re:create

VOCARE #3

VOCARE #3

May 31-June 2, 2013
Kirby Episcopal House
Mountaintop PA

"I attended my first Vocare weekend during a time in my life where I was trying to figure out my spirituality and what to do with my life.  Where did God fit in for me? Am I alone in feeling this lost? After that weekend, not only did I grow spiritually, but I also had a better understanding of how to continue this spiritual journey because I felt more optimistic that God had a plan for me."

These words are from Vocare's Lay Rector, Mary Boggs, of Christ Church in Reading.  Mary and the rest of the staff of Vocare warmly welcome all young adults, 18-30ish, to join them for a weekend retreat. 

Vocare is a form of a latin word meaning "to call". The Vocare weekend is a renewal weekend addressed to young adults in the time when we face many serious decisions that set the direction for much of our adult life.
    Is Christianity relevant today? Can it penetrate the many areas of everyday life? Can it transform the world and keep up with the changing times? In addressing these and other questions, Vocare proposes no new spirituality, but does provide a tools through which one's spirituality may be developed, nourished, lived and shared in fellowship with Christians. The Vocare Community believes that Jesus Christ has made and will continue to make a difference in individual lives in the world. 

Registration opens here April 8th and closes May 20th

1 Peter 2:9-12 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Happening #21 follow up and photos!

I'm so grateful for all of the staff volunteers who helped make this weekend an experience to be remembered and for Bishop Paul Marshall who truly cares about the spiritual lives of the youth in the Diocese of Bethlehem. 

Here are some of the photos from the weekend!  We can't share all of them-that would ruin the surprise!

A casual photo of us on the front lawn!

 

The Christian life is a journey to come closer to God.  The labyrinth is a metaphor for that walk.  We use it to help us let go of wordly distractions and listen for the voice of God.

 

Celebrating Christian community of youth and mentors in the Diocese of Bethlehem
with Jazz hands :)

Christophany registration opens Friday!

I've been asked several times this past week, " What is Christophany?"  In a nutshell, Christophany is a mini-camp experience for youth in grades 6-12.  But it's also much, much more.  The following is a description that will be available of the new diocesan website which goes live next week:

The Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem’s youth and young adult ministries support a variety of events meant to help foster the spiritual formation of Christians ages 12-30.  Christophany is a three-day retreat in the mountains whose purpose is to bring youth in grades 6-12 closer to Christ.  The word Christophany is derived from “theophany” which is an ancient Greek word meaning “appearance of God”.  Just like Moses in the desert and Jesus at the Transfiguration, we believe that a physical place away from the rest of our lives allows for a unique opportunity to be open to the possibility of being transformed by the appearance of Christ.  Each year we gather in the mountains to experience: the beauty of creation; the company of our peers; quiet moments in the woods; songs around the campfire; games inside and out; worship among the trees; and be open to the Holy Spirit.  In addition, we use this time to focus also on the world in service to others.  Every year the youth council and youth missioner choose a focus for outreach and ministry in the world.  This year we are collecting items that will benefit the parish supported missions such as soup kitchens and food banks.  Hope to see you on the mountain!

Bill Slocumb, Associate Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers writes-

 "Camps are excellent places to not only get back to nature and God’s creation, but to re-align our senses. It is a chance to balance oneself, and to be in an intentional Christian community. Such a time enhances our spiritual life. I hope this encourages you to visit your local church camp soon. Come to “taste and see” how broadening and restorative God’s creation can be." 

The rest of this article can be found here