Worship at the Youth Workers Summit seeks to reflect and inspire genuine Christian unity with a setting in which the different worship traditions among us are respectfully engaged and serve to deepen our affirmation of Christ’s relationship with the whole Christian family in all our diversity.
This ecumenical gathering for youth workers will feature inspiring preachers, faith-deepening music by Celia Whitler, and a rich blend of worship traditions from participating Christian denominations. Hear Phyllis Tickle preach at opening worship as we celebrate Mary’s song and the advent of God’s unfolding work in our gathering. On Thursday, bask in the silence and meditative song of Taize worship as a way of calling upon and listening to God. Friday sends us forth with an engaging sermon from Rodger Nishioka and the sharing of communion.
Phyllis Tickle
Phyllis Tickle is the founding editor of the Religion Department of Publisher’s Weekly, author of over two dozen books, including The Divine Hours Series, and a founding member of The Canterbury Roundtable. She is an authority on religion in America, and is frequently quoted in USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, The NY Times, PBS, NPR, and The Hallmark Channel.
During her tenure at Publisher’s Weekly, she received the Mays Away for lifetime achievement in writing and publishing. Since then, she has received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Christy Awards, and honorary degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Berkeley School of Divinity at Yale University and North Park University. She currently serves as a lay Eucharist minister and lector in the Episcopal Church, and lives with her husband on a small farm in Lucy, TN.
Rodger Nishioka
Rodger Nishioka serves as associate professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. He specializes in ministry with youth and young adults and is currently involved in a research project comparing the participation of young adults in mainline Protestant congregations and non-denominational independent Christian movements.
Prior to his joining the faculty at Columbia, Rodger served for twelve years as denominational staff in youth & young adult ministry for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He has published several articles, chapters, and books all focused on ministry with youth and young adults.
Celia Whitler
Celia Whitler is a singer, songwriter, author, speaker, friend, wife and mom. She enjoys a good laugh, a well told story, connecting with people through her music and through travels. "When it comes down to it, there is something really sacred about telling our story and about hearing each others stories. I just happen to do that through song."
Celia began making recordings in 1990 and to date has released eight artist projects. Celia has sung for more than 1,100 concerts and events in 45 states, the DC area, Europe and a number of national church events. Those events combined with songwriter concerts in secular venues have put Celia in touch with people and their needs. "I believe that we all hunger for someone to share themselves with us -- so that we know we are not alone."
