As delegates begin to register for Mennonite Church Canada Assembly 2010, planners for Youth Assembly 2011 are remembering the future—a reference to the assembly’s theme text which calls on Christians to envision God’s future of a city where all people will live in harmony.
Youth Assembly 2011 will share the theme, “It’s epic: Remembering God’s future,” with the adult delegate assembly that will take place at the same time. It is based on Revelation 21:1-4 and Revelation 21:19 -22:6.
Several youth assembly planners are enthusiastic about the upcoming event, sharing their thoughts in an e-mail exchange.
“Come one, come all, this is going to be epic!” says Scott Eyre, youth pastor at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church, Markham, Ont.
Emma Bartel concurs and adds that she is excited about the event. “We have had so many great ideas and great energy in the planning team so far, and I think the conference is going to be a great time for youth to come together in Waterloo!” she says.
Trang Tran comes from a small church and doesn’t have a lot of opportunity to travel. “I am very excited for the interaction I’ll get to experience with everyone,” she says. “I definitely look forward to making new friends!”
“We had a lot of fun at our March meeting, brainstorming and getting ideas down for the theme tag line, activities, schedule, etc.,” offers Aaron Neufeld. “I’d say we definitely have a fantastic planning committee.”
The jam-packed event is scheduled to take place from July 4-8, 2011, at the University of Waterloo, Ont., and the adjoining Conrad Grebel University College. The planning committee is looking for ways to reach out to the Kitchener-Waterloo community, create opportunities for interacting and enhancing the youth relationship with the larger Mennonite church, and nurture participants’ relationships with Christ.
A variation on Mennonite Church Canada’s Peace in the Public Square initiative, Peace in the Public Polygon (P3), is anticipated to invite youth participation in a public expression of peace and the
liveforpeace.org website. Interaction with the regular delegate assembly and non-stop activities such as tours and seminars are also on the agenda.
“It’s energizing to watch youth come together to worship and learn and play,” says Anna Rehan, MC Canada youth ministries facilitator. “They are always energized and ready to take on any challenges we present.”
“Youth Assembly 2011 will be a space to solidify, stir, spark and spur radical faith,” says Home Street Mennonite Church youth pastor Kathy Giesbrecht of Winnipeg. “Our youth are open to the challenge of the gospel. . . . Are we?”
The Mennonite Church Canada Youth Assembly 2011 Planning Committee includes, from left to right: (on floor) Jean Lehn Epp; (seated) Scott Eyre, Aaron Neufeld, Luke Derksen, Trang Tran, Anna Rehan, Emma Bartel and Kathy Giesbrecht; and, (in back) Rod Wiebe
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