The Diocese of Alabama Hosts Province IV Youth Networking Meeting at Camp McDowell
The Diocese of Alabama has hosted this year’s annual Province IV Youth Ministries Leadership and Networking Meeting, welcoming youth and adult leaders from 12 dioceses across the nine Southeastern states to Camp McDowell.
Each year, the Province IV Youth Ministries gathering brings together Episcopal youth leaders and mentors to engage in faith formation, share ministry experiences, and envision the future of the Church.
Organized around the theme “Sharing Our Stories,” this year’s event explored the transformative power of storytelling to inspire connection, understanding, and growth in faith. Participants were invited to reflect deeply on their personal and collective stories—joyful and challenging—and explore how those stories shape their identity as Christians and Episcopalians.
Speakers included Cookie Cantwell, Province IV Youth Ministries Coordinator; Canon Myra Garnes, Officer for Youth Ministry on the Presiding Bishop’s staff; and Bre Mitchell, the Diocese of Alabama’s Missioner for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage.
One of the program highlights was a session led by Bre Mitchell, which emphasized the importance of courageous conversation as a tool for racial awareness and growth. “Understanding our personal journeys of racial awareness is essential,” she shared. “It gives us the foundation we need to engage effectively in telling the broader, often complex story of our diocesan history and its legacy surrounding race and racism.” Participants were guided in “courageous conversations” to address difficult topics and practice storytelling as a way to grow together in faith.
Another significant focus of the gathering was envisioning the future of youth ministry. On the second day, youth participants worked in small groups by diocese to create visual representations of their hopes and dreams for their ministries. These works of art were shared during a powerful “Living Sermon” at the closing Eucharist.
Instead of a traditional sermon, the youth laid their posters around a large cross. During worship, the congregation sang while participants walked around the cross, lifting each vision in prayer for the future of youth ministry in Province IV. This meaningful and symbolic moment united the group in faith and hope for the future.
Reflecting on the weekend, Jen Manning, the Diocese of Alabama’s Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, shared:
“We explored Camp McDowell, made new friends, brainstormed ideas in small and large groups, and worshiped together. Province IV is truly invested in the lives of our young people and is a recognized leader within The Episcopal Church. This gathering was an opportunity to listen to one another, develop ministry opportunities, and have fun! We were proud to show our Province the unique spirit of the Diocese of Alabama’s youth ministries.”
The three-day event showcased Camp McDowell’s welcoming atmosphere and the Diocese of Alabama’s commitment to youth ministry. Jen Manning’s two therapy dogs, who often attend diocesan youth events, also were present, offering much-needed cuddles and pet therapy for participants.
As the gathering concluded, participants returned to their dioceses carrying their visual creations and a renewed energy to shape the future of youth ministry in their communities. The Province IV Youth Ministries Leadership and Networking Meeting continues to demonstrate the strength of collaboration and faith across dioceses, united by a shared mission to empower the next generation of Episcopal leaders.
The writer is the Director of Communications. She can be reached at nana@dioala.org