#8 Spring 2007
May 11-13 - Blackstone VUMAC
Reg. Due April 20 - Check-In from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
#9 Fall 2007
Nov. 16-18 - Chanco
Reg. Due October 26
What is New Beginnings?
New Beginnings is a unique experience designed specifically to respond to the needs and concerns of Junior High Youth. The program has spread to many dioceses throughout the country and to Europe. New Beginnings' purpose is to help young people grow in the love of themselves, others, and Jesus Christ. The first New Beginnings was held in the Diocese of Southern Virginia in the spring of 2003.
What happens on a New Beginnings
weekend?
The program begins on Friday evening and continues until Sunday evening, about 5:00. There is a series of talks given by youth and adults, films, tapes, songs and small group discussions and activities. These presentations focus on such subjects as self, friends, parents, siblings, school, God’s love, prayer, the Church and "Who is Jesus?" In addition, there is time for fun, creativity, and sharing. Participants not only learn and grow, but also have a wonderful time. Clergy are present to assist in spiritual direction.
Follow-Up
The New Beginnings weekend is just the beginning. Every parish that sends one or more youth to a New Beginnings weekend will be provided with a follow-up guide to be used in the parish. This guide can be used in rotation with regular youth group topics or on its own to stimulate discussion and experiential learning related to topics introduced on the New Beginnings weekend.
Who may attend?
New Beginnings is designed for junior high youth who are currently in grade 6, 7, 8 or first semester 9th. A young person may attend New Beginnings, as a participant or a team member, as many times as he or she would like to. Any number of youth and adults from one church may attend. Youth and adults do not have to be Episcopalians to attend a weekend. Church youth are encouraged to bring their friends and whole youth groups are invited to attend. Adult sponsors are asked to accompany the youth that attend. (There should be one adult, over 21 years of age, to every five (5) junior high youth.) Sponsors are placed in small groups with the youth. In addition to the lay and clergy leaders who serve on the team for New Beginnings, adults, especially those interested in the growth of young people are encouraged to attend as sponsors. Ideally, any parish sending a young person to a New Beginnings weekend will also send an adult sponsor(s). Adult presence and commitment to youth shows our young people that they are worth the time and effort to participate in this experience with them.
How much does it cost?
The cost for this event is $125.00 per person. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit must accompany registration. Scholarships are available through the diocesan office of youth ministry and through your parish. We hope that no one misses out on an event because of financial reasons.
When and Where?
Diocese of Southern Virginia New
Beginnings #1 was held March 14-16, 2003.
New Beginnings #8 will be held May 11-13, 2007 at the VUMAC in Blackstone, VA.
New Beginnings #9 will be held Nov.16-18, 2007 at the Camp Chanco in Surry, VA.
