2026 Report of the National Youth and Young Adult Pastor

Since being hired as the Interim National Youth & Young Adult Pastor on June 15, 2026, I have met with our Youth Table co-chairs, Erin Leitch and Ashley Shea and I've communicated with and encouraged youth, young adults, and their leaders to register for and attend the 2026 All-Canada Convention in St. Thomas, ON.

In our virtual meetings with Youth Table co-chairs and with the youth and young adults who were part of the 2024 All-Canada Convention in Winnipeg, we discussed what they enjoyed doing and learning with Pastor Maddy MacGregor, the previous National Youth & Young Adult Pastor. I appreciated hearing about the relationships that were already formed and the ideas for ministry that they started. As well, we discussed new ideas of what we could do virtually and in person throughout the year, including two online Bible studies - one for young adults 18-29 and another for those 30 and above - and a young adult retreat next summer.

As part of my training and education for this role, Rev. Jean-Daniel encouraged me to participate in our ecumenical partners’ youth conference. The United Church of Canada's and the Presbyterian Church of Canada's joint youth and young adult conference, Collective 2026, is hosted at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario (August 12-15, 2026). Before arriving, I, along with all youth leaders, completed the Presbyterian Church of Canada's standard introduction and review of the Leading with Care Policy which outlines safety guidelines and preventative measures when working with children, youth and other vulnerable groups. As part of the Youth Leaders stream, I've participated in the Youth Leaders Discipleship group, which discusses highlights, challenges, and resources for youth and young adult ministry. As well, I've participated in the following workshops: 1) Equity & Access by Design and 2) Creating & Sustaining Young Adult Ministry.

For the upcoming All-Canada Convention in St. Thomas, Ontario, the youth and young adult program will be integrated into the Convention schedule in a few ways. As a group, we will participate in various events and activities, such as worship services (including leading the Saturday night service), workshops, visioning session, and the annual general meeting. Regardless of whether they are voting delegates for their congregation or not, to help them feel equipped to understand and participate fully in the annual general meeting and in their congregation's board meetings, we will have a brief training and overview of Robert's Rules of Order. We will also have youth and young adult-specific activities, which may include late night Bible studies at Denny's, baking bannock, and a trip to Port Stanley Beach.

I look forward to working with our Youth Table co-chairs and meeting with youth, young adults, and their leaders at the Convention, other church events, and online, as we plan, pray for, and vision together what youth and young adult ministry can be this coming year.

With gratitude and service,
Rev. Awit Marcelino
Interim National Youth & Young Adults Pastor