DisciplesWorld magazine and Disciples of Christ Historical Society are pleased to announce the winners of their teen writing and photography contest.  Winning entries will appear in the upcoming June issue of DisciplesWorld.  In addition, winners will receive cash prizes and a complimentary subscription.

Alison Simon’s article, “Teen spirituality for dummies and doubters: How to be an everyday Christian,” wins the award for best feature writing.  In her article, Simon, 18, reveals her own deep spirituality by offering five steps to living faithfully every day.  Simon attends First Christian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.  She is a high school senior and plans to attend Texas Christian University in the fall.

The winning column was written by Emily Atteberry.  In “Don’t judge too quickly,” Atteberry asks for tolerance for her generation’s diverse religious experiences .  Atteberry, a high school senior, is a member of St. Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, Kansas.  She is the co-editor of her school newspaper and plans to pursue a career in journalism.

Two photographs received awards.  In his black and white photo, “Morning watch,” Adam Trevillian shares his sense of God’s power in the world.  Trevillian, 18, is from Raliegh, North Carolina, and a member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church. 

Glynis Eddie, 19, is a college student from Jacksonville, Florida.  Eddie’s artistically treated photograph, “Searching for grace,” offers a glimpse into teenagers’ lives of contemplation and prayer.  Eddie attends Riverside Christian Church in Jacksonville.

Two entries in the category of poetry also received awards.  Kristyn Bagley’s entry, “Waking up anew” reflects on her personal experience of God.  Bagley lives in Independence, Missouri, where she is in her junior year of high school.  She attends First Christian Church of Independence. 

In his poem, “Set free,” Josh Neuman shares how his experience of God has changed his life. Neuman attends First Christian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is a sophomore at North Star High School in Lincoln.

The June issue of DisciplesWorld also features an article by adult Disciples youth ministry leader Randy Kuss entitled, “Hanging out: The art of nurturing teen faith.”

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society sponsored the teen writing and photography contest in partnership with DisciplesWorld as a way to celebrate the very real spirituality of teenagers today.  DisciplesWorld Publisher and Editor Verity Jones said, “The articles reveal that young people not only experience God at a very deep level, but that they can also be witnesses of faith for the rest of us.  Let’s hope we are able to nurture their faith as much as they have nurtured ours.”

 

May 19, 2009