In this Issue:

Diocese of Lexington reaches out to Survivors of Katrina

St. Raphael's first ever J2A Pilgrims Rock Ireland

Part of the Heart of Our Mission: Announcements

Solo Flight ritual: the art of loving

EYE: Can You Catch The Spirit Off The Beaten Path?

Hurricane Katrina News and Notes

Commentaries

From the Bishop: Matthew Goes to College

Reflection: Finding a home in the storm

X-ercizing: Community, solidarity, and humanity

Diocesan Calendar

Past Issues

EYE: Can You Catch the Spirit Off the Beaten Path?

By Katie Sigmon

Too often we see negative things in the news about the shape the Episcopal Church is in. July 26-31 the Episcopal Youth Event showed quite the opposite perspective of the church as 1500 youth from around the world gathered in Berea, Ky. The Diocese of Lexington, represented by 24 youth and four adults hosted the event that focused on “catching the spirit off the beaten path.” They participated in small groups, went to a variety of workshops, and had discussions about important “hot topics” during forums. Participants also experienced a cultural carnival where each Diocese set up a booth that represented where they were from. There was everything from brisket to crab meat to casino cards from Las Vegas. There was even entertainment with booths such as the stick horse Kentucky Derby and a participant from the Virgin Islands playing her steel drum. It was amazing to see how diverse each state, country, and diocese was, but still how we united to make up The Episcopal Church.

Participants at EYE also get to experience a number of diverse worship services during the week. At this EYE, participants attended a Spanish Eucharist, an Appalachian Morning Service, a service called “Awake My Soul,” and perhaps the most unique of all, the Hip-Hop Eucharist led by a team from New York City. The procession into the Hip-Hop Eucharist was actually led by a few of the youth from the Diocese of Lexington and most participants seemed to enjoy the service and the new style it added to the church.

EYE included a record number of Bishops (55), including Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold who, as he was leaving, said the event not only gave him hope for the church but called it the best and most fun EYE he has ever attended. (That was after he was repeatedly dunked in a dunking booth). We were honored by the presence of all Bishops, especially appreciate their outward support of youth ministries.

The most amazing part of the week was the way that the Spirit showed up not only on “Spirit Day” when everyone wore red, but all week. God’s presence was felt throughout the week and it was evident that many people felt it.

During the time the Design Team gave feedback after the event one of their suggestions was that the next EYE should be in a Diocese that is as helpful and friendly as The Diocese of Lexington. The event truly would not have been possible without the help of the members of the Diocese of Lexington who sent linens, banner stands, countless cookies, and prayer — all of which made the event run smoothly. The hospitality and willingness to help was evident through the entire process of planning and hosting EYE.

Advocate Online Staff:

© 2005 The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington

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