Sarah Bartenstein
Ethan with youth ushers at the 9 a.m. service.
A new face in family ministry
Ethan White joins the team as Journey to Adulthood program returns to St. Stephen’s
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he period that began in March 2020 has been challenging in many areas of our parish life, and nowhere more than in St. Stephen’s ministry among middle and high school students. Those who had prepared for Confirmation beginning in 2019, to receive the laying on of hands by a bishop in the spring of 2020, had that rite postponed. They continued to participate in their preparation using various forms of technology, without knowing when they’d actually be confirmed. A new class of young people began the process in the fall of 2020—all on Zoom and video.
Other opportunities for youth to gather in person for fellowship, prayer, and to serve in worship or through outreach ministries, were not available, nor were we able to have the traditional youth pageant on the fourth Sunday of Advent, nor to salute and bless the high school class of 2020 as we usually do. Like so many other things that youth and their families have come to expect and to cherish, these traditions were not available, at least not in their usual forms.
Ethan’s is a two-year appointment as part of a St. Stephen’s internship program for those exploring vocations in the church as lay or ordained ministers. He works most closely with the Rev. John Jenkins to develop new lay-led ministries for youth spiritual formation while also directly ministering to youth and building relationships with them and their families. In full partnership with those who support youth—their families, the vergers and clergy—Ethan also leads our youth liturgical ministries, providing training and support for high-school-aged acolytes and middle-school-aged ushers. At the conclusion of the two-year internship period, we will ponder next steps and possibilities. The parents, vestry members, and staff who met Ethan last summer during his interviews for this position recognized a range of gifts that suit him for this role. While he possesses an easy affability with all, he also demonstrates a depth of maturity and authenticity that contribute to the quality of relationships he forms while working with youth.
And it’s also important to acknowledge and express gratitude for what we were able to experience: a live nativity in place of the youth pageant and the children’s pageant… Confirmation (at last) in May 2021 for both groups of confirmands… a special evening of prayer and blessing for members of the high school class of 2021 and their families called “Sacred Pause.” It’s also important to celebrate plans for the future.
Ethan completed his degree in music and history at the University of the South earlier this year. He came to us from Savannah, Georgia, where he has been a lifelong member of historic Christ Church, Episcopal. His faith formation is uncommonly deep, reflecting the central role of faith and church leadership held on both sides of his family of origin; and Ethan has served or led in many parish and diocesan youth ministries as well as formation ministries while in college. The Rt. Rev. Frank Logue, bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, wrote, “Betting on Ethan White is always a safe bet that will make you look smart for putting your trust in him.”
A big part of that future is Ethan White, who has joined our family ministry team to serve in a number of ways, focusing
The Rev. John Jenkins says, “Well beyond his intellectual and artistic credentials, which are considerable, the prized gift that
It’s an important part of healing to acknowledge and grieve the experiences and hopes that could not be lived.
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especially on youth ministry and developing the relationships necessary to grow and sustain a stable youth program.
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
