By: Heather Campbell, Diocesan Youth Minister
This summer, the Diocesan Youth Ministry reached 40 unique youth through various events, including the Pride Overnighter, General Convention, and a mission trip to Philadelphia. Our summer kicked off with Pride weekend. This year, to encourage youth participation, we held an overnighter at St. Paul’s Indianapolis. Youth decorated the pride float, played games, and fostered new relationships. Most of the youth going on the mission trip also attended the overnighter, so it was a great opportunity for participants to bond before their week-long journey together
Pride Overnighter and Pride Parade
The following day, many youth joined the Pride Parade alongside their families. Observers noted the impressive turnout of young people in our section of the parade. Youth distributed swag bags, played their favorite music, and helped kept the energy high throughout the day.
Youth Presence at General Convention
In late June, a small group of youth interested in Episcopal polity and passionate about social justice attended a special youth presence at General Convention hosted by Bishops United Against Gun Violence. Youth learned about advocacy work and put on a public witness event in a nearby park to raise awareness about gun violence in the United States. All of our youth actively engaged in the public witness, speaking and holding banners to give attention to this crucial issue.
During General Convention, youth observed the House of Bishops, where they received a standing ovation for their advocacy work. Youth also found great interest in the discussions within the House of Deputies, particularly those concerning the ongoing war in Gaza.
Diocesan Mission Trip
In July, youth and leaders embarked on a mission trip to Philadelphia, where they engaged in service projects, sight-seeing, and faith conversations. The theme of the week was “Neighbors,” inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan. Daily challenges encouraged the youth to reflect on who their neighbors were while engaging in service projects focused primarily on food scarcity.
The trip also included visits to iconic Philadelphia landmarks, such as the LOVE statue, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chinese Lantern Festival, touring historic episcopal churches, and sampling Philly cheesesteaks.
At the end of the week, youth were invited to an “open mic” to share about how the week helped them learn a new thing about themself, about service, or about faith. Youth talked about how they gained confidence, friendships, and testified as to how we can be better neighbors to all of creation, including the earth.
Dedicated Leaders
We could not have done this work without the many leaders who invested in summer youth activities: Rev. Ed Bird of IU Canterbury, Laurie Pierce and Charity Malone of St. Paul’s Indianapolis, Barbie Russell of Good Samaritan’s Brownsburg, Ruth Everett of Holy Family Fishers, Tyler Regnier of All Saints Indianapolis, Scott Trauscht of St. Timothy’s Indianapolis, Ellen Ball of St. John’s Crawfordsville, Melissa Sanchez of Christ Church Cathedral Indianapolis, Canon Brendan O’Sullivan-Hale, and Bishop Jennifer.
Looking ahead, the Diocesan Youth Ministry is excited about upcoming fall activities, including the revival of the Fall Youth Retreat and Diocesan Convention to give voice and vote to youth delegates. For more information or to get involved, go to indydio.org/youth or contact Heather Campbell, Diocesan Youth Minister.
