By: Heather Campbell, Diocesan Youth Minister
Last fall, after a five-year pause, the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis joyfully revived its annual Fall Retreat at Waycross. Registration filled so quickly that we expanded capacity for this year —ultimately welcoming 86 youth and 28 adults for a weekend shaped by our theme: Origin Story.
The theme grew out of conversations with this year’s Youth Ministry University cohort. Our youth leaders named a desire to teach evangelism in a way that honors both our own tradition and the faith journeys of others. We began asking: Do young people know they carry a story worth telling? Do they see God woven through that story? How can we equip them to share it in a way that feels authentic and accessible?
From those questions, Origin Story took shape. Throughout the weekend, youth created their own spiritual “zine,” exploring four core ideas:
- You were created in God’s image and fully known. You belong before you believe.
- You’re not alone in the storm. Even the weak moments can be used.
- You’ve been healed for a purpose. Your healing is not the end of the story.
- You have a story to tell.
We rooted these reflections in Scripture, diving into the Woman at the Well, the Disciples in the Storm, the Woman with the Issue of Blood, and the Gerasene man restored to wholeness. Each narrative models a moment when someone encountered Jesus, experienced transformation, and was sent out to share what God had done.
Our youth are growing up in a cultural moment marked by fear about the future. Many wrestle with a quiet nihilism—the belief that nothing truly matters. But when young people learn to trace God’s presence in their own lives, they begin to imagine a hopeful future for themselves. And when they learn to tell that story, they become bearers of hope for others as well.
The zines guided youth through reflective prompts on each page, inviting them to respond to the homily and craft their stories. They wrote letters to their younger selves, offering encouragement through tough moments. They used Polaroids to capture snapshots of who they are now. They built a word cloud—quite literally—using cloud stickers to name their beliefs about God and where they see God. They wrote moments of healing on bandages, crafted storm scenes from torn paper, and collaged with Psalms and hymns.
Of course, no Fall Retreat is complete without worship. The Rev. Holly Rankin-Zaher led our services with a team of adults and youth. Adults offered music leadership and homilies, while youth guided the games, read Scripture, led responses, and helped shape the liturgy. Bishop Jennifer celebrated the Eucharist with us. We closed by blessing our zines.
Our “choice time” activities—beautifully coordinated by Jack Chamberlain, Intern to Diocesan Youth Ministries—were another highlight. Youth created 40 wreaths for residents of a local senior living facility connected to one of our leaders. Others tried their hand at stained-glass crafting, nature walks, athletics, spa time, and more.
We are deeply grateful for every adult, youth leader, volunteer, and parent who made this gathering possible. This weekend was a testament to what happens when we create space for young people to encounter God, connect with one another, and discover the sacred stories they carry.
This spring, we launch our Confirmation Retreat for high-school aged youth. You can read more about this retreat and other upcoming activities at indydio.org/youth
