unify 2016 – Hasliberg, Switzerland

«Diversity, united in Christ!»

The atmosphere of faith and open sharing that we experience at UNIFY is always an inspiration. I find it a natural way of reminding us about the roots and identity of our common movement, the YMCA. Special about unify is the combination of reflections and personal sharing with the energy that came from the whole group. Europe is living challenging times and our societies need a reference movement like the YMCA, able to provide answers base on our Mission and Guiding Principles.

Juan Simoes Iglesias, Spain
Secretary General of YMCA Europe

From 25th to 28th of February we met in CVJM Zentrum Hasliberg, Switzerland with following topics:

Our Position – We are created with a purpose!
On the first day we will focus on personal / own faith and explore other ways of expressing it. God unites us!

Our Relationship – We are one in Christ!
As we have proclaimed our positions, we are challenged in finding the most valuable link in our relations. Christ is the common denominator in our association. But what is the Role of the YMCA in a diversified world?

Different facilitators throughout Europe share their experiences in focus groups.

Our Relevance – We have a message!
The third day emphasizes our relevance. Being clear about ourselves and being unbreakably related we are empowered to act. How to establish places of unity and fellowship in Christ within our YMCAs?

Our Presence – We have a call: to be ambassadors of Christ!
The final day empowers us with «Presence». The YMCA is a place to recruit, train and equip young leaders based on discipleship of Jesus Christ. We want to be present!

Reports of YMCA Unify 2016 can be found by clicking the following links:

Benjamin Seiler, Deutschland berichtet (in German) http://www.cvjm-blog.de/2016/03/17/unify-2016-diversity-united-in-christ/

Zoe Wunderlin, Ostschweiz berichtet (in German) http://www.ceviregionbern.ch/events-projekte/unify.html

Rezi, Georgia blogged (in English) http://www.ymcaeurope.com/unify-2016

Unify 2016 intends…
… to provide space and resources for personal spiritual growth.
… to create an opportunity for YMCA people to express and share their Christian faith within the context of the YMCA Movement.
… to help European YMCA’s to strengthen their Christian identity and to take responsibility, by living Christian faith perceivably and relevantly.
… to encourage YMCA’s to spread the Gospel in their individual environment by providing resources and new ideas to help develop Christian emphasis in their work.
… to empower participants as they feel unified and proud of our YMCA background and the richness in European culture.