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Youth Service Fund

Dear Senior Pastor,...will you listen?

February 2010

AQUILATHE

A cry for help from Youth, Young Adults and Youth Workers in our Conference.

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hopefea r

C o m m e n t s

An A-Team is an opportunity for District Youth Directors, Leaders, and Ministers to gather to support each other with prayer, accountability and be able to plan district events, leadership training in a community oriented setting. Together we also allow for a cross-pollination of creativity to take place taking Youth and Young Adult Ministry to new levels of excellence and creativity fit for an emerging generation.

D i s t r i c t c o n n e c t i o n

Monalisa Siofele, msiofele@yahoo.com

Rona Mangayayam, revrona@yahoo.com Kathey Wilborn, lbdistumc@cal-pac.org Val Jean Boyd, vboyd@semprautilities.com

Allison Mark, amark@fumcpasadena.org Val Weise, vweise@fumcor.com

Darren Cowdrey, revdarren67@gmail.com Brian Long, brian@umcwv.org Caroline Dawes, caroline@fumcrb.org

Contact your District Coordinator to get connected today!

February’s survey question

what is your greatest fear and hope for youth and young ministries for 2010?

Rebecca Hensley, hensley.rebecca@gmail.com

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/aquilafeb2010

THE AQUILACal-Pac Conference of The UMC

PO BOX 6006

110 S Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91102

626.568.7360 - calpacyoungpeople.org

To post a comment or a note in response to any of the items in this edition send an email to:

aquila@cal-pac.org

Editor: Fernando Alcántar

Hawai’i long beach

pasadena

los angeles

riverside san diego

santa ana santa barbara conference

“That I will quit doing Youth and

Young Adult Ministry.”

“That we as leaders [may not] have enough resources and support available to us [so] our young people's ministries thrive.”

“That the general church will continue to treat young adult ministries as second class. They let go both young adult staff people last year and gave it to the youth guy. What's next?”

“That the youth and young adults will not get the attention that they have deserved and earned.”

“That the youth of our conference continue to grow in faith and unity.”

“That young people feel loved enough by Christ and His church that they stay connected with the church during all the stages of their lives.”“That young adults will appreciate the local churches and conferences [that] are doing good young adult ministries.”

“That more churches will see the need for hiring youth leaders even though they may not have a large youth group.”

Are we listening to young people?

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Dear Senior Pastor,

I love the United Methodist Church. Throughout my childhood, I went to church with my parents and

was virtually raised by the congregation. The older people in the church became my spiritual family and my

mentors. As I’ve grown a little bit older, however, I’ve started to notice how difficult it is for me, as a member of

the youth, to get involved in the church. The “elders,” or the “more experienced,” tend to feel that we,

today’s teenagers, are far too wild or immature to be substantial

participants in the Church. These certain people see our crazy

fashion sense, hear our ‘obnoxious’ singing, and immediately try to

push us aside. I mean, come on… the youth don’t have anything to

offer the church! Today’s teenagers bring

charisma, passion, and joy into the church. - Would you believe

that? - Will you give us the opportunity to display what we have to

offer? These qualities can shed fresh light and bring renewed

energy to the church. While some may believe that we don’t take

church seriously enough, I assure you we do. Even though we may

be younger, that does not mean that we love God any less. We want to praise Him, to serve Him,

just as much—if not, more—than anyone else, and we do this by being able to be ourselves.

Now, by no means am I saying that youth should just, all of a sudden, start running the church. No. As

the emerging generation of United Methodists, we need to be trained and taught how to effectively lead the

church. We learn by getting the opportunity to be substantial members of the church; by being able to serve on

committees, to lead worship, or give our personal testimonies (yes, many of us have those already, believe it or

not). One day, when today’s youth have become the “older generation” we will be able to run the church to the

best of our abilities, with all the “experience” or “training” that is necessary. For now, we want to work

alongside the older generation in order to carry the United Methodist Church to its utmost potential.

We want to help the church, to contribute to it, to serve it. I’m asking for the opportunity to give

back to the amazing church that raised me and largely shaped whom I am today.

