Youth Leadership Conference 2015 offers weekend of worship, legislation, service

Story and photo contributed by the Rev. Debra Juarez

Fifty-two youth and adults gathered together at Rainbow Trail Camp for Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) 2015 - a weekend of legislation, worship, faith formation, mission and service, and fun. The theme for the weekend, held Jan. 23 to 25, was “The Bare Necessities” and focused on the scripture “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God." The Rev. Elizabeth Jackson shared stories of faith and leadership and Forrest Barclay led the singing. Together, members of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) led closing worship on Sunday morning.

Youth decorated sandwich bags for lunches served in Civic Center Park and made thank-you cards to be used by families with children in Children’s Hospital. They also raised $308.50 for Youth Service Fund for Blood:Water, a nonprofit that works to equip African organizations and their communities in fighting the HIV/AIDS and water crises.

YLC is an annual event when youth from around the conference gather to elect the new CCYM for 2015-16. Voting is led by youth who nominate and vote on the new members, beginning with a prayer before each vote. CCYM members attend the annual conference session as voting delegates and plan and lead three conference-wide youth events: Ignite (senior high gathering), YLC and Youth Quest (middle school gathering).

The new president of CCYM is Victoria Casarrubias from Mountain View UMC in Boulder. Middle School At-Large members are: Jacob Galvez, Park Hill UMC, and Lauren Simon, First UMC Loveland. Senior High At-Large members are: Alyssa Bjorquist, First UMC Cheyenne; Josie Brady, Park Hill UMC; Bryce Bauer, Park Hill UMC; Ben Clegem, First UMC Loveland; Susan DeTar, Longs Peak UMC; Cassie Fanning, First UMC Loveland; Abbi Flaming. First UMC Loveland; Erin Meyers, St. Luke’s UMC; and Anthony Nelson, Park Hill UMC. Adult co-coordinators are Forrest Barclay, Berthoud UMC, and Ann Kessler, First UMC Loveland. Scott Pelletier stepped down after serving for seven years as an adult co-coordinator.