Epistle—11th & 12th grades

7/26/08

On Monday we gathered, old and new faces, to start off our week. The first hour was spent with our group scattered in various different worship sharing meetings. This was a new and mostly positive experience for our senior high group. We then regathered as a large group again for games and discussion. May Eagleson came and spoke To us about the Right Sharing of World Resources Program. Transitions and change was introduced as our topic for the week. Tuesday started out with worship sharing and then we joined groups with the K–1’s For beach day. As the morning progressed with swimming and sand castles, connections were created between the younger and older youth.

Just as the Monday and Tuesday before it, our JYM meeting was fruitful. We had Original Play that day, which taught us to connect in a nonaggressive way, to let go and just play. We also met with Bill Galvin and learned some more about conscientious objection. We were also advised to get our statements done as soon as possible. Wednesday in JYM was a great day; we played as well as got down to business. A lot of people appreciated the worship sharing, but were disappointed that it took so much time away from JYM. We also split into small groups of four to talk about the changes in our lives for the year, how we had moved forward, if we had lost anything or gained anything. This was also a great way to form intergenerational connections and community.

Thursday marked a new style of JYM meeting as our monstrous group of 38 divided; some preferred to go to business meeting while others chose to stay behind to exercise their brain and bodies by creating self-portrait–like structures. Those who chose to go to business meeting had the opportunity to hear a panel witness their peace work around the world. We won’t forget the always stupendous Café Night. The acts ranged from singing to water chugging. We ended the night, learning the cake sold for over $1,000 and all of the proceeds were divided between the Sharing Fund and Powell House.

By Friday, we had a formed community among our 11–12th grade group. We closed our JYM week with song and worship along with the other age groups. Despite the new slightly rushed schedule, the overall spirit of the group was a joyful celebration of our time together.