This week we entered into a new season of the church calendar, the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension. Most commonly known as the time the disciples spoke in many tongues. This event marks the origin of sending the church out into the world. Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit within each of us and our call to live out The Baptismal Covenant. We are called to care for our siblings, and our siblings need our prayers. Alexandra Connors, youth minister at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, has put together a resource guide in response to the current climate of racial injustice. If you are interested in those resources, you can find that guide here. The Episcopal Church has some Learn, Pray, Act resources available here.
Our upcoming events can be found below. As we continue our ministry together through these strange and often difficult times, we continue to keep the safety and well-being of everyone in our thoughts, planning, and prayers. All events through July will take place using the technology available to us. We will be using Zoom to gather digitally. Follow our social media for updates on events that are coming up. Tune into Facebook and Instagram, @WEMOYouth, at 8:30 am on Wednesday and Friday for live morning prayer. This will take place of our Tuesday and Thursday gatherings for the month of June.
We are closely monitoring the public health situation to make a responsible decision regarding gathering together for overnight events. Our main priority is to keep everyone safe and cared for during this time. Please stay tuned and stay in touch as we share developments through our social media and mailing list as we evaluate the safety of gathering together for our August events at the beginning of July. Please keep all those involved in our event planning in your prayers as we gather to make decisions on our fall events.
South and North Regional Ministry Events
Regional Bible & Bingo – All are welcome to join any of the online activities, no matter where you live.
Our time together will start with a short 30-minute bible study. The remaining time will be bingo! Winners will receive fun prizes, either delivered or shipped to you. Use the WEMO Community Room Zoom link on www.WEMOYouth.com.
June 2, 8-9 pm – South Regional Ministry
June 3, 8-9 pm – North Regional Ministry
June 16, 8-9 pm – South Regional Ministry
June 17, 8-9 pm – North Regional Ministry
Regional Ministry Zoom Picnics
Grab your lunch and your phone, tablet, or computer and join us for a digital picnic. We can catch up with each other and play a few games. Pets are welcome! Use the WEMO Community Room Zoom link on www.WEMOYouth.com
June 7, 12-1 pm – North Regional Ministry
June 11, 12-1 pm – South Regional Ministry
Diocesan-wide events
June 13 – Summer Digital Retreat
This day-long, digital retreat will focus on relationships (with God, with self, and with others). The day will kick off at 10 am with a Zoom gathering and lesson, then will break into small groups for discussion. The rest of the day will include independent activities and video reflections posted on our social media, @WEMOyouth. The day will conclude on Zoom at 4 pm with games and a chance to talk about everything learned during the retreat. The link for our Zoom gatherings is posted on www.WEMOYouth.com. We hope to see you in the digital world on June 13!
July 10-12 – Go Outside! A Self-guided Retreat
This weekend, self-guided, retreat will include activities that encourage us to Go Outside and connect with God, nature, and self. Materials and activities will be sent out the week prior. During and after the retreat, there will be opportunities to connect with one another and reflect on the experience.
July 20-24 – Digital MissionPalooza
We will focus on ways we can be the hand and feet of Christ from our own homes. Each day we will have an outreach activity you can complete using items found in most homes. Participants will gather each day from 3-4 pm in our Community Zoom Room for check-in and discussions. More information will be sent out as we near the week.