Dear Friends,
The two buses will leave at 5 p.m. today, one from St. Timothy, Agincourt, the other from St. Stephen, Downsview. Both are full! The rest of the participants will make their way by carpooling from different locations all over the Diocese of Toronto. Four have travelled more than 13 hours by plane from our companion Diocese of Brasilia to be a part of ReCharge!
ReCharge is the annual retreat for youth in grades 6 through 12. This year’s conference is sold out. More than 140 youth and their parish leaders will gather at Medeba Camp and Retreat Centre in Haliburton. Our theme this year is “Made New.” We will be exploring how God is constantly at work transforming our lives. No matter our mistakes, struggles, fears or past experiences, God offers forgiveness, healing, hope and a fresh start. Through Christ, we are not simply improved versions of ourselves—we are made new. As St. Paul would put it in 2 Corinthians 5:17, So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Mary and I have packed our bags too, and we will be joining the fun at Medeba. This weekend will be peppered with music, community building, prayer and storytelling. It is a time to renew our faith, make new friends and enjoy the company of youth from different Anglican communities. It’s a time to celebrate the giftedness of our youth, to talk about the pressures that young people face today, and to weave the biblical narrative in our personal journeys.
And of course, there will be time to break out the fun by joining a pick-up basketball or soccer game, trying out Medeba lanes, disc golf, Octoball, or ping pong and foosball in the Canyon Lounge. We are so looking forward to the experience of being together. We covet your prayers. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will surround us and inspire us. Pray that all will be safe and well. And a little prayer for a little sleep would be good, too.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend Andrew Asbil
Bishop of Toronto
