What is Happening?

Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers, for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. The Happening program is meant to be one of the instruments within the Anglican Tradition of renewing the Christian church in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the church may more readily respond to its call to spread the Kingdom of God throughout the world. It seeks to achieve this purpose by bringing young persons and adults to fuller personal knowledge of and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to a deeper level of commitment and apostleship.

What can I expect during Happening?

During the Happening weekend, which usually begins Friday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon, there are many activities designed for fun and Christian community building among participants. There are games, music, great food, and a chance to talk with peers about things that really matter.

Students “go through” Happening only once, after that, they may come back and serve on Happening staff, recreating the experience for others. 

The program, led by youth for youth, focuses on three big questions:

  • Who am I?
  • Where do I fit?
  • What difference can I make?

and what the good news of Jesus Christ can tell us about these questions. 

WEMO Youth are invited to the next Kansas Happening Weekend!

When: June 27-29, 2025
Where: St. David’s, Topeka
Who: Youth in grades 9-12 (including rising 9th graders in the summer); College students are invited and welcome to serve on staff.
Fee: $60
Priority deadline: 1-week prior to event (fee increases by $15 after this date)
Registration form: https://bit.ly/EDOKSessions

What is it like for high school youth to serve on staff? Youth, college students, and adults who have previously attended Happening are invited to be on staff. Volunteers can choose from several available staff positions depending on their interest. We need young people to serve as family group leaders, kitchen staff, photographers, gophers, and musicians. Staff will gather beginning at 4 pm on Friday to prepare for the weekend. All staff (youth and adults) need to complete the registration form above if they wish to serve on Happening staff.

Questions? Contact Diocesan Youth Missioner, Karen Schlabach, kschlabach@episcopal-ks.org.