There are so many interesting ideas and events that come across my desk from day to day. I hope to use this space to draw attention to some of them.
As our website (www.aycf.org.au) develops and evolves, I would hope that it comes to serve as a 'one stop shop' for everything someone would need to carry out youth ministry, children's ministry or families ministry in our branch of the worldwide Church, as well as giving quick info about things that are happening.
Yesterday, I attended the closing Eucharist of our annual young adult Emmaus weekend, at Luther Heights, Coolum. What a great service and what a brilliant weekend! The 22 'seekers', previously known as 'candidates', came from all over the Diocese, as did the large and talented Team. The Rev. Julie Woolner was the Spiritual Director, with the Rev. Vince Conway leading the Musicians. The Rev. Ian Dredge is the official Diocesan overseer of the whole shebang, and the lay Directors were the simply amazing Nathan Haywood and Jenna Willocks.
I was absolutely delighted at the enthusiasm of the whole group, and what a pleasure to see several older members of the Cursillo movement from local areas joining us for the service. Although they may not have known many, if any, of the seekers personally, they wanted to express their love and prayers for these young adults who represent the present and future of the Anglican church in our region. Thank you Cursillistas!
A couple of comments from the new Seekers stayed with me. One was from an unashamedly Evangelical youth leader who admitted he had been 'forced' to attend by his parish priest. His verdict was that the weekend was nothing like he had expected, and the format allowed for a lot of freedom and also for great depth in thinking and reflection on the set topics.
Another was from a young lady who said:
I really loved the atmosphere, everyone was so so lovely and you could be yourself without being judged...which there are not many places that happens, there was not one moment about the camp I didn't enjoy honestly...so much more freedom then [other camps] and everyone was so much more mature (: just loved it!
12 months ago, we had only 5 or 6 Seekers on the weekend, and it seemed the Emmaus ministry was about to be put to rest. After a Strategic Review by the Emmaus Executive committee, new ideas were put into practice, and this wonderful weekend was the result. Thanks to the Team and glory to God for the impetus and momentum this weekend will have on our young adult ministry across the Diocese. I'm still buzzing from it!
Photos to come as soon as we can gather and curate some!
As always, if you'd like to comment or contact me, you'd be most welcome.
The Lord be with you!
Jonathan K.
Emmaus was great!
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