300th anniversary update: Youth receive training to tell the Brethren story.

How do you inject new life and energy into telling a 300-year-old-story? How do you put a forward-looking emphasis on the study of Brethren history and heritage? Why not invite youth to tell the story? That’s what the 300th Anniversary Committee decided to do, in partnership with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Each district was asked to nominate two youth to come to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for an intensive weekend of Youth Heritage Teams training. Twenty-one of the 23 districts accepted that invitation, and on April 13-15 that original vision of the anniversary organizers became reality.

"We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a group of youth steeped in Brethren history and able to go out and share their passion?" said anniversary committee member Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, addressing the 42 youth before leading get-acquainted activities. Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, noted that the event was the fruit of two-and-a-half years of planning.

The energetic group that came together was a microcosm of the church, representing a great deal of diversity in geographic areas, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. They came together quickly, however, and a rich spirit filled the weekend. Highlights of the training included presentations on Brethren history and theology by author Jim Lehman and Bethany Theological Seminary faculty member Jeff Bach; music leadership by anniversary committee member Leslie Lake; workshops on drama, storytelling, music, and public presentation; and several periods of worship, including feetwashing.

Each youth also composed a one-minute speech that he or she delivered in front of a video camera. Small groups then reviewed the videos, offering ideas and suggestions to each other with abundant affirmation of each youth’s particular gifts.

Youth will be employing their learnings as they return to their respective districts. The two-person teams will do Brethren heritage presentations at congregations and other district events as they are invited in the coming year.

"We prepare now to send each of you out as new seeds," Lake told the group. "Tell the church of today who we were, who we are, and who we yet will be."

--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.

Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline