel, housing, age group events, special presentations, and more.
Non-delegate registration for the Conference will be available online beginning Feb. 21, at the Conference website. Conference registration can be completed either online or by filling out the non-delegate registration form in the Information Packet.
Housing reservations also may be made starting Feb. 21, using the online housing system at www.brethren.org/ac or by submitting the housing request form in the Information Packet.
For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.
Look here too! -->
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The 223rd Recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held in San Diego, California, on June 26-30, 2009. The theme statement, taken from II Corinthians 5:16-21, is: The old has gone!
The new has come!
All this is from God!
The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is now available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference to take place in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including information about registration fees, travel, housing, age group events, special presentations, and more.
Non-delegate registration for the Conference will be available online beginning Feb. 21, at the Conference website. Conference registration can be completed either online or by filling out the non-delegate registration form in the Information Packet.
Housing reservations also may be made starting Feb. 21, using the online housing system at www.brethren.org/ac or by submitting the housing request form in the Information Packet.
For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.
Look here too! -->
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Camp Emmaus Calendar
CIT Training: June 18 - 20, 2009
Sr Hi Youth Camp: July 12 – 18 2009
Jr Hi Youth Camp: July 19 – 25 2009
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CIT Training: June 18 - 20, 2009
Sr Hi Youth Camp: July 12 – 18 2009
Jr Hi Youth Camp: July 19 – 25 2009
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Senior High Fall Retreat -- November 6-8, 2009
Naperville Illinois
The next retreat will be held during district conference, Nov. 6-8 at Naperville Church of the Brethren in Naperville, Ill. David Radcliff of New Community Project will be the featured speaker.
Check back later for more details.
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Naperville Illinois
The next retreat will be held during district conference, Nov. 6-8 at Naperville Church of the Brethren in Naperville, Ill. David Radcliff of New Community Project will be the featured speaker.
Check back later for more details.
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Youth Peace Travel Team
The first Youth Peace Travel Team was formed in the summer of 1991 as a cooperative effort of a number of Church of the Brethren programs. Since that year, a team has been fielded every summer. The members of the Youth Peace Travel Team travel to Brethren camps throughout the United States. The goal of the team's work is to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking.
The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by On Earth Peace, the Outdoor Ministries Association, and the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, Brethren Witness/ Washington Office, and Brethren Volunteer Service.
College age (19 - 22 yrs.) Church of the Brethren young adults are selected as team members. A stipend is paid to team members.
Check brethren.org for more details.
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The first Youth Peace Travel Team was formed in the summer of 1991 as a cooperative effort of a number of Church of the Brethren programs. Since that year, a team has been fielded every summer. The members of the Youth Peace Travel Team travel to Brethren camps throughout the United States. The goal of the team's work is to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking.
The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by On Earth Peace, the Outdoor Ministries Association, and the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, Brethren Witness/ Washington Office, and Brethren Volunteer Service.
College age (19 - 22 yrs.) Church of the Brethren young adults are selected as team members. A stipend is paid to team members.
Check brethren.org for more details.
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Ministry Summer Service
What is Ministry Summer Service?
Ministry Summer Service (MSS) is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren who spend 10 weeks of summer working in the church (local congregation, district office, camp, or national program).
Why Ministry Summer Service?
Congregations may ask, "Why should we take on a summer intern?" Young adults may ask, "Why should we work for the church for a whole summer?"
The answer has to do with God's call. The Bible is a record of God calling people to challenging tasks. MSS is no exception. Through MSS, God is calling congregations to reach out in the ministry of teaching and receiving. God is calling young adults to explore the possibility of church work as their vocation.
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What is Ministry Summer Service?Ministry Summer Service (MSS) is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren who spend 10 weeks of summer working in the church (local congregation, district office, camp, or national program).
Why Ministry Summer Service?
Congregations may ask, "Why should we take on a summer intern?" Young adults may ask, "Why should we work for the church for a whole summer?"
The answer has to do with God's call. The Bible is a record of God calling people to challenging tasks. MSS is no exception. Through MSS, God is calling congregations to reach out in the ministry of teaching and receiving. God is calling young adults to explore the possibility of church work as their vocation.
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2010 National Youth Conference
July 17-22, 2010
2010 National Youth Conference
Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO
Theme: "More than meets the Eye"
Based on II Corinthians 4: 6-10; 16-18
The theme for National Youth Conference 2010 is “More Than Meets the Eye.” Chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, it is taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18. It reminds us that God does great things through each person. In trouble times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more that meets the eye.
"…we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies…because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (vss. 7-10 and vs. 18 NRSV)
"We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That is to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken…There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." (vss. 7-10; vs. 18 The Message)
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July 17-22, 20102010 National Youth Conference
Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO
Theme: "More than meets the Eye"
Based on II Corinthians 4: 6-10; 16-18
The theme for National Youth Conference 2010 is “More Than Meets the Eye.” Chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, it is taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18. It reminds us that God does great things through each person. In trouble times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more that meets the eye.
"…we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies…because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (vss. 7-10 and vs. 18 NRSV)
"We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That is to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken…There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." (vss. 7-10; vs. 18 The Message)
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Spring Retreat - April 17-19, 2009 - CANCELED
SrHi District Spring Retreat
April 17-19, 2009
Note: The retreat has been canceled due to too few registrations.
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SrHi District Spring Retreat
April 17-19, 2009
Note: The retreat has been canceled due to too few registrations.
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2009 National Youth Christian Citizenship Seminar
April 25-30, 2009
New York City and Washington D.C.
"Unwavering resistance to modern day slavery"
Topic: Modern-Day Slavery
April 25-30, 2009 youth and advisors in the Church of the Brethren will gather in New York City (and later go on to Washington, DC) for Christian Citizenship Seminar. The focus for our seminar will be on the issue of modern-day slavery. Most of us think of slavery as an institution that does not exist anymore, but many experts estimate that there are approximately 27 million human beings who are currently being held in slavery around the world.
What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for "the least of these."
Brochures are now available from the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin. You may also find information by going to www.brethren.org
Please pass this information on to youth in your church!
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April 25-30, 2009
New York City and Washington D.C.
"Unwavering resistance to modern day slavery"
Topic: Modern-Day SlaveryApril 25-30, 2009 youth and advisors in the Church of the Brethren will gather in New York City (and later go on to Washington, DC) for Christian Citizenship Seminar. The focus for our seminar will be on the issue of modern-day slavery. Most of us think of slavery as an institution that does not exist anymore, but many experts estimate that there are approximately 27 million human beings who are currently being held in slavery around the world.
What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for "the least of these."
Brochures are now available from the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin. You may also find information by going to www.brethren.org
Please pass this information on to youth in your church!
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Youth Sunday -- May 3, 2009
National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate youth by inviting high schoolers to participate in leading worship on that Sunday. Go to the Youth and Young Adult Ministries website for worship resources including a challenge letter, Bible studies, a prayer calendar, children's stories, scripture jams, a bulletin insert, and a skit.
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- What: Youth Sunday
- When: May 3, 2009
National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate youth by inviting high schoolers to participate in leading worship on that Sunday. Go to the Youth and Young Adult Ministries website for worship resources including a challenge letter, Bible studies, a prayer calendar, children's stories, scripture jams, a bulletin insert, and a skit.
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