Dear friends,

This is to invite you to participate in a simple, practical plan to help revitalize youth ministry in our diocese. 

Not all our congregations are alike.  A few may fear that they are beyond the point of being able to attract children and young families; others may be satisfied with the youth ministry they are already undertaking; others still may recognize the need but do not know how to begin.  I think that solid progress can be made everywhere, even in the smallest congregation.  It was our Lord himself who reminded us that “with God all things are possible,” and who reminded us that the fields are ready for harvest. 

You are not alone in this challenge and I propose that we work together and make good use of our gifted Youth Coordinator, Shawn Branch.  The staff here at the Synod Office and your neighboring clergy and lay leaders are also here to support and encourage you.

The first step is a simple one.  I would suggest that you hold a Parish Youth Forum -- a meeting to discuss and address the needs of young families in your area.  I enclose a brochure with a step-by-step method of organizing such an event.  If you like, Captain Branch can come and facilitate it for you.  From the discussion at this meeting you can draw up your own parish Youth Action Plan.  It needn’t be complicated or extremely demanding; but having a straightforward and realistic plan to follow is much better than having no plan at all.  It is also possible that some volunteers may emerge (or be identified) in your Forum.

My office plans to support your parish Youth Action Plan by providing:

• Two Diocesan workshops to equip and encourage your local volunteer(s) – one on April 8 and the other on November 4.
• A Diocesan Sunday School Teachers’ Conference June 3.
• Vacation Bible Schools in the summer to parishes that request it.
• Ongoing monitoring, encouragement and support throughout the fall to your Sunday School and youth leader(s) by Captain Branch.
• An Evangelism Conference in October with Canon Kevin Martin, a well-known expert in small church evangelism.
• Practical youth and Sunday School resources from the Orra Sheldon Resource Centre.

I also propose that we designate September 17, 2006 as Youth Ministry Sunday in the Diocese to raise the profile of this crucial ministry and to generate volunteers.  

“Let the little children come unto me,” said Jesus.  Can we extend this call and realistically expect a response?  “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” 

As always, I pray for you daily and wish you God’s blessing and bountiful provision as you serve him.
 
      Yours in Christ,

      Anthony Burton
      Bishop of Saskatchewan