Youth and Young Adults

Welcome to the landing page for the upcoming Reset for Renewal virtual gathering.

The Network of Wider Church Youth Ministry and the Faith INFO team of the national setting of the United Church of Christ have partnered together to bring you Reset for Renewal: A virtual gathering to foster relationships, reclaim your own resilience and gifts for ministry and reconnect with the pulse of young people in the midst of today’s world. Over the course of three days you will have the opportunity to meet and gather with like-minded individuals who are doing youth ministry a variety of contexts within the United Church of Christ and beyond.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Rev. Trayce Potter, Minister for Youth and Young Adult Engagement at pottert@ucc.org.

To access content during the event, please click the appropriate links below to be connected to the Zoom meeting.

Please note: all times listed below are Eastern Time

Thursday, November 12, 2022

2:00-3:30 PM Welcome & Opening Plenary: Creative Shifts

Join the Network for Wider Church Youth Ministries for a conversation about the creative shifts we are seeing in youth ministry in a variety of settings.  Members of NOWCYM will share some of the creative ideas they have observed during the pandemic and will provide space for you to share your ideas.  Whether you are desperately seeking new ideas, are excited to share something you have tried, or you just want to hear what others are doing…this session promises to help you reset for renewal!

4:00-5:30 PM Keynote Address: The Pulse of Young People

Author and speaker Romal Tune will join us for our opening plenary as we set the context for our work in youth ministry.

5:45-6:45 PM Small Groups

A few aspects of ministry are collaboration, sharing resources and building collegiality. During this hour long session, you will have the opportunity to connect with others who share your passions and interests for informal discussion with a designated group leader.

  • Small Groups
    • Outdoor Ministry & Camps
    • Network of Wider Church Youth Ministry
    • Education & Campus Ministry
    • Youth Ministry in Local Churches
    • Racial Justice
    • Sexuality

7:00-7:15 PM Evening Vespers & Prayer

Friday, November 13th

1:00-2:00 PM Regional Small Groups

A few aspects of ministry are collaboration, sharing resources and building collegiality. During this hour long session, you will have the opportunity to connect with others who share your passions and interests with individuals who are geographically located near you.

  • Great Lakes
  • Mid-Atlantic
  • New England
  • Western
  • West Central & Southern

2:00-3:45 PM Plenary: Sacred Bodies

Have you ever felt like there are various parts of yourself or your life that cannot be brought to church? That cannot be talked about or are just plain off-limits? In this life-giving interview, Minister Amy Johnson brings the fire, shedding light on how sexuality and our faith lives do not have to be separate. Spoiler alert: sexuality does not just mean sex. It is our relationships, our senses, our communication. There are many ways in which sexuality, faith, and even justice intersect, and Minister Amy offers us a place to reflect on how churches can be places where we can come as our full selves; leaving nothing at the door. Her message: God loves you exactly as you are.)

4:00-5:00 PM Workshops

  • OMA Panel

Members and representatives of the Outdoor Ministry Association and UCC Camps discuss best practices, share wisdom and discuss the everchanging landscape of camps and conferences.

  • Renewal and Reconnection

Description: During this workshop Rev Boyd will thoughtfully model how those leading youth ministry can engage in renewal of soul and reconnection. Additionally, participants will gain tools and ideas of how they can then offer the same opportunity and invitation to the youth they serve alongside of.

  • Ka Makana O Ka Hana- The Gift of The Work

Description: God has placed a call upon each of our lives. This calling is a gift, graciously given for humble service to his all people and all of creation. At times this work can be tiring and wearing, especially when we’re faced with uncertainty. Acknowledging our need for restoration, we invite you to join us as we utilize the spirit of aloha, to breathe new life into our calling, renewing and sustaining the work of the Spirit.

  • Let’s Get Uncomfortable

Let’s Get Uncomfortable: A Place to Start is a supportive, safe space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism and how we share the responsibility to work for change. Our facilitators are trained improvisers who encourage an improv mindset through the skills of listening first, being curious and harnessing our imaginations.

5:30-6:30 PM Social Hour

Saturday, November 14th

2:00-3:00 PM Closing Plenary: Discipling Young People & Each Other

  • Rodger Nishioka will lead us through a time of helping us to refocus on our call to make disciples within our youth ministry

3:15-4:15 PM Workshops

  • Ka Makana O Ka Hana- The Gift of The Work

Description: God has placed a call upon each of our lives. This calling is a gift, graciously given for humble service to his all people and all of creation. At times this work can be tiring and wearing, especially when we’re faced with uncertainty. Acknowledging our need for restoration, we invite you to join us as we utilize the spirit of aloha, to breathe new life into our calling, renewing and sustaining the work of the Spirit.

  • Let’s Get Uncomfortable

Let’s Get Uncomfortable: A Place to Start is a supportive, safe space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism and how we share the responsibility to work for change. Our facilitators are trained improvisers who encourage an improv mindset through the skills of listening first, being curious and harnessing our imaginations.

  • Fighting for Earth (offered Saturday only)

As part of the 3 Great Loves campaign, we have been encouraged to take better care of the world we have been gifted. Join Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice on finding ways to help youth become involved in this meaningful work.

4:30-5:00 PM Closing Service & Blessing