We will never be able to do things the way your generation did. But did your generation imitate

everything your parents or grandparents had done? No. Just as your generation had a chance to create its

identity, we need to have our chance. Will you believe in us and let us display our own distinctness?

Please give it some thought, we are here, and we’re ready.

“Teenage Boy”, age 16

United Methodist Youth

... we need to have our chance.

I beg to differ.

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“Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.”

1 Timothy 4:12 (The Message)2010From Youth to Youth

Youth Service Fund

yout

h SERVICEFUND

Do you want a 2010 Youth Service Fund grant?Youth Service Fund (YSF) is a fund created by youth and for youth.

Each year the youth of our Annual Conference offer grants from our Youth Service Fund for youth related projects.

The applications are reviewed, and recipients are selected by our Conference Council of Youth Ministries (CCYM).

All projects must be for the benefit of: young people, and priority will be given to those projects that are youth-led first.

Applications can be found at the amazing website for our young people: www.calpacyoungpeople.org.

Applications are due by March 1, 2010 and will be reviewed at the March CCYM meeting.

Making a difference in our generation

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make our souls cry out—other congregations that

reach us where we are, and listen to what we have to say.

I am not saying it is your fault, or that it is solely up to you to fix it.

But I am saying you can make a choice to help, to save the

young adults, and save the United Methodist Church.

We need a church in which we feel welcome. A church

that embraces new ideas. A church that is not afraid of

change. A church that does not make us feel worse, when

we are lost and seeking guidance. A church that challenges

us. A church that is not afraid to talk about the tough

issues like sex before marriage, relationships, substance use,

unemployment, financial responsibilities, living on our own,

family obligations, medical and health complications, marriage,

starting families, having children, aging parents, and how to remain

a faithful servant with a heart for God through it all.

I do not think it is too much to ask. We are an open

and flexible bunch. We are not going to sit back and make you

do all the work, but we cannot do it alone. Please help.

Sincerely,

“Young Lady”

United Methodist Young Adult, Age 25

But the truth is, Senior Pastor, it is hard to lead when you are not

spiritually fed. It is hard to believe when you are torn in a million different

directions. It is hard to be faithful when you are losing your faith. Frankly, it

is hard to be a United Methodist young adult, in this day and age.

And I suppose hardest of all, is each time I do not say these things, it is

another missed opportunity we have to ask for help.

I never thought I would be one of the young adults we talk about losing, but

I am slowly becoming one of them. I feel guilty for not being at church every

Sunday, but I work Sundays. I feel guilty for not tithing, but I cannot even

pay my own bills. I feel guilty for not being more involved, but it is hard to

find time for myself. I feel guilty for slipping away, but there is nothing in

place to catch me.

It is not a secret that active and passionate young adults

are hard to come by; in our congregation, our district,

our conference—our world. But it is also not a secret

that the few who are out there are fleeing to other

denominations, other churches, other places that offer

Thursday night services, other forms of worship that

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The Spirit West Coast festival is a spiritual and entertainment experience like none other. Although ministry and entertainment typically may not mix well, they certainly do collide and converge at Spirit West Coast.

Christian music and live performances by artists inherently have uplifting spiritual messages and stories. Now add inspiring Bible and life application teaching and unified worship, and you have a one-two-three combination that spiritually impacts thousands...that's what Spirit West Coast is about.

The stories of lives changed and challenged at Spirit West Coast are what drives the festival each year. It's exciting and energizing to see thousands of all ages, from all parts of California and the Southwest, converge for three days of celebration...join us in 2010!

www.spiritwestcoast.org

Creation Festivals are two annual events that have become the Nation's Largest Christian Music Festivals. The Creation Experience includes four jam-packed days of music, teaching, baptism, camping and fellowship - a summer's worth of fun for one low price.

Creation Festival 2010 Northwest at the Enumclaw Expo Center in Enumclaw, WA, July 21st-24th, 2010. Join the tens of thousands who have made Creation a part of every summer.

www.creationfest.com

What’s Crackin’ in

2010 & 2011Spirit West Coast

Creation

YOUTH 2011 "MORE THAN"

Sacramento, CA: July 27-31, 2011

You think you are ordinary? Think again.Throughout the Bible, God chooses seemingly ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The Story of God is filled with unlikely heroes.

