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