According to data, a critical response to loneliness, social isolation, and stress in a young persons life is to have more trusted adults in their sphere. It’s important for young people to have trusted adults that are not their family or their teachers. This is one of the things that churches do, at their best. And, I’m proud to say — something that Epiphany does really well because we have youth leaders like Hannah Cumming, John Jenke, and Ellen Wilson (among others!). This year, Hannah, John, and Ellen helped facilitate a Youth Faith Circle that met on Wednesday evenings over a shared meal. John and Ellen graciously hosted us in their homes starting in September all the way to May. During that time we celebrated birthdays, celebrated holidays, celebrated ordinary life and watched these teens and tweens grow taller — some of whom like to remind me that they are now taller than me! Our teens and tweens come from different towns, different schools, and different personalities all converging at Ellen or John’s house on a Wednesday night eating together and learning to be in community together. Learning to be church between Sundays. And last night, we celebrated the final Youth Faith Circle of the year along Mystic Lake, playing frisbee and croquet and watching the sunset. I am thankful for our leaders and thankful for our youth who show up and show me what it means to be Christ to one another (with a touch of sarcasm and Gen Z/Gen Alpha lingo.)
With gratitude,
Rev. Janelle