YOUTH 2011, more than a gatheringIt's a community to know that you are not alone.YOUTH 2011, more than a concertIt's a communion with our extraordinary God.YOUTH 2011, more than an eventIt's a commission to change your life and your world.

www.youth2011.org

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Dear Senior Pastor,

the future of our Church.  The youth are at a critical age in their lives when

they are making the decision to either become life long members or leave the

church.  For every Youth that leaves now, that’s a family that

will not be in attendance later.  In your heart, you know that this is

true, so you gave the Youth program more attention by hiring me.  And

then . . . you walked away as if your job was done.  I know you didn’t mean to,

but ask yourself: How often do YOU attend a Youth Event…or lead a weekly

Youth Group meeting?  How much time and money is budgeted or set aside

for the young people of our Congregation?

Inolongerwanttobeachurchappointedbabysitterwhokeepsthekids

“busy”whileyoudothe“real”Churchwork.Ineedittomattertoyouandeveryone

WHATIdowiththekidsandnotjustIFIamdoingsomething.Andmostofall…I

wantavoiceinthebiggerpicture.IbelieveinwhatyouaredoingasaPastorand

wanttointegrateyourvisionintomyprogrammingandoutreach!ButIcan’tdothat

ifIdon’tknowwhatthatmessageis.Can you and I just talk more about

what really matters to our ministry?OurYouthprogramisthriving

rightnow,butwe’rethrivingasourownentity.Weneedtothriveasanintegralpart

oftheChurch.Pleasedon’twritemeoffas“oneofthekids”.Yes,Iworkwithyoung

people,butI’manadultandIhaveideastocontribute.Myvoiceneedstobeheard

andrespected,andmyworkneedstobeapartoftheoverallChurchvision,notjusta

sideprogram.

I’vealwayslovedbeingaMethodist.ItrulyloveJesus,JohnWesley,andtheteenagersIworkwith.Andforthe10years

I’vebeenworkinginYouthMinistryI’velovedthatIhavea

jobthatmakesadifferencetopeople.Iconsiderita

blessingthatIamabletoshareGod’smessageandlove

withtheyouthofourchurch.

So why am I leaving? LatelyI’mveryunhappy,andIjustdon’twantto

continuefeelingnegativelyabout

somethingIusedtoloveandhavepassion

for.Yousee,I’vebecomeverytired.I’mtiredofmanyofthesameissuesasyou‐

theconstantbickering,thegossip,and

thepoliticsoftheChurch,theuninspired

meetingsthatgonowhere.Thelistgoesonandon.I guess I’m just tired of everything that goes along with

organized religion that ISN’T Jesus.Aren’tweall?Alotofthiscan’tbehelped,butcanItellyouwhatIamtiredof

themost?

Here is what I mean.  Quite frankly, I feel as though the Youth Programs of the Church are being marginalized.  They’re being kept in the corner.  Sometimes I feel as though you put the needs of the loudest people first and the needs of those most worthy last.  No one would deny that the Youth are

This letter is hard to write but I think you need to know that I am considering leaving the Methodist church.

he lp

I’m tired of “sitting at the Kids’ table” when it

comes to having a say in what goes on around here. 

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Must knows about Cal-Pac Young People

I’msureyouareawareoftheturnoverrateinYouthMinistry.Itisn’tbecausewe

stopenjoyingourworkwiththekids.It’s

becausewe’retiredoffightingthe

bureaucracy.Thekidsandtheirparentsloveusand

appreciateus,buttheleadersoftheChurchtendtopatronizeusasiftheworkwedoislessimportantthanother

churchbusiness.Andthoughyoudon’tknow

you’redoingit,youmarginalizemeandthe

workIdoaswell.Weshouldbeworking

togetherasateamtodiscernwhatthischurchisreallybeingcalledtodo.Weneedtoassess

whatthatvisionisandthenweneedtowork

hardandmakethatmissionareality.Ireallywanttohelpyou!

