April 11, 2024

Recently, I saw this iguana and crab in the wild. I was struck by the colors and the pose of the iguana.  As a baby, the crab is black and you can barely see the little black crabs crawling against the dark rocks.   The iguana camouflage itself between bushes and rocks and they are difficult to spot. Yet, when the iguana emerges, there is color and determination.

As I looked at these beautiful creatures, I considered how they might serve as a metaphor for youth in our local churches. There are youth in our churches and yet many times they are hiding in the cracks of our congregational life. Or they camouflage themselves wondering whether it is safe to emerge into the light.

When we create a safe space for young people, they will emerge and show their colors.  They shine and contribute so much to the beauty of our community life. Truth be told, creating safe space is good for everyone in our congregations.

The Youth Engagement Squad (YES) of the Central Atlantic Conference is working to empower local congregations to notice, name, and nurture the gifts of young people. We want to create opportunities for all youth in the conference to experience life in the wider UCC and to nurture their gifts and leadership.

Please contact me so I can tell you about our vision as well as upcoming activities including a retreat May 10-11, a mission trip July 1-3, and the Easter Regional Youth Event, July 28-31, which can be found here.

The May retreat will be held at Camp West Mar in the Catoctin Mountains, a camp operated by the YMCA of Frederick County. The theme is, “Friends Together.” Thanks to the Y and churches of the Catoctin Association preparing our meals, we are able to offer this overnight retreat for only $20 per person.  Nice accommodation and plenty of opportunities for play are available at the camp.

I am grateful that our Conference Minister, Rev. Freeman Palmer, and Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Craig Peterson will be joining us for the retreat. I am excited that Rev. Darryl! Moch, who leads the CAC Mass Choir, is planning worship for the event. More information can be found here. 

The Youth Engagement Squad invites you to join us in noticing the young people in our congregations, name their gifts and contributions to the life of our communities, and support us as we provide experiences to nurture their faith and leadership.