Welcome to the Young Adult Festival

Being involved in the young adult community is being part of a family.  This family helps us grow by seeing things from a broader perspective.  

The young adult community has opened my eyes to see things outside of my community.  This family teaches us new things and helps define us as people.  Aside from helping us learn and grow, this family helps us relax.  Sit back, take a deep breath, kick your heels up, and move forward.  Coming together in these conferences helps us realize that we are not the only young adults in the church.  Not only do we have each other to lean on, we are there to remind each other that we are part of something bigger.  The Young Adult Festival welcomes you. 

Wendy Pineda is from the Diocese of Texas and is a member of the YAF design team.

Harry Akehurst

I'm Harry, a university student from Scotland. I live in Glasgow, Scotland, and I come from a little town in the Scottish Highlands. I am excited to be joining you for this festival, and getting to know Episcopalians from all across America, and the rest of the world. I'm looking forward to the General Convention, particularly its legislative meetings - the inner workings of the church are rarely very exposed to young people in Scotland, and I hope that this opportunity, like the rest of the YAF, will be both interesting and enjoyable.

Wendy Pineda

Hi all! This is Wendy from the diocese of Texas and I am very excited for the YAF. I am excited to see old friends and to meet new ones. This will be my second YAF and I am part of the design team, so if you have any questions... Feel free to ask.

Andrea de la Torre

Hola, I am Andrea de la Torre, one of the members of the design team for the Young Adult Festival at General Convention. This will be the first General Convention that I will be attending. I am excited to know all the work and planning that has been done for Young Adult Festival will blossom into a meeting place where we can share our ministries and have fun. I look forward to meeting you. 

Nicole Seiferth

Hi, my name is Nicole Seiferth. I'm on the design team for the Young Adult Festival and look forward to welcoming all of you in Anaheim! This will be my third General Convention and I can say from experience that this gathering of the Church is always an amazing experience. You're going to meet so many inspiring people -- people who in turn will be inspired by you and your stories and ministries. I can promise you lots of fun, lots to think about, lots to take home with you, but probably not a lot of sleep (there's just too much to do and see!). 

In addition to getting to know one another, we have a great opportunity at General Convention to make the wider Church aware of all the many things young adults are doing throughout the church. So don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with someone standing next to you in the Exhibit Hall or go to that reception or gathering for a church ministry that you want to know more about and be involved in. They'll be happy to see you. And, oh, as the editor of our daily YAF newsletter, be sure to take photos while you're there, too, please!

Travel safe and see you in Anaheim.

Ewart Jones

I’m Ewart Jones, Missioner for Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Texas.  I am also a member of the Episcopal Church’s Committee for Young Adult Ministry.  On behalf of the CYAM, I want to welcome all participants to the Young Adult Festival.  The festival provides a unique opportunity for young adults from all walks of life to converge in one place and share their experiences of and hopes for the Episcopal Church.  My hope is that you will find our time “Together” enlightening, encouraging and empowering.  See you in Anaheim!

Bill Slocumb

My name is Bill Slocumb, I am was born and raised in the Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas.  Now I work for Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, a resources desk for camp and retreat ministry centers and directors.  And I am most excited to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and just listening about other Young Adult programs.