In light of the COVID-19 situation, specifically around the Peninsula-Delaware Conference area, the Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) met to discuss whether to postpone the 2021 Youth Rally or to hold the event as planned. It is with heavy hearts that we inform everyone that after several hours of in depth (and passionate) discussion, we agreed that there are just too many restrictions and unknowns in the way of offering the truly unique and fun experience that you have come to know and expect. The safety and health of all of YOU is our most important concern. With that in mind, we unanimously reached the decision that the best course of action would be to postpone the 2021 Youth Rally.
We did not make this decision lightly. We examined all pros and cons in detail, addressing each and every concern and idea brought up. We concluded that we will keep our theme of “Find Your Piece” for the 2022 Youth Rally. Our hope and intent is to have the same artists as well. We are very excited for our 2022 plans and look forward to seeing you all there!
However, we still want to encourage a weekend of fun and togetherness, only on a much smaller and safer scale. We have come up with a weekend opportunity for us to still share our devotion in Christ, and to show love to others, by giving back to YOUR community. CCYM has decided to move our One Day missions event to January 9 & 10 because this would be the time for annual rally attendees and the weekend cannot be forgotten! We will theme this event as “My Piece”, tying in to the Youth Rally theme. So, on January 9 & 10, 2021, CCYM would like to challenge each of you, individually, as a group, as a church, to unite together and give back. Find a unique way to do something nice for someone else, whether it be shoveling driveways, offering drinks to delivery people, or helping the local shelter. It can be whatever!
We will be using our website, http://umyoungpeople.org, to post updates as they develop. We will be offering a place to pledge your help and also offer ideas for you to help – either going out to help somewhere and also ideas for you to keep it very local. CCYM will be also gathering that weekend to also participate and offer live updates throughout the weekend. We will be coming up with ways for you to send updates from YOUR churches and groups. Every piece put together helps us piece together God’s Puzzle. Stay tuned to umyoungpeople.org for monthly devotions, initial plans, signup, options and pledges via umyoungpeople.org.
Although disappointed, our hope is that everyone can respect and understand the difficult decision we reached. CCYM will continue to pray for you, your families, and churches and their safety during this unprecedented time! Thank You!
The Conference Council of Youth Ministry
The Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church