St. Mark’s, Orchard Park

In attendance – Wendy Schumacher (adult chair), Sammi Cutlip (youth chair), James Moffett, Liam Doherty, Rachel Phillippi, Butch Wiest, Jay Phillippi, Terra Cutlip, Rachel Haselly, Maggie Avery, Cindy Avery

Jay Phillippi opened the meeting with prayer.

Discussion of Bishop Harold Robinson Society breakfast event on Nov 20. Youth choir invited to come and sing. Need people to greet (preferably youth both male and female). Still looking for a MC – suggestions made for Louisa Brown or Brenden Haggerty. Also need a youth and a young adult to speak – Bryan Scharry and Terra Cutlip, Bryan is only a maybe need look for backup. Are expecting 60-70 people at event.

Discussion of who we are as a diocesan youth ministry and where we are headed. Over the last 2 decades we haven’t been very unified, each ministry it’s own fiefdom. Reunion events give us the chance to discuss all of the opportunities. Question raised about scholarships for non-episcopalians – decided that each case would need to come before the Youth Commission. Discussion of training events for leaders, creating our own mission trips in U.S.A., Happening board needs to reach out, possibility of convention for youth during diocesan convention. Jay promises that a ministry review and proposal for new ministry will be presented at next Commission meeting (in November)

January retreat – discussion of need for planning retreat. Motion made for retreat January 16-17 2005. Sam seconded, motion carried.

Groups needed for planning of retreat and Bishop’s Ball also need choir schedule to put onto overall schedule.

Youth reps to convention – 6 out of 8 asked will be there.

EYE – applications available on web page. 5 day event 15 person delegation (12 youth and 3 adults) July 26-31 2005 in Berea Kentucky, application deadline is Dec 5 2004. Approximate cost will be $800.

Youth Missioner report – Jay has been travelling for 12 days. Baltimore, London Ontario, Newark NJ and is headed to Washington DC. Newark trip is to help re-establish provincial youth network. Very busy. Bishop Michael has accepted the youth event and leader guidelines with no changes. Nightwatch date to be announced.

Bishop’s Ball – need design team, place, music, theme, décor and chaperones. Theme will remain mardi gras. Sam will contact Calvary Williamsville for use of Scaife hall. James will look into renting sound system, Liam and Rachel P will look into music and DJ-ing.

Convention decorations – discussed possibilities and examined centerpiece ideas, chose centerpiece. Will look into shirts for youth as there will be no display table for youth ministry. Also discussed placemats (some done by various youth groups)

Motion to adjourn seconded by James M. Adjourned at 5:00PM

Notes taken by Rachel Hassely and typed by Jay Phillippi