Children and youth are the hope of the Episcopal Church.
As Bishop Rob has expressed, he has one enduring wish: to strengthen and expand ministry with children and youth. The Fund for Youth Ministry is our opportunity to honor that vision, say “thank you” for his fourteen years of faithful service, and invest in the next generation of disciples.
Jesus welcomed children, blessed them, and called his followers to do the same. At a time when many young people are searching for belonging and connection, we are called to create communities where they are known, loved, and invited to grow in the love of Jesus.
Our goal is to establish a $500,000 endowed fund that will generate more than $24,000 annually to support youth ministry throughout New Hampshire. This permanent resource will help us nurture young disciples—the active, the curious, and the seekers—through spiritual formation, leadership development, and innovative ministries that meet young people where they are and accompany them on their journey with the Risen Christ.
AN INVITATION TO STRENGTHEN YOUTH MINISTRY & HONOR BISHOP ROB
The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop
YOUTH MINISTRY PRAYER
For Young Persons
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 829
HOW WILL WE GET THERE?
During the summer and fall of 2026, we will engage in a season of listening and discernment, asking: What is God calling us to do, and what will it take to get there?
We will listen to:
Children and young adults, whose experiences can help shape the future of youth ministry;
Congregational leaders, to learn what is thriving and where support is needed;
Parents and grandparents, to understand what most impacts the faith of young people;
Formation leaders across The Episcopal Church, to identify effective and sustainable models; and
Ministry partners, to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
We plan to share findings at the business meeting of Annual Convention in October 2026.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
The Rev. Nicole Benevenia
Our children and youth have spiritual needs, questions, and hunger now. The Fund for Youth Ministry will provide them with more of this nourishment, meeting them exactly where they are. When we commit to increasing resources, attention, worship, and formation opportunities for children and youth, we are also helping to build a future framework for our young people that holds up under the pressure of life's joys, sorrows, and changes. As a priest, as a parent, and as a member of Christ's body, I am honored to join this crucial work - work that is an act of hope for the present and a promise for the future.
~The Rev. Nicole Benevenia, Associate Rector, Christ Church Exeter & Campaign Co-chair
The Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen
The Spirit is alive and thriving among the Youth of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. Teens, middle schoolers, and young children are curious about how God is showing up in their lives and the world as they live into “Belonging and Thriving in the Love of Jesus”! They are showing forth God’s courage, compassion, and resurrection life throughout diocesan ministries. I am thrilled to participate in the work of The Fund for Youth Ministry as we commit more fully to supporting the walk of young people in Jesus’ way of love today and in the future. It is a gift to witness them claim their relationship with God, just as Jesus taught in the temple when he was an adolescent boy, calling us to pay attention. For generations to come, may we have eyes to see and ears to listen to our gifted Youth.
~ The Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen, Missioner, SpiritBound Faith Digital Mission & Campaign Co-Chair