Lecount Hollow, Cape Cod, 2018, photography by Eric Wefald
Youth Ministry as Journey of Discipleship
As the Adult Youth Group Leader at the Church I have had the wonderful privilege to be able to work closely with Eric for four years. Four incredible years that I will cherish forever. Eric is an amazing Minister with so many extraordinary talents. One of Eric's great gifts is his innate ability to connect with each one of us, whether young or old, with his spirituality and compassion. Eric is always present with you and takes the time to listen. Eric's Sermons carry a powerful message about real life and events that take you on a journey. A journey that speaks to each one of us and leads us toward being Disciples of God.
Peter Moscatelli, co-chair Youth Ministry Committee, co-leader of Youth Groups
Video of Youth Testimony after Mission Trip
Joy in Mission as Journey of Discipleship
Youth Group Mission Trip, June 2015, Cluster 13 Ministries
"Over this time, Eric brought the Church together, helping to mend the wounds that once were, and ushered in a new period of unity in our Church. Eric shows his passion in ways I didn’t think were possible, from the work done on Mission Trips to New York to always lending a hand to help out all members of the Church. From the opinions of the youth to the elderly, Eric is as an exemplary figure who embodies what an ideal pastor should be.” Michael Youth Group member “Eric is a tremendous leader that whole heartedly cares about every person he encounters. He has a way of adapting to new situations, but also offering his own advice and experiences to help in any way, whether it's a new group bonding game, or a new technique to installing a new roof. He also goes out of his way to see how every person he talks to is doing and offer assistance in any way he can.” Samir Youth Group member |
“Eric has been an incredible blessing to our church and Youth Group. . . On a personal level, Eric has had a huge influence on me and my plans for the future. Eric has always been there for me, and often I just stop into his office to say hi or to talk to him about school or family problems. It is partially due to Eric's influence on my life that I have chosen to become a Youth Minister.” Angie Youth Group member |
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Loving Neighbor, Loving the Other - a sign of Hope
In our angry and uncertain times, we need even more to practice love of The Other.
In my years with the Shrewsbury congregation, I brought our confirmation classes to observe worship services at Jewish and Islamic centers, and to engage in conversation afterwards with our Jewish and Muslim neighbors. Especially in the current atmosphere of fear and distrust of Islam, the conversations our teens had with Muslim teens were fruitful and enlightening for all.
Our Jewish and Muslim neighbors said we were the only Christian group coming to talk with them. I am heartened we could provide this experience for our teens, learning who the other is, which I believe is a fundamental step as we learn to practice love of the other.
In our angry and uncertain times, we need even more to practice love of The Other.
In my years with the Shrewsbury congregation, I brought our confirmation classes to observe worship services at Jewish and Islamic centers, and to engage in conversation afterwards with our Jewish and Muslim neighbors. Especially in the current atmosphere of fear and distrust of Islam, the conversations our teens had with Muslim teens were fruitful and enlightening for all.
Our Jewish and Muslim neighbors said we were the only Christian group coming to talk with them. I am heartened we could provide this experience for our teens, learning who the other is, which I believe is a fundamental step as we learn to practice love of the other.
Loving God, Loving Neighbor – a sign of Hope
My hope is renewed within faith communities that walk in the way Jesus summed up the Law and the Prophets;
Love God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul, and
Love your neighbor as yourself.
In Shrewsbury, both youth and adults would return fired up from mission weeks or weekends with CityReach. On trips such as these bringing everyone outside their comfort zone, both youth and adults would eagerly learn to express and articulate their faith. In CityReach in Boston, our youth and adults walked with people who were homeless, heard their testimonies of faith, and became their friends.
By practicing to love their neighbor in distant places, the eyes of our adults and youth would be open to their neighbors in need nearby. Returning home, they would gladly dedicate themselves to working in local soup kitchens, repairing the homes of local needy neighbors, joining walks to advocate for the homeless.
A congregation rooted in serving our neighbor, out of walking in the way of Jesus, is a congregation rooted in the power of love and tapped into incredible possibilities of new hope.
My hope is renewed within faith communities that walk in the way Jesus summed up the Law and the Prophets;
Love God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul, and
Love your neighbor as yourself.
In Shrewsbury, both youth and adults would return fired up from mission weeks or weekends with CityReach. On trips such as these bringing everyone outside their comfort zone, both youth and adults would eagerly learn to express and articulate their faith. In CityReach in Boston, our youth and adults walked with people who were homeless, heard their testimonies of faith, and became their friends.
By practicing to love their neighbor in distant places, the eyes of our adults and youth would be open to their neighbors in need nearby. Returning home, they would gladly dedicate themselves to working in local soup kitchens, repairing the homes of local needy neighbors, joining walks to advocate for the homeless.
A congregation rooted in serving our neighbor, out of walking in the way of Jesus, is a congregation rooted in the power of love and tapped into incredible possibilities of new hope.