Youth Commission

Episcopal Diocese of WNY

September 18, 2005

St. Mark's Orchard Park

In attendance – Wendy Schumacher adult chair, Rachel Phillippi youth chair, , Liam Doherty, Amanda Szczepanski, Katelyn Koziel, Kelly Szczepanski, Fr. Dan Weir, Lois Carter, Deacon Bruce Gillies, Jay Phillippi-Youth Missioner.

Meeting began at 2:00 PM with devotions and check in.

Episcopal Youth Event – Members of the delegation gave details of long trip and bus problems. Also had a lot of fun, bonded with CNY and Rochester groups and Bp. Adams. WNY represented by 11 youth, 3 adults, Giselle Jackman as Province II adult on design team, Jay Phillippi as Provincial youth coordinator and Bishop Michael. Some excellent video clips of events are now available at www.eye05.org. Connected with Hildi and Ron Knapp who were youth workers in this diocese now in Dio. Of Easton (Maryland). Possibility of bringing EYE to WNY discussed, possible sites include Niagara University or UB- Ellicott Complex.

Also Province II pins – to be given to adults who make a difference here in the diocese. 12 pins available but list of potential names significantly longer than that. Commission asks Youth Missioner to hang onto them for future action.

Convention – Issues still to be dealt with. Bp Michael had discussed doing a presentation of EYE to convention. Need to see if that's still possibility. Also need to set up Youth Event during convention for youth delegates from deaneries and congregations. Motion to do such a delegates only youth event moved by Liam Doherty, seconded by Fr Dan and Rachel P, passed unanimously. Still need to finalize list of delegates, check on table, costs. Wendy and Jay will handle this. Delegates at this point

Chautauqua – Rachel Phillippi

N. Erie – Liam Doherty

S. Erie – Kelly Szczepanski

E. Erie – Katelyn Koziel

C.Erie – Lily Lane (?)

Niagara -

Genessee – Tommy Avery (?)

Cattaraugus – Jay will follow up with Fr. Snodgrass

Episcopal Urban Caucus – Liam reports that the next national event is February 2006 in Seattle WA, a Weds-Sunday event. Liam currently serves as a member of the national board of this body. Would like to have 5 young people to go. Motion from Fr. Dan to use scholarship fund monies to cover registration fees for 5 youth. Seconded by Deacon Bruce, passed unanimously.

Youth Missioner's Report - Jay reported on new part time position to help fill in 20% reduction from earlier in year of his position. He has accepted position as Conference Youth Coordinator for the Southwest Conference of the Upstate Synod of ELCA. Position is stipendiary and basically the same as what he is currently doing for the diocese. Bishop Michael has given his blessing and ELCA is aware that this is a very part time position. Jay is both excited and nervous about challenges.

Also reports that Province II is going to discuss doing a provincial work/mission trip to areas affected by hurricane Katrina. Commission is excited at prospect. The province will meet later in October.

Calendar - Need to finalize dates for events this coming year. Dates and events:

Senior High mid year event – January 6-7

Junior High mid year event – February 11 (Father Dan offers St. Matthias as location)

Bishop's Ball – February 25

A possible event at the Cathedral may still be a possibility, Jay needs to get dates to Deacon Bruce to check with Cathedral calendar.

Youth Commission meeting dates – October16, November 20, December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 23, May 21. June meeting will only occur if needed.

Motion to accept these dates by Deacon Bruce, seconded by Liam, passed unanimously.

Camp preliminary report – Four camps this year, all went well. Junior High showed a slip in attendance, reason unclear at this point. A more complete report will be presented later.

Fr. Eric Williams has resigned as Junior High Director. He hopes to continue involvement but feels he's competed his term. Need to take time to discern who next director will be. Deacon Bruce has volunteered to serve as interim director for 2006. Camp directors, Youth Missioner, Commission chairs and Bishop should meet to discuss what that process should look like and the future direction of the camps. Deacon Bruce offered his assistance in creating the process.

Question of getting the word out – need to make presentations at congregations and involvement of youth very important. Jay will be primary presenter and will make his schedule known so youth can arrange to join him. Better coverage is obviously necessary.

Motion to adjourn at 5:15 PM. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned with prayer.