All diocesan youth events are places where we strive for ALL youth to feel safe, seen, known and loved just as God sees them. We will continue to grow and learn and explore what it means to be a child of God no matter your race, ethnicity, orientation, or gender identity. The community we build together will always be a space of love and acceptance for all.
Upcoming Events:
New Beginnings #29
September 11-13, Trinity Episcopal Church, Muscatine
6th-9th graders - participants
9th-12th graders - staff
Looking for a weekend of fun, new experiences and community building? New Beginnings has all that and more!
NB is a retreat weekend for youth 6th -9th graders to participate in. The weekend is built around activities, skits, songs and good food! The retreat is centered around relationships: with yourself, friends & family, your church and God.
If you are in 9th-12th grade you get to be one of the leaders for the weekend! We need actors, singers, those who are loud and those who are quiet. It takes all kinds of God’s children to make this weekend possible. If you have been to two or more NB events you can sign up to be on staff. If you are in 9th grade, you can choose to be on staff or be a participant. There will be staff training ahead of the weekend that you need to be available for.
Staff registration is due by August 14th. $35
Participant registration closes September 4th. $45
Scholarships are always available. Fill out the form HERE.
174th Diocesan Convention
Childcare:
Childcare will be provided for children 0 - 3rd grade at the Marriott, if requested. Childcare will be provided during the Business Meeting on Saturday, October 24. Lunch will be provided, but parents/guardians will need to pick up. Childcare may be provided at other times but will need to be set up with providers on their own.
Childcare requests need to be made by, September 25, 2026; if no one requests childcare by then it will not be available.
Youth Lock-In:
Youth Lock-In is for youth 4th - 8th grade, whose parents/guardians are attending Convention. Youth will take part in service projects throughout the day and stay overnight at St. Timothy’s, West Des Moines.
Drop off at Downtown Marriott on Saturday, October 24 between 8:00-9:00am
Pick-Up at Downtown Marriott on Sunday, October 25 at 9:00am
Cost is $25. Registration will close September 25, 2026.
Youth Delegation & Visitors:
9th-12th graders can sign up to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Convention. Youth who are 16+ and confirmed can register to be a delegate at convention meaning they have seat, voice, and vote. They can speak and vote on resolutions to make change in the church they are a part of right now. Youth who are younger can register to be a visitor. They will take part in all of the same activities and learn the processes of convention before being able to be a delegate.
Youth will need to arrive between 5:30-6:30pm on Friday, November 7 at the Downtown Marriott.
Cost $50 and will cover hotel stay for 2 nights, 2 breakfasts (Saturday & Sunday), 1 lunch and 1 dinner (Saturday). Registration will close September 25, 2026.
All registration forms can be found on the Convention page of the website.
Mental Heath Funds Request Form
The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, through a GILEAD Grant, has limited funds to assist with co-payments for mental health related appointments. You may request incremental funds for up to $50 per appointment. A completed request form is required for each appointment. You must submit a receipt for reimbursement or have a bill sent to the Diocesan office. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Resources & Documents
Additional Mental Health Resources
Children/Youth Formation Resources
How to talk to your kids about school shootings
Talking to children about violence
My Kid is Gay: Helping Families understand their LGBTQ+ Kids
Neurodiversity in Worship: Creating a More Inclusive Church
Staff Contact
Amy Mellies, Missioner for Children & YoutH
Want to be in the know about all Youth Ministry news, events, and announcements? Join our Facebook Page Diocese of Iowa YOUTH and follow us on Instagram @DioIAyouth!
Offering formation opportunities as a church for your congregation? For resources at home, please click here. Also, be sure to check out this short video on Safe Church and Online spaces that cover guidelines for maintaining our Safe Church, Safe Communities policy in this new way of being church.
Requirements for Adults Volunteering or Working at Youth Events:
Must belong to a congregation for at least six months
Completed Safe Church Training (within 3 years)
State of Iowa Background Check
State of Iowa Sex Offender Registry Check
State of Iowa Driving Record