Written by Cai Quirk, this reflection was part of the Vitality newsletter sent on October 23, 2026. To sign up for Vitality, click here.

A ray of light peaks through the window as I write this, a spark of joy, a beam of hope in a challenging time. I’m reminded of other times Spirit has nudged me to pause, breathe deeply, smile, and feel more alive. I am reminded of Quaker youth spaces. With each breath comes another memory from when I was a young person myself in various youth programs, ones that I now help lead. So many sparks of joy in faces young and old, so many moments of growth and understanding. Spirit moves freely among us.

As Youth & eRetreat Coordinator, I get to now foster powerful experiences for youth in one of the same communities that had so much impact on me. I wouldn’t be nearly the person I am today without the support and care of these programs and the adults who help facilitate such vibrant spaces. I’ve heard later from some of those adults that they too have grown tremendously through seeing me and other youth transform in the havens of Quaker youth spaces. I myself am inspired and enlivened each time I gather with young Friends. We grow in Spirit together.

Working with the Junior Gathering clerking team continues to show me how vibrant and even exciting such work can be. Supporting youth at FGC is more than planning for Junior Gathering, and the JG clerking team is revitalizing the Youth Ministries Committee to once more have a central hub for youth ministries at FGC. Might you be called to join us? Please reach out to j@fgcquaker.org if you are interested or even intrigued in being a part of this ministry, whether that’s on the committee itself or applying to be Junior Gathering staff at the 2027 Gathering. Youth Ministries Committee meets monthly, is open to any age, and is discerning where it feels lead including and beyond supporting youth at the Gathering.

Cai Quirk

Youth and eRetreat Coordinator