Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Fall 2012 Issue | Page 25

Region V The Rev. Anna Scherer This group came about because several churches in Region V did not have enough folks in their 20s and 30s to sustain an active fellowship group. So we decided to work together to form a single group. A format was developed that was very flexible and welcoming. We meet at a local pub about twice a month to relax, hang out, and talk about our faith. We meet in the evening, after folks have gotten off of work or out of school. Our conversation is usually centered on a book that we are reading. Books have varied greatly in type, including theology, religious fiction, novels, philosophy, biblical commentaries, post-apocalyptic fiction and folk tales. I’ve found that moving through a wide variety of literature is quite helpful. Someone might not be into the current book, but they might connect better with the next one. Plus, it challenges us to try books that we otherwise would not have and to engage new ideas and concepts. Leadership is flexible. The group was previously led by the Rev. Justin McIntosh, and has been a collaborative effort as individual sessions have been led by various local clergy and seminarians. Attendance is flexible. We have regulars and folks who join us occasionally. People have attended from various churches in Region V, as well as some who haven’t found a Young adults from Region V gather at a local pub for fellowship. church home yet. Most who attend are Episcopalians, but not all. We communicate largely through our Facebook page. Facebook allows us to create an “event,” which gives people details about our next meeting and allows them to say if they are coming or not. Although this has been our usual format, we have had some other types of gatherings like a movie night and a winter retreat at a state park. The fellowship part of our name really says the most important thing about our group. We focus on fellowship. We eat and drink and so are fed physically. We share our thoughts, questions, and experiences and so are fed mentally and spiritually. Personally, I’ve found the experience of this group fun and rewarding, and I think others have found it so too. t Resources Looking for more info on young adult ministry in the Episcopal Church? Check out these links. Young Adult Service Corps: episcopalchurch.org/yasc Mission opportunities for young adults in the Episcopal Church Episcopal Generations Blog: episcopalgenerations.wordpress.com A project of the Formation and