In February 2009, and again in February 2010, I co-led two successive trips to New Orleans.
Both times, we travelled during University reading week. Both times the trip closely coincided with Mardi Gras.
I wonder why the students came.
Was it pure altruism? Was it a process of self-discovery? Was it the story of a city neglected by its own mayor, state politicians and federal government?
Was it the plea from our friends and partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana? What was it, exactly that brought two separate groups together to travel to New Orleans? Read more…
As the current manifestation of the “occupy” comes to a close I find myself being asked what I feel about the movement. I have to answer that my feelings are complicated.
First, I feel excited. That so many people from around the world are bravely speaking out against the system that dominates us, that entraps us, that takes our imaginations hostage so that we cannot even dream of another way excites me. We know that change happens when people join together and speak out, and that is what is happening.
Second, I feel angry. I find myself getting angry especially in regards to the movement in Canada, when I hear people saying “What are they complaining about? Read more…
Most youth and young adults head out on short term missions because they want to make a difference, they want to help, they want to battle injustice. It would most likely be devastating for them to know that their short term endeavors may actually make things worse for the people they are meant to serve! Read more…
Don’t forget to check out the information for Specialist Home Teams – for youth who want to be involved in hands-on leadership and professional training at the event (see the pull-down tab at the top of the CLAY 2012 website). Applications are NOW OPEN for Specialist Home Teams.
It is obvious that Christmas has gone from celebrating the birth of the prince of peace to a celebration of the victory of consumerism. But how do we talk about it with our teenagers? Here are a few resources that I have found helpful in starting up conversation around consumerism and Christmas:
What Would Jesus Buy?
A documentary following Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping as they travel across the U.S. toward the “shopocalypse”! It is at points hilarious, at times troubling at times incredibly touching. This film works equally well with adults or with youth, so try something crazy, get parents and youth to watch the film together!
Advent Conspiracy
A movement trying to get Christmas to be less about buying and more about worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all. A website full of resources, ideas and stories, this movement to go from buying stuff to solving water issues around the world is something your youth may get excited about. Check it out here.
Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King
One of my favorite children’s books of all time, this funny, touching and beautiful story can be a great way to ease youth into the conversation. And seriously, who doesn’t love a kid’s book.
Now I know, it is getting really close to Christmas, and though these may be great ideas, it is a bit to late. Well friends, it turns out that consumerism is not just an issue at Christmas time, but year round. Here are some non-Christmas related resources.
The Story of Stuff
Shorter then WWJB, this film looks at the impacts of our consumption on the environment and other people. Done in a very accessible way, this video is a great starting point for discussing the impact of our stuff on our world. Check it out here.
Last, music video’s can be a great way to start the conversation with your youth. Here are two that look at consumerism from very different angles.
Wings by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
One of my youth introduced this video to me. A song about how the artist was recruited into the movement of consumerism through his shoes. An amazing song and a powerful video.
I Own You by Wax Tailor ft. Charlie Winston
A really cool video, and an interesting song from the perspective of your stuff.
Consumerism is probably the biggest issue facing our youth and society today. If we want to help our youth explore the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, we are going to have to make them aware of the current God of stuff that demands their allegiance. If you have any resources, please let us know.
There is an interesting study out from the Barna Group discussing why young people leave church. http://www.barna.org/teens-next-gen-articles/528-six-reasons-young-christians-leave-church . The research lists six significant reasons why nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect either permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15. I’m not looking to analyze The Barna Group’s research. I realize there are many other opinions that exist on this topic but thought it would be a good starting point for discussion. Do the themes have merit? Do you find truth in them as a youth leader or as youth growing up in the church? Can we use them to understand the current generation of youth? Are the reasons to broad to be able to facilitate any concrete change? My goal is to look at each of these reasons on their own in my next few blogs in the hopes of starting some discussion on the site and in my own parish. More understanding of where youth might be coming from never hurts and spreading the knowledge around throughout the congregation is even better! We can’t discuss what we don’t understand so if there is some validity to the reasons in the study then the conversation with our youth workers, youth and parishes is a good one to have.
Reason #1 – Churches seem overprotective.
Reason #2 – Teens’ and twenty somethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow.
Reason #3 – Churches come across as antagonistic to science.
Reason #4 – Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental.
Reason #5 – They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity.
Reason #6 – The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt.
From Andrew, an apprentice of Jesus Christ. To God’s people in the Anglican Church of Canada, faithful followers of Christ. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
In this Advent season may God uphold you in hope held firm with love, joy and peace.
I do not cease to pray for you, and for your ministries as you proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; and as you teach, baptize and nurture new believers in your various communities across this country, from sea to shining sea. This task is great, and at times difficult, yet, by God’s grace, it is a task for which we all have been equipped.
For it is by God’s grace through baptism that we are given the strength to follow Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Resting in our assurance of God’s grace and mercy, we continue to practice the presence of Jesus Christ in our midst, even to this day. Read more…
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