The Next Generation of Bethesda

Dear Friends,

As we kick off a new program year, I am excited about the next generation of Bethesda-by-the-Sea parishioners. Our Youth Group kickoff is this coming Monday, and we are beginning a new collaboration with neighboring Episcopal churches. Once a month, young people from Bethesda, Holy Trinity, and St. Mark’s in Palm Beach Gardens will gather for a larger Youth Bash featuring games, music, fellowship, and engaging talks. We are also beginning to plan a pilgrimage for our young parishioners next summer.

Meanwhile, Bethesda Young Adults, our ministry for those in their 20s and 30s, kicks off tomorrow at Civil Society Brewing. A new committee of young adults is planning social events, volunteer opportunities, Bible studies, and other opportunities for spiritual formation.

Watching Bethesda emerge as a dynamic community for young people is particularly encouraging at a time when there are signs of renewed spiritual interest among younger generations. According to the Barna Group, 34% of Americans ages 18–35 say they are attending church more often than they were a year ago. Pew Research has also found that the decades-long decline in American religious practice appears to have stabilized since about 2020.

There are encouraging signs within the Episcopal Church as well. Average Sunday attendance has rebounded substantially from its pandemic low, rising from roughly 310,000 in 2021 to 413,000 in 2024.

Whatever the numbers, however, the calling remains the same: we are called to pass our faith on to the next generation. Building a warm, vibrant community where teenagers and young adults can encounter Christ, deepen their faith, and find a place of belonging is essential to that work.

With thanks for your encouragement and prayers,

Fr. Rob+