Leadership Development Province IV Youth Gathering

On December 1-4, 2022, a group of three Youth Department members and two adults traveled to Cathedral Domain, the camp and conference center for the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, for the Province IV Youth Leadership and Networking Event. This event, usually held annually, is an opportunity for youth and their advisors from the twenty dioceses that make up Province IV to gather, share successes and challenges, listen to one another, and to develop ministry ideas and opportunities for all of our dioceses.

Our group was daunted by the idea of representing our diocese to the whole province, but were immediately comforted upon arriving at Cathedral Domain. The youth found it to be similar to Camp McDowell, a welcoming and peaceful place with gracious hosts Cindy and Andy Sigmon, who shared many unique and authentic aspects of Kentucky with us.

During our time at the event, our youth enjoyed meeting youth from the surrounding dioceses, and each diocese shared what makes them special, including worship styles, music, and games. Most of all, our youth left feeling both proud of the Diocese of Alabama, and impacted by a new understanding of how our diocese is part of the larger Church.

“This weekend taught me so much, reminding me that it never hurts to be the one to open conversation, and that it is always beneficial to listen to others and all they have to share. I met some amazing friends this weekend and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to share the love of our diocese and to learn more about the church on a larger scale.” Bayley Welborn, Christ

Church Tuscaloosa

“The weekend made me think of the Episcopal Diocese on a bigger spectrum. A quote we read this weekend talked about how we sometimes read stuff on autopilot. That really spoke to me because sometimes in church we say things every Sunday and slowly lose the meaning of them. However, something we also forget is that we are saying it as a nation which is very empowering to me. This weekend was truly impactful and I’m very glad I got the opportunity to attend.” Caitlin

Martin, Epiphany Guntersville

“Our time spent at Cathedral Domain made me more aware of how large the Episcopal community is. I feel like we all have a lot of the same ideas and this weekend helped come up with plans of action for each other. There was endless love and it felt like we had all known each other for years. Thank you Cookie, Cindy, and Andy for putting this weekend together.” John

Wilson Dorlon, St. Stephen’s Birmingham

Submitted by Kristin Blackerby, Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, and Taylor McLemore; with input from John Wilson Dorlon, Caitlin Martin, & Bayley Welborn