by Patricia Tanzer Raynolds

I arrived at Camp Carson just in time Saturday night to find a chair, fluff my pillow, grab a handful of gumdrops, and settle in to watch Patch Adams with the group. It was thought that the activity might put some to sleep and so was scheduled last on the agenda, but not so with this lively group of diocesan senior highers and adult youth directors. At midnight we were all in our sleeping areas, but the sharing lasted way into the morning hours.

The topic for our second Diocesan Senior High Retreat was “Choices and Changes” and we explored it in a number of ways, as various youth leaders and senior highers led workshops, discussion groups, games, worship, and meditations throughout the two day retreat. We shared life choices and changes we were currently facing and discussed positive ways of dealing with them and we lifted them up in prayer at our closing Eucharist.

When asked during evaluation time what had been of value, some common themes were noticed among the responses from both the youth and adults: making new friends from around the diocese, being able to share and discuss in a small group setting, having a change of pace from the “grueling” pace of life, having time to think, learning to make better choices, understanding that change is never ending, and learning the importance of identifying the problem before trying to solve it.

A special thanks is offered to three youth who helped staff the event, Warren Brewer, Christ Church, Chattanooga, Kayla McGrady, St. Timothy’s, Kingsport, and Rosemary Yates, St. James’, Knoxville. Also a huge thanks to the adult leaders who participated: The Rev. Jim Sharp, All Saints’, Morristown, Debbie Thomas, Church of the Good Shepherd, Knoxville, Chris Harpster, St. Timothy’s, Kingsport, Vernon & Dianne Britton, St. Elizabeth’s, Farragut, and The Rev. Stephen Askew, St. Paul’s, Chattanooga.

Patricia Tanzer Raynolds is Youth Ministries Facilitator for the Diocese of East Tennessee.

ECSET Youth Get Lathered

Staff photos by David Smart

There were about 90 Episcopalyouth laughing, playing, worshiping, eating, listening to Katalasso (a local band), and having a good time in general on the “front lawn” of St. Peter’s, Chattanooga, on Sunday, Sept. 19. They, along with youth leaders, were celebrating the annual Episcopal Commission of Southeast Tennessee (ECSET) Fall Youth Event.

Above, Cameron Rice, St. Thaddaeus, Chattanooga, peddles down the track in a tricycle race during a youth event sponsored by ECSET. Cameron Robinson (right), St. Peter’s, Chattanooga, is being prepared to be the “target” for his team in game at the event. For this game, a volunteer from each of 5 participating teams allowed his or her face and head to be covered with shaving cream. Then, other members of the team tossed Cheese Puffs at the lather headed targets. The team with the most puffs sticking to the shaving cream won.

By Jill Collins

The Episcopal Youth Event was a collaboration of many diverse cultures. I met people from all over the country, including states (such as Idaho, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) that had never seemed to me more than abstractions, just places on a map. It was incredible to meet people who actually live in these places. I was able to learn about many cultural, educational, and social aspects of other states, and make many extraordinary acquaintances in the process. Many states even had giveaways… tourist souvenirs or culinary masterpieces from their area!

Opportunities were given to attend a wide variety of worship services and workshops. I sought to learn as much as I could about the religion I have grown up following. The value of this learning experience was enhanced by the customs and interpretations of all the different places and personalities. I attended each new worship service, from the relaxing Taizake to the cathartic healing service. The former crooned me to sleep, and the latter brought me to a flood of tears.

I attended two workshops that dealt with prayer… the methods, the varieties, and the results. I found these very worthwhile, even though my prayer-through-yoga was stifled by the fact that I happened to be wearing a skirt!

I’ll be first to admit that being one of 1,300 participants was very overwhelming at first. Early in the week, everyone seemed to hide within their own diocese. However, as the event progressed, more and more mingling took place. The atmosphere evolved to a place where you could talk to anyone, regardless of where either of you came from or if you had ever met before.

EYE was truly a unique experience. For all who attended , it was a time to learn about the nationwide span, culture, and procedures of Episcopalians—as well as have a lot of “fun!” It was also a sort of clinic for spiritual growth. Since the group was much larger than that of a Happening or camp, less personal care and ministry were given. This was not as bad as it may seem, because the separation and constant mingling of groups provided an outlet for God Himself to guide and touch each participant directly. Through all the decisions that had to be made and the time I ended up spending alone, I had no one else to rely on. So I listened carefully for God to give me guidance, and He did. All of my confusion about the year passed and anxieties about the upcoming year came together somehow in just one week. Through the grace of God, I was able to find the strength to own up to all of it and move forward.

EYE is a noted landmark on many people’s Christian journeys. For this reason, I recommend it to every youth, the next one in 2002. From beach balls to spirituality workshops, from a pajama party to a healing service, there is truly something for everyone.