Youth and Youth Workers Return to ‘Soul in the

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Youth and Youth Workers Return to ‘SOUL IN THE CITY REIMAGINED’

BY DEWAYNE HAMBY

After last year’s pandemic-based cancellation, youth and youth workers embarked on an abbreviated “Soul in the City Reimagined” event July 21-22, providing joyful service to the Lakeland community and fellowship for diocesan youth. Seventy youth and youth workers took part in the event, sponsored by the Youth Ministry Institute and held in Lakeland and the Orlando area. On July 21, the group gathered at Lakeland’s All Saints’ and went on to participate in service projects benefiting the Dream Center, The Salvation Army and Parker Street Ministries. Projects included trash pickup in the communities, landscaping and warehouse organization at The Salvation Army, landscaping and beautification projects at the Dream Center, and participation and leading games for summer camps provided for low-income families. The day concluded with dinner and worship. “These projects helped that community know the Dream Center is invested in them and cares for them,” said Kirsten Knox, senior director of ministry partnerships for Youth Ministry Institute. Soul in the City’s second day, held at St. Edward’s, Mount Dora, included a field day with water games and swimming in the church’s pool. Knox explained that the abbreviated schedule, which did not include an overnight stay, resulted from a desire for safety and effectiveness amid coronavirus concerns. “When we look at Soul in the City, two of the big values are one, cultivating a heart of service for teenagers, and two, creating opportunity for them to connect and build community with youth ministries and other people within the diocese,” she said. Knox said service is a “critical” element that attracts the younger generations, and this aspect of Soul in the City made a virtual option less than optimal. “We have oftentimes seen worship Sunday mornings as kind of our front door to a community where we would want people to come,” Knox said. “And I would say, with this generation, part of that shift that we’re seeing, and we’re also trying to cultivate, is really, they have a desire to make a difference.” Soul in the City drew a positive response from participants. The first comment Knox received was how good it was to be back together after missing last year’s gathering. For many, the event was a great time of bonding with their own youth groups and others. “It was such an amazing two days,” said Stephanie Paul of All Saints’. “Our kids had a blast. It was beautiful, and I hope our kids’ hearts were touched a little deeper.” “My kids had such a great time, and we’re so happy to be back again!” added Bailey Waters of St. Luke and St. Peter, St. Cloud. Planning for Soul in the City 2022 is ongoing with leaders’ watchful eyes on the pandemic, and they are praying and hoping for a return to the original weeklong event of service and smiles. “We hope that we get to go back to the full week of mission experience with our students and the churches,” Knox said.