Ihopethatifyouhearmeandstarttore‐prioritizeourlocalchurch

andturnitaround,thattheconferencewillhearyoutoo.Wouldn’titbeamazingiftheBishopandalltheD.S.’sspentmore

timeassistingyouandworkingalongsidethelocalchurch?

Wouldn’titbegreatiftheysettheexampleandsetasidetimeandmoneyforYouthandYoungAdultministryinourConference?

IregrettoinformyouinthiswaythatIwillbeleaving.Idon’t

knowwhen,butprobablysoonerratherthanlater.Yousee,while

ItrulybelievethatGodhasgreatthingsinstoreforthe

futureofthischurch,IthinkIneedtotakecareofmyselfforawhileandwatchfromadistance.My

greatesthopeisthattheUnitedMethodistchurch

willtrulybecomethat:“United.”

Aboveall,IwishyouwouldseethatyouREALLYhavethe

powertomakeallofthesethingshappen.Remember,thecongregationlookstoyoutoseewhichdirectiontheChurchis

headedin.Unless you look over at the corner to the kids’

table, no one ever will.

1. website

Sincerely,

Your Youth Director

2. youth alive

5. a-teams 6. the aquila

Visit www.calpacyoungpeople.org for information, updates, forms and everything young people at Cal-Pac. You will also find links to our social networks such as facebook, twitter, youtube and flickr.

Youth Alive is our Annual Conference High School event. It usually takes place during President’s Day weekend. Look for information in the mail or at our website.

Spirit Quest is our Annual Conference Junior School event. It usually takes place in the month of April. Look for information in the mail or at our website. Young Adults have retreats every quarter and range

from a ski retreat, camping, or a mission project.

Each district has a gathering of youth and young adult leaders who meet to encourage each other, and plan events and training for young people. Info on District leaders at our website.

You are reading it now. The Aquila is a tool for the networking of youth and young adult ministries within the Cal-Pac Conference of The UMC. Subscribe to the email delivery at aquila@cal-pac.org or find it online.

3. spirit quest 4. young adults

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BULLETINBOARDConferenceHawai’i DistrictLong Beach District

Los Angeles DistrictPasadena DistrictRiverside District

San Diego DistrictSanta ana DistrictSanta Barbara District

brownbaggin’it2010-Straightandnarrow

World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine

When: February 26-27, 2010 (Friday-Saturday)

Where: La Canada United Methodist Church

(104 Berkshire Place, La Canada, Ca 91011)

Contact: Pastor Sunny Ahn

(Phone: 818-790-3605; email: sunwook@sbcglobal.net)

calpacyoungpeople.org/calendar

pasadenadistrictSD District UMC Youth Rubio's Fundraiser for Camperships

When: April 11 from 11am-5pm

Where: 3 locations - Mission Valley, Grossmont Center and Encinitas.

Download flyer at calpacyoungpeople.org

What has worked for our youth group in the past is printing a flierand putting one in each bulletin during church the day of the event.If you are 20 feet away from the front door you can also pass outfliers near the location!

Fish tacos and Jesus are always a good combo!

SanDiegodistrict

calpacyoungpeople.org/events/brownbaggin

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CONFERENCE JUNIOR HIGH EVENTThis event is designed specifically for Jr. Highers, with programming that includes fellowship, worship, games, small groups, campfires, and fun. This weekend is a fire-starter for your youth, a jump-start to your Spring ministry, or a perfect Confirmation Retreat if you need one. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details arriving in your mailboxes & inboxes soon!

Date: April 23 – 25Location: Forest Home CampCost: $125 (includes lodging, all meals, and theme t-shirt)

JuniorHigh

LosAngelesDistrict

WE NEED YOU… OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW… TO HELP STAFF OUR 1ST L.A.DISTRICT CAMP – JULY 12-16, 2010.- Come join in our “Journey of Faith” with the high schoolers.

- Download and share the staff application form. Commit to be a part of the camping experience.

- Please respond to us by FEBRUARY 23rd.

- Peace, Blessings & Stay connected to Christ and each other….

- Contact: Ms. Val, 310.503-8296