July 13, 2009 issue
Youth bring energy and opinions
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Youth gathered to worship, learn about the Holy Spirit, serve and share their opinions at the Mennonite Church USA youth convention.
CANADIAN PRIDE — The youth of Poole (Ont.) Mennonite Church celebrate Canada Day July 1. Columbus was closer for them than the Mennonite Church Canada gathering in Saskatoon, Sask. — Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank/MWR
More than 4,200 youth came from across the United States as well as from Canada for the June 30-July 5 event.
Ria Jewell, 18, of Spring Valley Mennonite Church in Newport, Wash., attended the youth convention with her father, sister and a friend.
“Because I’m not immersed in Mennonite community, it’s great to come and meet new friends and worship God together,” she said.
Eric Darjany of Spokane, Wash., who is not part of a church, traveled to Columbus with the Jewell family, the only Mennonites he knows.
“It’s good to be around a bunch of energy,” he said. “It’s exciting.”
Several groups came to the event from Canada as well.
Amanda Mustard, youth pastor at Poole (Ont.) Mennonite Church, brought her youth, since this gathering was closer than the Mennonite Church Canada gathering in Saskatoon, Sask. They had attended joint conventions with MC USA.
“As long as there are still memories of joint conventions, that gives us a little bit of incentive to come,” Mustard said. “Otherwise we’d feel a little bit separate.”
Youth at the convention had a chance to share their views at several Speak Up! sessions, including one with the adult delegates.
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