UBE Youth

My experience at UBE this year has been wonderful and different. We celebrated 30 years of ordained women and recognized the issues tht divided our Church. As a youth group, we discussed resolutions to these problems. We also were able to talk about how these issues affected us.

 For me, the greatest thing about the discussions was that I learned new ideas and shared my opinions with the rest of the youth. There were also some great adults that helped to make these discussions better and more fulfilling. One of the adults that played a big role in our discussions was Bishop Julio Murray. He not only talked with us, he also listened. When we talked about love and what we think it truly is, he helped us to understand what the Bible tells us about it. Sexual orientation was also a topic that was very important.

But we didn't just talk all week? We also put together a Youth Mass. It was put together entirely by the youth. Many of the adults said that they were spiritually fed.

So far, this experience has been eye opening and thought provoking.

I hope for the same or better experience next year !

My Experiences

This being my first year at the UBE Conference,so far I have found this to be an invigorating religious experience. But not just a religious experience, just being here. I met new people, I learned new things, and while us Youth were doing things, I noticed someone who was always there- Bishop Julio. He was there for whatever we were doing and I, personally, really felt his support.

First, I enjoyed the workshops we participated in. They were very good. For example, we talked about the infamous "N" word and another controversial subject which was HIV/AIDS. Personally, I never say the "N" word but in the workshop I actually learned what the word means and what is behind it/

Next, the religious experience was excellent. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't sure I would enjoy going to church every day during the conference, but I did. The services were an inspirational experience that really made my week better. Also, when we did the Youth Service, I really had no idea what to expect but I think it turned out really good and I think everyone attending did also. I think it shows everyone what us Youth can do.

Finally, I greatly enjoyed Bishop Julio being there with the Youth. Him being there really showed that he really cared and is interested in us. No disrepect to the other adults, but I just feel a vibe from him that I got from nobody else.

In conclusion, my experience at the UBE Conference this year was something I won't find anywhere else. I got a spiritual experience, I made friends, and learned new things that I will always think about. UBE has greatly changed my life.