Diocesan youth are in high gear planning and attending events.

Province IV networking meeting: Shortly before Thanksgiving, 50 youth and youth leaders from across Province IV gathered at the Diocese of Atlanta's Camp Mikell for the annual Youth Ministry Networking Meeting. Our diocese was well represented, with three dedicated youth - Matt Laurence, Molly Slabbekorn and Jesse Chait - attending the weekend event, accompanied by diocesan youth coordinator Alex Haralson.

The networking meeting is an opportunity for youth and adults to get together in support of each other's ministries while swapping frustrations, ideas and material resources, from T-shirt ideas to music and promotions.

This year's conference also was the kickoff for the '04 Provincial Youth Event. Its theme, "Rhythms of Grace," is a mission-based program that will take participants throughout the Berea, Ky., area to take part in mission work for impoverished residents.

To get into the mindset of mission work, the networking meeting participants spent an afternoon tidying the grounds of Camp Mikell by landscaping, chopping firewood, clearing brush and weatherproofing the porch of a meeting hall.

Diocesan Youth Event: Youth Action Council members had a great time planning and staffing the Diocesan Youth Event Jan. 31 - Feb. 1 at the Episcopal School of Knoxville. The event had been planned at the previous YAC meeting around the verse "Let no one disregard you because you are young, but be an example" from I Timothy.

The nine youth staff - Mackenzie Hart, Ann Huston, Thomas Huston, Meg White, Matt Laurence, Emily Poulson, Jamie Poulson, Jesse Chait and Molly Slabbekorn - quickly realized each "small group" would be almost double the number expected. The event drew 55 youth from all over the diocese, and it debuted new music and "non T-shirts."

Diocesan Convention: Six YAC members attended the 20th Annual Convention of the diocese on Feb. 6-7 in Johnson City. The group included delegates Jamie Poulsen, Matt Laurence and Meg White; alternates Mackenzie Hardt and Ann Huston; and Emily Poulsen, who helped manage the YAC exhibit area and bake sale.

One notable outcome was a YAC-generated effort to raise money for both diocesan youth ministry and for Grace Point. The youth, along with some clergy and parents, enticed delegates to purchase home-baked goods to raise money for Grace Point. Total proceeds were $445.08.

Also, 32 oz. Nalgene (hard plastic) water bottles imprinted with a "Support Youth Ministry" legend were unveiled. These durable bottles are available for $12 each at Chapter & Verse Bookshop in the Diocese House, and all proceeds go to fund youth ministry in the diocese.

Upcoming Events: The Patterson Junior High Retreat will be March 12-14, in Ocoee, Tenn., and the Provincial Youth Event is scheduled July 20-25, in Berea, Ky. Information is available through the diocesan office, online at www.etdiocese.net/youth, or by e-mailing Alex Haralson at aharalson@etdiocese.net.

Molly Slabbekorn contributed to this report.