Friday Update - ACCY Changes

It's the weekend, Region IV...I hope you all had a great Friday and are looking forward to the weekend whatever it might bring! I intended to email everyone earlier today, but the day got away from me...ever have days like that? :-) Brace yourself, this is going to be a LONG post.

Upcoming Adult Meeting

A reminder that we have our next Region IV Adult Meeting scheduled for March 11 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kelso. I am really excited to gather again with those working in youth and young adult ministry in our region. I will send out an agenda sometime next week and would greatly appreciate it if you all could email and RSVP to me as soon as possible indicating whether or not you plan to attend.

ACCY - Change of Plans! (again)

OK - the third time is a charm, right? If you recall, we had talked about having a diocesan-wide ACCY gathering on June 5. In light of the fact that most deaneries and regions have not yet hosted an ACCY gathering and March is upon us, we thought it might make the most sense to simply use the June 5th gathering as a kick-off and orientation for those youth who will serve next year on the regional ACCY's, as well as those who will also serve as diocesan delegates, rather than trying to do one or two regional ACCY's before June. I will go over this when we meet in person on the 11th, but wanted to give everyone a head's up as soon as possible.

As you are thinking about youth that you would like to invite into ACCY whether as regional members or as diocesan delegates, keep in mind that you are now recruiting them to serve all of next year and the June gathering will be their first gathering and orientation. Make sense? If not, please do not hesitate to call or email me with questions. We (OYYAM staff) also worked on a "job description" for ACCY members, regional and diocesan, and I will be sending that out soon, as well.

As you are talking to youth about this opportunity, please remember that it is strongly encouraged that any youth serving as a diocesan delegate participate in Ascend or Ascend HD this summer (scholarships are available for our region). All ACCY members are encouraged to attend Ascend, but it is particularly important for the diocesan delegates to do so.

I don't want to overwhelm you all with too much information right now, but I will continue to post throughout the next two weeks as updates become available. In light of all this, our two other tentatively scheduled ACCY gatherings for March 27 and April 10 will NOT happen and we will begin with the June 5th gathering instead.

Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program

Just a reminder that we still have full scholarships available for our region. Even if you were unable to make this weekend's classes, it is not too late to participate. You can still register for the weekend classes in April and receive the scholarship. Please contact me if you or any of your volunteers would like to get this important training.

Peace,
Frances

ONE Week 2010 Updates!

Happy Friday Region IV! What a beautiful day. I don't know about you, but all this sun reminds me that summer is right around the corner and you know what that means...mission trips and service weeks! This is something I am so personally passionate about - opportunities for service learning for youth and young adults. One of my favorites is our ONE Week program - yes, I am a wee bit biased as this was "my baby" for its first few years, but it truly is one of the best local service weeks out there. Britta asked that I forward you this year's updated schedule, so here goes...

Have a great weekend!

Peace,

Frances

Debbie Fisher's Mom

I am writing today with a request for prayer. Many of you know our registrar, Debbie Fisher. She is the wonderful person on the other end of the phone who answers your questions about summer camp and helps you with all registration questions and needs for Rally, Convention, and retreats. Debbie's mother, Sheila, passed away suddenly last week. Understandably, this is a very difficult time for Debbie. She has asked for prayers from all in her OYYAM and CYO family including all of our collaborators in ministry to youth and young adults - that's you! Please join us in holding Debbie close in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Thanks.

Peace,
Frances

ACCY

Happy Monday, Region IV!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I received a voice mail from Dave Whitesell this morning and it sounds like the South Sound Deanery had a very powerful Hunger Retreat this weekend. Dave promises us a full report with highlights of the weekend. I will post that on the blog once I receive it. In other news...a reminder that we are not going to start ACCY gatherings until March 27. Please check your email for all the details. I hear that some in our region never check this blog, so that is why I also try to send out important info via email. :-)

Here at OYYAM, we had a great Confirmation Retreat and Young Adult Marriage Prep retreat this weekend. Seems like it was a very spirit-filled weekend all the way around! :-) Great ways to move toward the beginning of Lent.

Have a very blessed week,
Frances