The Episcopal Youth Event 2017
A huge thank you from our EYE 2017 delegation!
Getting off the plane in Oklahoma, I was not sure what I was expecting. I knew that It was going to be a huge conference for Episcopal high school students and I knew I would learn about the Episcopal Church, but I didn’t realize how it would impact me, even weeks later looking back. Everyone who had ever had the opportunity to go that I had met, had told me what a great week it would be and how I just had to go. I also knew that I was fortunate to even have the chance to go, because EYE only happens once every three years. Even the priest of my church in Highland, Maryland had gone to EYE years ago, and he was excited that I would have the opportunity to go. But, hearing that and actually being part of it first hand were completely different. For instance, while we were there It was emphasized that 1,400 high schoolers from across the United States, and even some from other countries were present and I knew that was a lot. However, It did not fully hit me until one night when we were all gathered together at the Oklahoma City National Memorial for Compline. During this evening service I was struck by the awesome peace and power of us all together in God’s presence. The energy was unbelievable, and the feeling that I got knowing that so many people shared the same foundational Christian based set of beliefs was chilling.
I had the opportunity to attend many workshops that focused on how to stay involved in the church not just now, but through college. I even got to attend a workshop that was hosted by our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, and learned more about the Episcopal religion. I believe that this was a very powerful experience and I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to represent the youth of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. I am confident that this unique experience helped strengthen and grow my faith. I know that I can use what I have learned within the Diocese in my role as a youth delegate. I also believe it will have a lasting impact on my faith journey as I graduate from high school and move on to college. I want to thank the Diocese and my church for helping to provide this opportunity.
Cheryl, St. Mark's
My EYE experience was phenomenal. I enjoyed participating in the various praxis sessions on various topics that are so relevant in the world today. One of the sessions I attended was a panel of young adults and their pilgrimage to Ferguson, MO where Micheal Brown was killed. They shared what brought them to participate and the experience of the trip. Of how we can bring peace in such violence times in the world. It was even discussed for a possible pilgrimage to Standing rock or the Texas border for high school graduates and up in the summer of 2018. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet similar Episcopal youth such as myself. I made many friends from different states in America. I even bonded closer to the teens in my diocese. I also enjoyed the location of the event. As high school students we are given a taste of the campus life in our future college career. I appreciated how we switched from English to Spanish in the services and songs. My favorite part of the event was the music! Most of the songs were familiar but there were occasional new songs. I believe that music brings people together and it did at EYE. Whether it was through singing in the Congo line or swaying together in harmony, you could see that we all unified as one Episcopal community. I will forever hold this memory dear to my heart. Rebekah St James, LaFayette Square
Thank you so much for your contribution...
EYE really affirmed my faith and made me realize how not only am I not alone, but I am surrounded by amazing people who are Episcopalians just like me. I got the chance to grow deeper in my relationships with the people within my Diocese as well as people from all over the globe. The whole time I could feel the spirit guiding us but particularly at the Bombing Memorial for Compline. Without you I wouldn't have been able to have this life changing experience to grow deeper into my faith. Thank you! Grace Gary Church of the Redeemer
Hear Grace give a sermon on EYE by clicking here.
I had the opportunity to attend many workshops that focused on how to stay involved in the church not just now, but through college. I even got to attend a workshop that was hosted by our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, and learned more about the Episcopal religion. I believe that this was a very powerful experience and I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to represent the youth of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. I am confident that this unique experience helped strengthen and grow my faith. I know that I can use what I have learned within the Diocese in my role as a youth delegate. I also believe it will have a lasting impact on my faith journey as I graduate from high school and move on to college. I want to thank the Diocese and my church for helping to provide this opportunity.
Cheryl, St. Mark's
My EYE experience was phenomenal. I enjoyed participating in the various praxis sessions on various topics that are so relevant in the world today. One of the sessions I attended was a panel of young adults and their pilgrimage to Ferguson, MO where Micheal Brown was killed. They shared what brought them to participate and the experience of the trip. Of how we can bring peace in such violence times in the world. It was even discussed for a possible pilgrimage to Standing rock or the Texas border for high school graduates and up in the summer of 2018. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet similar Episcopal youth such as myself. I made many friends from different states in America. I even bonded closer to the teens in my diocese. I also enjoyed the location of the event. As high school students we are given a taste of the campus life in our future college career. I appreciated how we switched from English to Spanish in the services and songs. My favorite part of the event was the music! Most of the songs were familiar but there were occasional new songs. I believe that music brings people together and it did at EYE. Whether it was through singing in the Congo line or swaying together in harmony, you could see that we all unified as one Episcopal community. I will forever hold this memory dear to my heart. Rebekah St James, LaFayette Square
Thank you so much for your contribution...
EYE really affirmed my faith and made me realize how not only am I not alone, but I am surrounded by amazing people who are Episcopalians just like me. I got the chance to grow deeper in my relationships with the people within my Diocese as well as people from all over the globe. The whole time I could feel the spirit guiding us but particularly at the Bombing Memorial for Compline. Without you I wouldn't have been able to have this life changing experience to grow deeper into my faith. Thank you! Grace Gary Church of the Redeemer
Hear Grace give a sermon on EYE by clicking here.
What is EYE?Episcopal Youth Event
July 10-14, 2017 (rising 10th grade-recent graduates) University of Central Oklahoma – Edmonton, OK Total Cost: $560.00 (includes airfare, lodging, food, etc.) The total cost of EYE is being offset by a scholarship of $280 from the Diocese. It is our hope that the remaining amount will be offset by fundraisers and the attendee’s parish to keep out of pocket costs as low as possible. A gathering of over 1,500 young Episcopalians that only happens once in every three years! Each diocese throughout the church is invited to send youth and adult attendees. We are hoping to take a full 24 students and 6 chaperones to the University of Central Oklahoma, OK for this once in a lifetime experience. We will gather with people of faith from across the globe to have worship, workshops, public forums, and fellowship! The Diocese of Maryland is known as the singing-dancing diocese at this and every event we attend. We are delighted to have Bishop Sutton join us for a few days and lead a few conga lines during large group worship. Come meet people from around the world, learn how to make an impact on your community in the name of Christ, and spend time immersed in the Holy Spirit for a week! Here is a small sampling of what EYE '14 looked like: |
If you would like to help send an attendee to EYE please click the images above or below to learn more about donations!
How do I apply?The application for youth and adults will open September 23rd and be open until January 10! Names of participants will be released in February. Two orientation/fundraising meetings will be announced following. There are a limited amount of people who can attend EYE, so apply today!
Here are the documents for the simple application process. Deadline for all applications is January 10, 2017. Please email all applications to the Youth Ministry Office.
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