Two priests from the Diocese of Texas are providing worship for the more than 80 young adults gathered in Anaheim to experience General Convention and hold their own workshops. The Revs. Kevin Schubert, St. Matthew's, Austin, and James Derkits, St. Mark’s, Houston (pictured left), connected with the national organization for young adults when they met in Houston in September, 2008. They were invited to Anaheim and have developed a unique blend of traditional pieces set in diverse settings, both musically and liturgically, for the nightly worship offerings. Changing tempos, using mandolin, guitar and drums, they have energized traditional music in this setting.
“The young adults are following General Convention and listening in at committee meetings and legislative meetings of the Houses of Deputies and Bishops,” Schubert explained.
Following their own afternoon workshops (which include one by Schubert and Derkits entitled Your Epiclesis is Showing on recognizing the holy in daily life), the group gathers to debrief the days events, followed by worship.
“The gathering allows the young adults to be visible,” Schubert said. “They are encouraged to attend everything and speak whenever they can,” he added.
Derkits concurs, “It’s a good way to introduce the General Convention process and opens the door to being a deputy…it’s a way to learn how to support a cause,” he said. Besides networking, the young adults’ gathering allows participants to see opportunities to work within the church, as clergy or lay, and “it might help discern a call to leadership,” Derkits said.
Other Diocese of Texas participants include Ewart Jones, diocesan youth and young adult missioner; Wendy Penada, youth and young adult minister at San Mateo, Houston and Eileen O’Brien, youth and young adult minister at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston.
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