SPEAKER: Dr. Brian Walsh and Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat

COST: $80

Youth ministry can sometimes be incredibly intimidating.  We can feel alone and inadequate.  This weekend is to meet both these needs.  Come and meet other youth workers across the Diocese, here the vision of Archbishop Johnson for youth ministry, engage with two of Canada’s leading scholars on who Jesus is and why it matters, and relax.

To register contact Elizabeth McCaffery at emccaffery@toronto.anglican.ca or call her at 1-800-668-8932 or 416-363-6021 ex. 225.

BRIAN WALSH is the bestselling author or coauthor of several books, including The Transforming Vision, Truth Is Stranger Than It Used to Be, and Colossians Remixed. He is a chaplain at the University of Toronto and an adjunct professor of theology of culture at Wycliffe College in Toronto, Ontario.

SYLVIA KEESMAAT taught Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics at the Institute for Christian Studies for ten years. In 2004 she left full-time academia to pursue her interests in sustainable living. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at the Institute for Christian Studies and at the Toronto School of Theology. She is also an instructor in the Creation Care Studies Program in Belize. Dr. Keesmaat is the author of Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (with Brian Walsh, [2004]), Paul and His Story: (Re)Interpreting the Exodus Tradition (1999), and editor of The Advent of Justice (1994).  She is currently writing a book on the Epistle to the Romans, and preparing to write one on creation in the New Testament.

Brian and Sylvia are married and live on an organic solar-powered farm in Cameron, Ontario.

It could be great for starting the discussion, or just to break the ice.  The best part for me was when the song plays “Maybe she’s born with it..” and the response is “No, I’m pretty sure it’s fotoshop.”  Let me know how it worked in your group.

Shalom Justice Camp will be a six day opportunity for experiential learning, worship, and theological reflection for about 80-100 participants.  The upcoming camp will take place in Peterborough from August 19 to 24.  The core of the workshop is a three day immersion experience which focuses more deeply on one aspect of or theme.  Examples of these groups include arts and social change, sustainable agriculture, and political advocacy.  At Justice Camp, we believe the wisdom is in the room: participants bring their own wisdom and knowledge on a given issue to work and learn together with local leaders.

The goal of Justice Camp is to engage participants in reflection on issues and experiences in a way that challenges themselves, the church, and wider society to speak and live the vision of the prophets in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Registration for the camp opens in January.

For more information, please visit the website: www.justicecamp.ca.

This year our theme is Peace.  Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”  What is it to be a peacemaker in our relationships, our schools, our world?  What does it look like to live a life of peace?  These will be the questions we will be looking at with our special guest Leah Watkiss.  Along with this will be special worship, activities and just a chance to hang out with youth from throughout the Area.  We will also be joined by Bishop Linda for our Sunday Eucharist.

For more info please contact Christian at christian@trentdurhamyouth.com

What Would Jesus Buy?

A documentary following Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping as they travel across the U.S. toward the “shopocalypse”!  It is at points hilarious, at times troubling at times incredibly touching.  This film works equally well with adults or with youth, so try something crazy, get parents and youth to watch the film together!

Advent Conspiracy

A movement trying to get Christmas to be less about buying and more about worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all.  A website full of resources, ideas and stories, this movement to go from buying stuff to solving water issues around the world is something your youth may get excited about.  Check it out here.

Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King

One of my favorite children’s books of all time, this funny, touching and beautiful story can be a great way to ease youth into the conversation.  And seriously, who doesn’t love a kid’s book.

Now I know, it is getting really close to Christmas, and though these may be great ideas, it is a bit to late.  Well friends, it turns out that consumerism is not just an issue at Christmas time, but year round.  Here are some non-Christmas related resources.

The Story of Stuff

Shorter then WWJB, this film looks at the impacts of our consumption on the environment and other people.  Done in a very accessible way, this video is a great starting point for discussing the impact of our stuff on our world.  Check it out here.

Last, music video’s can be a great way to start the conversation with your youth.  Here are two that look at consumerism from very different angles.

Wings by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

One of my youth introduced this video to me.  A song about how the artist was recruited into the movement of consumerism through his shoes.  An amazing song and a powerful video.

I Own You by Wax Tailor ft. Charlie Winston

A really cool video, and an interesting song from the perspective of your stuff.

Consumerism is probably the biggest issue facing our youth and society today.  If we want to help our youth explore the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, we are going to have to make them aware of the current God of stuff that demands their allegiance.  If you have any resources, please let us know.

(Originally Published on www.generation.anglican.ca)