What We Are...

The State Youth Committee of the New York Conference, United Church of Christ was formed in 1986 by a resolution presented by the Youth of New York Conference and voted on at the Annual Meeting. It is made up of two High School Youth and one adult advisor from each of the nine Associations in the conference that wish to participate. The committee is staffed by Deborah Dee Brayton and Eric Falla who oversee the business of the group. Funded by your OCWM contributions to the New York Conference, this statewide committee works to promote youth ministry and helps youth leaders in programming and support.

The major activity that we work on as a committee is the annual State Youth Event ( held the second weekend of March each year ) at the Watson Homestead Conference Center in Painted Post, New York. This event attracts over 250 High School age youth and their advisors.  They spend the weekend together working on issues and topics of current interest. Attendance for this major youth gathering has been growing steadily for the past 10 years.

Presently we have over 40 different youth groups from across the state taking part in this annual event. Besides the workshops and creative worship experiences, the youth plan various programs and group building exercises, as well as secure a dynamic Keynote Speaker for the weekend, plan the dance and promote the use of the Indoor Pool and the great free time activities. If you have a group or just one or two youth in your church, this event can put new life and vitality into your youth programming - guaranteed!

The State Youth Committee is also responsible for youth participation and involvement in the Conference Annual Meeting each June. Youth from across the state take part in the planning and delivery of the midnight communion service, which is a moving part of the weekend conference. Youth are also encouraged to take part in the business meetings and workshops during the Annual Meeting.

We strive as a Committee to promote Youth Ministry and the United Church of Christ within the New York Conference. Our goal is to help youth groups share their expertise and programming with each other and to excite the youth of our churches about their faith.

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