Youth Eventz - What is Youth Eventz

WHAT IS YOUTH EVENTZ?!

Youth Eventz began in the late 80's as leaders of Silver Lake United Church Youth Camp had a vision for youth programs that could follow-up what happened in the summer. As programs were offered, people came. And then more came and soon it was clear that teens who hadn't been involved in summer camp were also interested in youth worship and youth retreats. As events took-off, spin-off programs quickly appeared in different areas of southern Ontario. By 1990, Youth Eventz was offering monthly youth services and discipleship programs in 6 different regions of southern Ontario. Along the way, specialized programs for leadership development and outreach emerged and helped create a unique network of youth and leaders.

In December of 1988 those attending youth worship at Springvale United Church were invited to Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs for a special Christmas service. On the heels of this event, the idea of having a large-scale worship night on Good Friday was born and first offered at St. Paul's United Church in Paris on Good Friday, 1989. Since that time, Youth Eventz has continued to offer Christmas and Good Friday services every year. The vision has always been to unite people from different regions of southern Ontario through a fresh experience of worship where people can be encouraged in faith and reflect on the relevance of Jesus. Locations have changed several times as attendance has grown. Since Christmas 1999 we have offered services at both 6 and 9 p.m. Now our vision is to find a large, inexpensive place where we can have one big service. Until this wonderful place is found, we will continue offering two services.

Presently, the only Youth Eventz programs are the youth services at Christmas and Good Friday and the monthly worship night for young adults at Rock Chapel United Church. In December 2002 a "Beyond Youth Eventz" service for young adults and adults was offered at Wellington Square United Church in Burlington. Several hundred people attended what became a very memorable evening. Interest in continuing this program is high but it's not clear yet whether it will happen again.

Leadership for Youth Eventz has always been shared between youth and youth leaders who have made connections through United Church camps, local United Church networks, and Youth Eventz programs. From the beginning, Pelham Center United Church in the Niagara region adopted Youth Eventz as one of their outreach programs and this link continues to this day.

Our thanks go out to all the people who have shared in the ministry of Youth Eventz over the years. God has done some wonderful things and many lives have been influenced and a rich sense of community has been tasted.

Those who would like to have more information about Youth Eventz can contact Lance Wright - lpwright@accglobal.net or Stephen Cowley - scowley@sympatico.ca.

WHAT IS YOUTH EVENTZ?!
Youth Eventz began in the late 80's as leaders of Silver Lake United Church Youth Camp had a vision for youth programs that could follow-up what happened in the summer. As programs were offered, people came. And then more came and soon it was clear that teens who hadn't been involved in summer camp were also interested in youth worship and youth retreats. As events took-off, spin-off programs quickly appeared in different areas of southern Ontario. By 1990, Youth Eventz was offering monthly youth services and discipleship programs in 6 different regions of southern Ontario. Along the way, specialized programs for leadership development and outreach emerged and helped create a unique network of youth and leaders. In December of 1988 those attending youth worship at Springvale United Church were invited to Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs for a special Christmas service. On the heels of this event, the idea of having a large-scale worship night on Good Friday was born and first offered at St. Paul's United Church in Paris on Good Friday, 1989. Since that time, Youth Eventz has continued to offer Christmas and Good Friday services every year. The vision has always been to unite people from different regions of southern Ontario through a fresh experience of worship where people can be encouraged in faith and reflect on the relevance of Jesus. Locations have changed several times as attendance has grown. Since Christmas 1999 we have offered services at both 6 and 9 p.m. Now our vision is to find a large, inexpensive place where we can have one big service. Until this wonderful place is found, we will continue offering two services. Presently, the only Youth Eventz programs are the youth services at Christmas and Good Friday and the monthly worship night for young adults at Rock Chapel United Church. In December 2002 a "Beyond Youth Eventz" service for young adults and adults was offered at Wellington Square United Church in Burlington. Several hundred people attended what became a very memorable evening. Interest in continuing this program is high but it's not clear yet whether it will happen again. Leadership for Youth Eventz has always been shared between youth and youth leaders who have made connections through United Church camps, local United Church networks, and Youth Eventz programs. From the beginning, Pelham Center United Church in the Niagara region adopted Youth Eventz as one of their outreach programs and this link continues to this day. Our thanks go out to all the people who have shared in the ministry of Youth Eventz over the years. God has done some wonderful things and many lives have been influenced and a rich sense of community has been tasted. Those who would like to have more information about Youth Eventz can contact Lance Wright - lpwright@accglobal.net or Stephen Cowley - scowley@sympatico.ca.