A ministry of the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board
Daily Coverage

Wednesday, July 17, 2002
Page 2

VOCATIONS DAY EMPHASIS

The workshops, speakers, songs, and other activities at NYC on Wednesday were based on the theme "Called." Many of the day's activities expressed listening to the call of God in one's life.

The workshops were led by professionals in a variety of different careers. More than 50 workshops were offered today to youth and advisors, with leaders sharing how they expressed their faith through their vocation.

The workshop leaders shared personal experiences and stories while encouraging the youth to name events in their lives where they were able to or found it difficult to share their faith. Some of the careers included, lawyers, coaches, artists, chaplains, teachers, nurses, and many more.

Jim Myer speaks on allowing Jesus to use one's true self in Wednesday morning's worship.

Jim Myer, a minister at the White Oak Church of the Brethren, Manheim, Pa., spoke at the Wednesday morning worship service. Myer's message, "Jesus Wants the You in You," also discussed listening to God's call.

"Being responsive to the call of God at this point in your life is about the most important thing you can do," Myer said.

A video explained that the word "vocation" comes from the Latin word "vocare," meaning "to call," and shared an assortment of quotes on the subject. The worship also included video clips of NYC participants talking about their career goals and an invitation by spiritual director Glenn Mitchell to consider how precious life is and to "listen today with the ears of your beating heart."

The evening worship speaker, Tony Campolo, talked about "Finding Your Place in the Kingdom of God." Through his words, Campolo expressed how each person is important in God's eyes. He used a variety of stories to show that everyone can make a difference in someone else's life by listening carefully to the call of Christ.

"Maybe you're not going to do anything that heroic, probably not, but this has to be said," Campolo told the audience. "Surely you can be Jesus for somebody."

The Vocations Day emphasis is part of a Lilly Grant "Theological Exploration of Vocations" initiative received through the Brethren colleges. The project also includes events on the campuses and a summer internship program.