Recap of our recent Retreat:

On June 14th-16th, the youth of St. Dunstan's conducted a retreat at Crossroads Outdoor Ministries--a wonderful camp on 250 acres-- close to Port Murray, NJ. Some of the youth had invited friends outside our church to experience and discuss the love of Christ. The youth-led retreat included talks on prayer (Kevin Burghardt) and friendship (Caley Caras). We also were treated to a guided meditation by Kevin Lowe, one of the team members, and a short Bible study on the Prodigal Son by David Jones. Jeff Watkinson offered much insight in our informal discussion times, which included the pros and cons of separation of church and state, and how to live a Christian life in a society which thrives on competition and hate. The weekend also contained quite a bit of free time which we filled with cards, volleyball, movies, and food. On Saturday, we celebrated the Eucharist as Father Rice joined us for this and a conversation after lunch. We talked with him about possible future plans for the youth of St. Dunstan's. The retreat concluded with a youth- led service of evening prayer for parents and family at 4pm on Sunday at the church.

I think this retreat is the start of a revitalization of one of the most important ministries in any church, and that is its youth ministry. My thanks to Kevin Burghardt who has worked so hard with his peers to keep the faith alive and meaningful for the youth of St. Dunstan's and the surrounding community. A special thanks goes to Barbara and Peter Burghardt for being counselors and supporters of youth on this retreat and previous youth classes and functions. I look forward to working with this team again. My hope is that we can continue throughout the next year with what has been started at the retreat and establish a strong ministry for and with the youth of St. Dunstan's.

Looking Forward to Youth Events

o Late June/early July:
More on different types of prayer, including walking the labyrinth and guided meditation
Cookout and sleep-over at the Rectory

o July 26th: Tentative date for an outdoor coffee house and concert

o We have plans for a "Trip to the City" to visit some churches in New York City and worship with an Episcopal church that has a contemporary service on Saturday evenings.

o In the fall, we will have weekly youth meetings on Sunday evenings to discuss how to keep our faith meaningful and how to face issues we are confronted with daily in our schools, communities, churches, and the world. These meetings will be open to all youth whether members of St. Dunstan's or not.

If you have questions concerning these activities or suggestions for other events feel free to call Ginny at (973)252-3980 or leave a note in my box at the church. If you are an adult and would like to help with the youth program please call also. We will need adults from time to time to help with specific projects and/or activities.