This presentation will talk through what summer camp has to offer to congregational youth programming, and what congregational youth programming has for camp! Join Rev. Kate Mckey-Dunbar from Trinity, Trumbull and James Williams from Camp Washington to talk through a full approach to youth in the church.

FACILITATORS: My name is James Williams; I am a cradle-Episcopalian and have been engaged in the whimsical work of camp for 8 years. I grew up attending camp in the Diocese of Virginia, where I experienced a deep sense of belonging and community.  At camp we find out together what is possible, do the hard/fulfilling work of growing in Christ’s love, and HAVE FUN! I was born in Denver, CO, raised both there and in rural Virginia. I come from a family of 5 (I’m the youngest….) and after high school earned my bachelor’s degree from Goucher College. I have worked in jobs from legislative advocacy to being a Barista! In my personal life, I am dedicated to climate and social justice, love to rock climb, and travel.

The Reverend Kate McKey-Dunar hails from Minnesota but has made Connecticut her home for the last decade or so. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, Kate had a deep sense of God’s love and church being a safe place to ask questions and be truly herself.  This was especially true as a camper at Cass Lake Episcopal Camp in MN, staff at many other Episcopal Music Camp in MN, Director of Camp Webb Episcopal Camp in WI, and as a chaplain at Camp Washington in CT. The camping tradition in the Episcopal Church was and continues to be vital in her faith. Rev. Kate is now serving at Trinity, Trumbull where she is supported by her husband, Edward, along with their two young children.

In the past, we’ve explored Elder Friendly Worship; in this presentation, we will discuss other aspects of Elder Ministry—what happens when a parishioner can no longer be present at worship; how to talk about when it’s time to let go of a beloved ministry; how to manage parishioners who are aging without adequate support.  

Facilitators: The Reverend Marta Rivera-Monclova, PhD is a priest in the diocese and founder of Haven Religious—an Intentional Episcopal Community within ECCT. Curate at Grace in Hartford, Chaplain at Armsmear in Hartford, and Head of Haven Religious, Mtr. Marta comes to ordained ministry from a career in teaching English and a number of side careers in technology. 

Join Bishop Laura and The Reverend Margie Baker as they share thoughts, ideas, resources and best practices for youth confirmation. Bring your questions, ideas, curiosities and ideas. We promise a good conversation!

FACILITATORS: The Right Reverend Dr. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, is passionate about exploring with congregations how parish leadership, lay and ordained, can engage God’s Mission in their local context through prayerful discernment and collaborative partnerships. With Bishop Jeff, she seeks to create vibrant and engaging spaces where Christians can deepen their understanding of God’s love and try on new ways of speaking about and sharing that love with others.

The Reverend Margie Baker is the Associate Rector at St. John’s West Hartford and a former public high school teacher. She has written articles for Building Faith and is the author of God, Gospel, and Gender: A Queer Bible Study for Teens. When she’s not at church, Margie enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her wife, children, and dog.