Youth ministry goes ecumenical in Cooperstown

Jointly sponsored by the Catholic, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, the Cooperstown Ecumenical Youth Group aims to impart the basic message of salvation while providing young people with social events, retreats and Christian fellowship.

"We teach them why Jesus' life was so important and why He should be a part of their daily lives," said Amanda Smithson, co-leader of the group with her husband, Ian.

Amanda was raised Episcopalian; Ian grew up in a non-denominational Christian church. They attempt to attend services at each church on a monthly basis. They are both 24.

Deepening faith

"While some have been to religious education, a third of them are hearing the message for the first time," Mrs. Smithson said.

Centering their curriculum on this basic message allows the Smithsons to speak about Jesus' role as Savior without identifying a single denomination's view as correct or incorrect. That enables them to serve Protestant and Catholic teens equally.

Working together

The result, Mrs. Smithson said, is a group that appeals even to teens who would not normally want to be involved with faith and religion.

"Some of [the teens] don't belong to any church, and this is their first Christian exposure," she said, noting that the group was designed to fulfill the needs of teenagers new to Christianity as well as those who already attend a church.

Keeping in touch

"We're just now getting into a period of comfort and trust, where there is more and more growth, and less and less building," said Mrs. Smithson.

The three denominations differ on many theological issues, such as transubstantiation and justification. For questions specific to each denomination's unique theology, the Smithsons send the youth to their own churches to meet with their pastors and catechists.

Ecumenism in action

"One of the beautiful things about this program is that there aren't any denominational differences between the kids," Mr. Smithson said. "We, as adults, become entrenched and become used to points of context. From the kids' point of view, the important thing is Christ."

Residual effect

"When we first came," she said, "each church would have its own potluck dinner. Now, they think more to invite people from other churches. There's more open Christian fellowship in all church events. Denominations shouldn't be the barriers they currently are."

Christian fellowship is a goal within the youth group. By attending ski trips and retreats with other Christian youth, teenagers learn that they're not the only ones who want to follow Christ.

"They learn that Christ isn't so uncool," said Mrs. Smithson. "They learn that they're not alone, not the only ones interested in Christ."

(09-12-02) [[In-content Ad]]