ETNyouth

The Episcopal Youth Community of the Diocese of East Tennessee, ETNyouth, is a passionate and dedicated group of youth from over 50 worshiping communities throughout East Tennessee. Our youth strive to connect with one another through acceptance in a Christ-centered community which seeks to empower youth, engage with parishes, and support each other in our walk with Christ. We live into this purpose through weekend retreats, single day events, lock-ins, service projects, and Grace Point summer camp.

Happening

What is Happening?

Happening is a spiritual awakening and renewal weekend where high school students (Grades 9-12) have a face-to-face encounter with the love of Jesus through Christian community. This is done through a series of talks, given by youth and adults about their experiences in faith and in life.

This weekend is honest and up-front. The weekend follows a format of talks, each followed by small-group discussion and activities. Topics covered throughout the weekend include prayer, faith, Jesus, and out individual calls to ministry in the world. Scattered between the talks and small group sessions are lots of fun songs and games, and worship through liturgies that youth may or may not have experienced before. We come together for praise, for reconciliation, for healing. Of course, there are a few fun surprises throughout the weekend!

Who can attend?

Participants:

Open to all high school students grades 9-12. First-time participants attend Happening as "Participants". Once you have been through Happening once, you are eligible to serve on Happening Team. Find out more at the Happening event information below.

Team:

Happening Team is a dedicated group of high school students (Grade 9-12) who plan and lead each Happening weekend. Adults are part of team as chaperones, but the youth make it all "happen." Find out more at the Happening event information below.

Winter Camp

Winter Camp is an annual winter retreat for high school youth (grade 9-12) and is typically held on the MLK holiday weekend. Winter camp follows the structure of a typical summer camp session at Grace Point with many of your favorite summer staffers coming back to lead activities!

New Beginnings

Middle School is a challenging time both in social and faith development. WIth so many questions about life, faith, friends, and identity, it can be tough to find a safe space to work through it all.

New Beginnings provides a time and place in Christian community to explore those questions and more. The program also works to equip middle school youth as leaders in their own parishes, and to engage them in the full life of the home church.

New Beginnings is open to middle school students (grade 6-8). Youth who have been through New Beginnings are welcome to attend again.

Scholarships are generally available to attend.