Christian Formation and Youth Ministry
The Formation Ministry Department of Province III strives to support Christian Formation efforts by expanding our NETWORK across Dioceses and by providing greater access to FORMATION opportunities (particularly those that may be out of reach due to pricing, resources, or critical mass).
Current Annual Events / Responsibilities of the P3 Formation Team as of June 2024
- Winter in-person formation retreat: organized in conjunction with the national Forma conference.
- Spring PYE: Gather 6th-12th Graders for a Province Youth Event
- Youth Planning Team Retreat in February (High School Juniors & Seniors / Adult Leaders)
- Occasional Deep Dives: Zoom Gatherings on Topics Pertinent to Formation
A Team of Volunteers from around the Province work together to Coordinate P3 Formation.
We meet monthly on the last Wednesday at Noon via Zoom.
If you are interested in joining the team please contact Pam Cochran
Upcoming Events:
Join us for a time of learning and discussion on the topic of understanding and countering Christian Nationalism.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 7-8 pm Pamela Cooper-White, author of The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People are Drawn in and How to Talk across the Divide, will be hosted by our provincial formation ministry team to provide insights from her research.
Then, on Wednesday, February 11also from 7-8 pm, the Rev. Jenny Williams, Faith Organizer for the ACLU of West Virginia, will help us think about how to engage students around Christian Nationalism in schools and beyond. You’ll walk away with resources for pedagogy and further exploration of Christian Nationalist concepts.
The cost is $10/session. You can register for one or both sessions using the button below.
Winter P3: Formation Retreat at Claggett Center
February 9-12, 2026
Province III capitalized on the radically hybrid Forma conference model of the last two-years, to provide a combined retreat/conference experience. Formation professionals in the province gathered at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD. This model proved so impactful that the Province will adapt the offering in 2026.
Leaders in Faith Formation are invited to gather at the Claggett Center for a retreat two-weeks after the Forma Conference in Denver. Representatives from Province III dioceses who attended the Forma Annual Conference and will be present to share their experience. This innovative approach is designed to amplify the success of previous year’s retreats, by providing accessible, top-notch professional development at an economically affordable rate, while building connections and offering space for retreat.
The Province III Forma Retreat at the Claggett Center includes a three nights’ stay at the Christiane Inn, nine (9) meals, and access to all sessions and activities. This experience is being offered at a reduced rate of $275, made possible through a matched fee contribution from the Diocese of Washington ($275) and sponsorship from Province III.
A draft schedule of the retreat is provided. Register here. Expect a confirmation within 10 days. Registration closes on January 15, 2026. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell.
and if you are interested in attending the Forma Conference in Denver…
Forma Conference in Denver, CO | January 26-29, 2026
Registrants in Province III dioceses may contact The Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell for a 20% off conference discount code. The 2026 Forma Conference will be held in-person this January in Denver, Colorado, with no hybrid or online option. Folks wishing to attend Forma in-person may learn more and register on the Forma Conference website. The cost of travel, accommodations, and registration are the responsibility of the conference participant.
PYE 2026: March 20-22 at the Claggett Center
Youth from around Province III are invited to join together for a weekend filled with exciting activities, new friends, and retreat favorites. This event is for 6-12 grade students. Parents and adult leaders are also welcomed.
New Friends: Our leadership team is preparing to lead small group activities that build confidence, encourage friendships, and promote a deeper understanding of God’s hope & love.
Exploring a Theme: The entire weekend is designed to explore the topic chosen by our Youth Leadership Team Faith on the Road and to help all participants feel welcomed and included. Our Big Sessions will have ice breakers, guest speakers, youth testimonies, and a live worship band.
Retreat Favorites: Enjoy Claggett’s many hiking trails, camp activities and accommodations. Plus favorites like the bonfire and s’mores, glow games, live music, and late night cabin time. We hope you’ll join us this Spring!
Event Details
When: March 20-22. The event runs from 8:30pm Friday-11:00am Sunday
Where: The Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD.
Who: This event is for middle & high school students. Parents and adult leaders are also welcome to attend (Safe Church Certification is required for adults attending).
Bring: Flashlight & Bible, Sleeping Bag & Pillow, Old Clothes that can get dirty, Warm Clothes, Sturdy Shoes, Towel, Jacket, Toiletries. Optional: Snack to Share
REGISTER individually or for a group: To register your youth for the event, please send Patricia Cope-Levy the information found in this Wufoo form.
Keynote Speaker
REVEREND SHAYNA J. WATSON
Priest-in-Charge Reverend J. Watson joined Trinity Church DC from St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, PA, where she served as Associate Rector. Prior to that, she served as Canon Pastor at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Reverend Watson graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002 with majors in Political Science and African Diasporic Studies. She also holds a Master of Divinity with honors from Lancaster Theological Seminary and an Anglican Studies Diploma from Virginia Theological Seminary. She was ordained as a deacon in 2018, as a priest in 2019, and is a board-certified chaplain with experience in hospital and hospice settings.
Reverend Watson transitioned from the Church of God in Christ to the Episcopal Church, finding it to be a welcoming and healing environment focused on mission and justice. She believes that the Church and the community mutually reflect each other, and she aims to address spiritual needs through her preaching by offering comfort, encouragement, and love through highlighting the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Reverend Watson comes from a family with strong work ethics, family values, and a commitment to the Church. She has a background in community activism and has served as the Religious Affairs Chair for the NAACP Lancaster Branch. She is passionate about working with veterans and communities affected by trauma, as well as promoting conversations about challenging topics such as anti-racism and cultural sensitivity.
She is the creator of ΘeoCon: Where Theology Meets Pop Culture!, a convention that provides a safe space for people to explore moral and spiritual arcs in the arts and entertainment. She is affiliated with various organizations and has received academic awards and honors for her contributions. Her special interests include exploring healing for traumatized communities, biblical studies, grassroots organizing for justice causes, and developing spiritual care resources during times of crisis.
In her free time, Reverend Shayna enjoys traveling, movies, theater, and spending time with close friends and family.
Entertainment
SAM ROLLER AND BAND
Sam Roller is a New York City based music engineer and producer and band leader. He grew-up in Roanoke VA as a member of St. Johns Episcopal church, Roanoke. He was an active participant in youth events as a youth and was a member of the diocese Youth Ministry Team. He has led the music for The Diocese of South western VA youth events as well as the province youth events since 2022. We are so grateful to have him and his band join us for PYE26.