Youth Leaders Weekend, Jan 23rd – 25th 2009
This year, people came from far and near, including; Northern Ireland, Dublin, Cork and far flung edges of our own Diocese.
This years Annual Youth Leaders Weekend was held in Inchydoney Lodge and Spa. With 46 people attending this year’s event organised by the C.D.Y.C in association with C.I.Y.D.
One of the most tranquil surroundings in West Cork. This year’s venue, organised by Mark Dunwoody, was a welcome reward to all our Leaders.
This year’s topic was Servant Leadership and how we serve others!
What an exhausting jam-packed weekend! full of; training, getting to know each other, games, refreshments, meditations, food, spa, swimming, Jacuzzi (for those with swimming gear) and the beach!!
Saturday morning started at 7am with the finest breakfast, provided by Inchdoneys pleasant staff, we all gathered in the Inchdoney room at 8.45am, meditations were presented by various Youth Leaders, and then we were split into 2 groups, 16-19 years and 19+. The trainers from C.I.Y.D were Shane Tucker, Catherine Little and Jeremy Gardiner (Youth Link), while our own C.D.Y.C, trainers included Mark Dunwoody and Judy Peters. Intervals were welcome at 11.00am and at lunch, those of us who were young/old and fit, took a lengthy walk in the beach.
On several occasions during the weekend I had written in my notes, the words Meditation, Space and Solitude, it is so easy for us to get caught up in the routines of our daily lives; we all need Space, Solitude and Meditation, time with Our God.
Judy Peters spoke very eloquently on Sunday Morning and closed the proceedings within the Function Room. Certificates from C.D.Y.C. / Youth Link, were presented to all of our younger youth leaders and as a final prayer was shared we all joined together in a chain.
Kilgarriffe Church was the last stop, were Hot Chocolate awaited to be served by the smiling gleaming faces of our youth. As the young leaders delightfully handed out Hot Chocolate to the congregation, everyone sang together the old Hymns of Wesley and new Worship songs. Who would have thought Wesley mixed with Townsend sounded so good, everyone in unison with the same common goal, praising and giving thanks to Our God. Thank you Rev. Jonas for the wonderful service you prepared.
In summary it was a unique occasion for all those who are involved in youth work in our diocese to come together to learn and reflect on our practices. That was a palatable feeling within the group of fellowship and a recognition that something special is happening in our diocese. As said before we are very fortunate to enjoy the support of our imaginative Bishop, Clergy, parents, teachers and indeed the young people themselves.
One last comment:”For next years Youth Leaders Event, DO NOT FORGET YOUR SWIMMING COSTUME!! Always check your list and tick off everything, unlike me, on my first Youth Leaders Weekend.”
Bye for now, Jennifer Kingston