The pandemic, climate change disasters, racism, political vitriol, misogyny, the erosion of rights and mass death is taking an overwhelming toll on American families, churches, and communities. Recent studies reveal an unprecedented rate of adolescent depression, anxiety, and loneliness leading to high rates of suicide and substance abuse. How do we minister among young people (and families) who no longer experience God's peace in the world? How can we develop counter-cultural ministries that offer young people the rest and resiliency of Jesus? In a retreat-like atmosphere, author, youth worker, and community activist Mark Yaconelli will invite participants to recover the pure medicines of Christian formation: silence, story, and service.

Tentative Schedule

Registration: 8:30-9am

Opening session: 9am-10:30am

Break: 10:30am-10:45am

Second session: 10:45am-12pm

Lunch: 12-1pm *Lunch is provided

Third session 1-2:30pm

Break 2:30-2:45pm

Closing 2:45-3:30pm

Mark Yaconelli is an author, retreat leader, spiritual director, storycatcher, husband, and father. He is the founder and executive director of The Hearth, a nonprofit that utilizes personal storytelling to heal, connect, enrich, and mobilize communities for good. Mark is a co-founder of The Center for Engaged Compassion which seeks to cultivate compassion for peace and reconciliation.

Interviews and profiles of Mark’s work have appeared in numerous outlets including the Wall Street Journal, BBC Radio and ABC World News Tonight. Mark is the author of five books including The Gift of Hard Things: Finding Grace in Unexpected Places, Wonder, Fear, and Longing, Downtime, Growing Souls, and Contemplative Youth Ministry. Mark holds a Master of Arts degree from the Graduate Theological Union and a Graduate Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Th­eological Seminary. Mark lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, Jill, and three children, Noah, Joseph, and Gracie.