The Presbytery of WV Youth Council is a very important part of our presbytery’s work with youth as it plans and leads two youth retreats each year and promotes other events and resources. The Youth Council is composed of four youth and three adults from each quadrant, with two additional at-large positions and two at-large positions for adults. Youth interested in applying this spring must be in grade 10, 11 or 12 in the fall of 2011; it is anticipated that, if selected, they will serve until they graduate from high school. Adults serve a three-year term, with opportunity to serve a second term. Youth interested in applying Opening on the Youth Council for a term beginning July 1, 2011, are as follows:
Quadrant 1: 3 youth and 2 adults Quadrant 2: 3 youth and 2 adults
Quadrant 3: 1 youth and 1 adult Quadrant 4: 0 youth and 0 adults
At-Large: 2 youth and 2 adults (adults must be willing to assist with transportation for youth outside their quadrant, possibility at some distance)
If a youth or adult from your congregation is already serving on Youth Council, you may nominate another youth or adult, realizing that their selection will be considered in light of efforts to achieve representation by as many churches as possible on the Youth Council. Churches that have not recently been represented on Youth Council will be given special consideration.
Application forms with an overview of the work and mission of the Youth Council have been sent to pastors, CLPs, educators, youth ministry folks and clerks of session, who have been asked to distribute them to interested youth and adults. Included with the application form is a Session nomination form, and a Parent/Guardian Support Form (for youth) and a Background Check Form(for adults). This information is available here. Those nominated to serve on the Presbytery Youth Council should be actively involved in a congregation within the presbytery and place a high priority on their commitment to Jesus Christ. While other events do come up in the lives of youth and adults, it is important that those chosen to serve make Youth Council participation a high priority. The commitment includes being present for the two retreats, as well as a Leadership Development and Planning Retreat in late summer and a planning meeting in January.
Completed applications/nominations must be received in the Presbytery Office no later than Monday, May 2, to be considered by the Christian Nurture and Worship Committee at its May meeting. Please note that applications will be considered complete only when all the forms are returned, including the Session nomination form, the application form, the parent/guardian support form (for youth); and the release authorization and information form and youth endorsement letter (for adults).