FOCUS North America invites you to join us for a conference celebrating:
20 YEARS OF YES
When?
November 8th through 10th
Where?
Austin, Texas
Who?
Adults of all ages from the YES and FOCUS communities, and from Orthodox parishes across the country.
Theme:
Overcoming the Obstacles to Service
Topics and Speakers
How to Share the Burdens of Others Without Being Overwhelmed
How to Serve When Perspectives Differ
How to Make an Impact When the Problem Feels too Big
Father Michael Nasser
Grand Rapids, MI
Fr. Michael Nasser is enjoying his ministry assignment as the Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church since 2015. He served previously as a mission priest in both Bowling Green, KY and Tijuana, Mexico, as well as was blessed with a decade of ministry as both a camp director and in the field of campus ministry. He has been married to Vicky since 1994 and they are blessed with three wonderful children: Maria, Joshua and Elena. Fr. Michael studied at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, NY before finishing his M.Div. at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, in Brookline, MA. He also received his Th.M. following studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Beverly, MA, in the fields of Missions and Youth Ministry. Fr. Michael enjoys kayaking and backpacking, following politics and current events, and spending time with his faithful beagle-mix, Buddy.
Elissa Bjeletich Davis
Austin, TX
Elissa Bjeletich Davis is an author and podcaster who loves Orthodox ministry for all ages. She writes for children and adults, works on curriculum projects, teaches Sunday school, and speaks at women’s and family retreats. Elissa has been involved in YES for more than a decade, first by bringing YES trips to her Austin, Texas, parish, and then by serving on the Advisory Board. To Elissa, “YES is absolutely the best youth ministry program in the Orthodox Church, because it immerses young people in the Kingdom of God, empowering them to bring the joy of the Kingdom and their love of Christ into every human relationship. It’s a course in practical Christian love, and it transforms everyone it touches.” She and her husband, Chris, live in a house full of kids near Austin, Texas.
Jason Catanese
Phoenix, AZ
Jason Catanese teaches seventh and eighth grade math, algebra, and geometry at Pueblo Del Sol Elementary School in the Isaac School District in Phoenix, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Education, and co-founder and CEO of Camp Catanese. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Education degree from Arizona State University. After college, he began teaching first-generation students in Maryvale, a neighborhood in Phoenix, through Teach For America and has taught there for the last 13 years. Jason believes in equity and access for all students. To that end, he created a comprehensive year-round college access program, Camp Catanese, with many of his friends from Antiochian Village and other church camps around the country, which has helped hundreds of first-generation students go to college. Jason loves creating opportunities full of hope, love, teamwork, and determination!
Registration Information
For the chance to win FREE conference registration, enter our t-shirt design contest! Designs can be submitted at the button below.
Submit your design here! Conference Highlights
- Outreach in the City
- Walking Prayer Tour at the State Capitol
- Interactive Workshops
- Celebration Banquet
- Social Gatherings in Hotel Lounge
Conference Schedule
Friday, November 8
- 5-9pm: Registration in hotel lobby
- Dinner on your own. A list of suggested local restaurants will be provided!
- 8pm: Social time at hotel game and bar area
Saturday, November 9
- Breakfast at hotel
- Walk/Shuttle to St. Elias – 408 E 11th St, Austin, TX
- 9:30-10am: Intro and Welcome
- 10am-11am: Workshop 1 at St. Elias
- 11-11:30am: Break
- 11:30am-12:30pm: Workshop 2 at St. Elias
- 12:30- 1:30pm: Catered Lunch at St. Elias
- 1:30-2:30pm: Workshop 3 at St. Elias
- 2:30pm: Brief and assemble Outreach/Blessing Bags/Head out into town
- Free Time – Optional activity: Walking Prayer Tour
- 5:30pm: Vespers at St. Elias
- 6:15-9:30pm: Banquet Dinner and Celebration
Sunday, November 10
- 9:30am: Liturgy at St. Elias followed by catered coffee hour
- Conference participants check out and depart
Hotel Information
Hotel: Element Austin Downtown Address: 109 E 7th St, Austin, TX, 78701
20-minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Get our excellent group rate when you book by October 11th!
Room Options:
- Guest Room, 1 King Room
- Studio, 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed
- Studio, 2 Queen(s), Sofa Bed
- Bedroom Suite, 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed
Conference Sponsorships
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support Youth Equipped to Serve and our 20 Years of YES Conference. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you and making a meaningful impact together. Your support would not only enhance the conference experience but also provide the YES Program with the resources to grow our current ministries and create new ones. We offer various sponsorship levels. Please see below to learn more about our sponsorship packages.
As a sponsor for the conference, you will be supporting YES by:
- Providing for young adults who need financial assistance to attend
- Contributing to the conference outreach efforts in Austin
- Making current YES Programs possible and creating new ones
If you have any questions about the conference, please email:
Katrina Bitar
Director of YES and Local Initiatives
kbitar@focusna.org
