Youth
Kurt Fekete: Youth Director for Swedenborgian Church of North America
Kurt Fekete is the Youth Director of the Swedenborgian Church in the United States and Canada (General Convention of the New Jerusalem). He organizes and leads retreats for teens and pre-teens. Kurt supports youth programming in local churches by providing resources and guidance to youth group leaders. He also provides leadership training for youth leaders and retreat/camp staff, and conducts safe policy review and risk/liability assessment for churches.
Kurt’s programs and expertise address the critical needs of today’s teens. He presents religious teachings and spiritual wisdom in an understandable and practical way. Kurt strives to unlock the God-given potential and talent in each youth and works to help them bring their gifts into the world. He understands the vulnerability of this age group and works diligently to insure that a safe, healthy and spiritually nourishing environment is created at every youth event.
Kurt has held the Youth Director position since 2001. Prior to that, Kurt was a chemical engineer with 15 years of professional experience in the manufacturing sector. He earned a Certificate in Education for Effective Youth Ministry from the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (2002) and a Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary (2005). He has organized over 30 youth retreats, facilitated numerous teen-led worship services and taught youth classes and sessions at camps and retreats. In partnership with the United Church of Christ, he has led youth worker training conferences for ministers, lay leaders and youth leader volunteers. Kurt, a lifelong Swedenborgian, lives with his family in the Portland, Maine area where he leads an active youth group spanning two churches. His passion for youth work is paralleled only by playing tennis or throwing a Frisbee.
Activities for Youth:
Some of the gatherings organized by our national Youth Director are listed below. These activities are special because they help teenagers from across the country build relationships that often last a lifetime. They also help the teenagers build a community that is God-centered. Kurt is also available for local youth activities upon request.
TEEN ACTIVITIES: (Ages 13-17)
Winter retreat at Almont New Church Assembly and retreat Center (Allenton, Michigan). Takes place between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Memorial Day Retreat at Fryeburg New Church Assembly (Fryeburg, Maine).
Weekend Overnight Gatherings in congregtations such as LaPorte, Indiana and Kitchener, Ontario (Canada).
TWEEN ACTIVITIES: (Ages 9-12)
Weekend Overnight trips in congregations such as LaPorte, Indiana.
Training/Certifications:
- Certificate in Education for Effective Youth Ministry, Massachusetts Conference of The United Church of Christ, 2002
- Certificate in Youth and Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary, 2005
- Youth Director, The Swedenborgian Church of United States and Canada, 2001 - present
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