EYE a wonderful experience for diocesan youth

By Vanessa Riutta  St. Christopher’s, Pensacola

Every three years, preceding General Convention, The Episcopal Church hosts a youth event called EYE (Episcopal Youth Event).  This past June two youth and two adults, including myself, from the Central Gulf Coast attended this event at Bethel University in Minnesota.  Never before had I been part of as large a gathering of youth, bishops and clergy, adults, and youth ministers.  Over eleven hundred people from all over the Episcopal Church gathered for four days to worship, celebrate Christ, and fellowship with one another.  Our youth from the Central Gulf Coast met other youth from all around world and as adults, Jane and I made some wonderful connections with other youth ministers and clergy.  I cannot begin to express how truly astonishing EYE 2011 was and how excited our diocese should be to be involved in EYE 2014.  Thank you to all for your continued support of youth!

Below are some comments from some of our youth who attended:

John Graham Parker (Youth), St. Paul’s, Daphne

EYE 2011 was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I met new people from all over the country. Even from Puerto Rico! One of the best parts was getting to worship with 1000 other people! Overall, I had an amazing time and can’t wait for the next one!

Jane Ellen McCormack (Adult Chaperone), St. Christopher’s, Pensacola

During my time as a chaperone at the Episcopal youth event in St Paul, Minnesota, I believe I learned a very valuable lesson. The passion to implement change and to be that change is overflowing within this amazing group of young people! The 700+ teenagers from different backgrounds came together as equals to celebrate Gods great love for us. Seeing their joy and hearing of their ambitions was too me a true inspiration. I have faith in this new generation of individuals taking over the Episcopal Church. Roger, one of our wonderful guest speakers made the comment that only a small percent of the 700 were willing to put in the time, effort and sacrifice to make a true change, however I think making that comment was a hidden challenge which they will pass. Each of the 700 have already made a change: their smiles, positive attitude, faith in Our Lord, friendship, support for one another, and most greatly, their love for one another has left the world a little happier.

Andrew Umbreit (Youth), Holy Cross, Pensacola

EYE was an extremely joyful and fun filled time as are many other things within the Episcopal faith. It was in many other ways, something completely unique and different that someone would have to experience it just to get the full affect of how powerful and spiritual this event was. When you’re there you get the chance to meet so many different people and cultures, not just from this country but from different parts of the world! For instance, we had the Dominican Republic present and half of the songs we sang while we were there were In Spanish just to allow them to be as involved with the faith as we were. It’s an experience that changed many people’s lives, in that they became so much closer to God, and Its also an experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life…