National Youth Cabinet

    The National Youth Cabinet is the group of youth that plan NYC. This cabinet is made up of six youth and two advisors from throughout the denomination. They serve a two year term and meet four times over those two years to plan youth ministry events in the Church of the Brethren. This Youth Cabinet has the awesome responsibility of putting together NYC. They are an outstanding group of young people who make NYC so amazing - a conference planned by youth for youth.

The Cabinet includes...

Ryan Bowers Biographical
    My name is Ryan Bowers, I'm a freshman at Purdue University studying chemical engineering. My hometown is Goshen, IN and I attend the Goshen City Church of the Brethren. I have a girlfriend which I love very much. This summer at NYC I'll be in charge of planning recreation activities, if you have suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at bowersr@expert.cc.purdue.edu.


Jaime Eller Biographical
Jaime Eller     I am currently a freshman at Manchester College doing all the "college" things, like joining clubs, playing in the orchestra, and going to gatherings on the weekends. I haven't changed much since my senior year except my hair is is about an inch shorter. I still enjoy movies (Leonardo DiCaprio movies), ice cream, and the X-Files. Everything is going splendidly right now and I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank all those "little" people who helped me get where I am today.


John Eshleman Biographical
John Eshleman     Right now, I'm enjoying my freshman year at Manchester College. My free time is spent on the soccer team and participating in various Christian organizations on campus including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Simply Brethren. Being so far from home is very difficult though. I miss my family and friends a lot. Oh, and I'm really stoked for NYC!


Karen Miller Biographical
Karen Miller     Hi! My name is Karen Miller and I'm a freshman at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. I have two younger brothers who live with my mom and dad in Hagerstown, IN. At college, I'm involved in Student Christian Fellowship and other Christian activities. I'm enjoying my college experience. Looking forward to seeing all of you at NYC '98! God bless! Prov. 3:5-6, Psalms 150


Matt Rittle Biographical
Matt Rittle     Greetings from Ill./Wisc. District. I'm Matt Rittle. About five years a go, I joined the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill. I'm a p.k. (preacher's kid) who was born into a Brethren family. Given this, it seems strange that my Christianity seems so new to me. In high school life, I'm in most of the nerd teams (e.g. Mathletes, NHS, etc.) and much of the fine arts. I have been an active member of the Ill./Wisc. District Youth Cabinet for three years. I'm excited to be on National Youth Cabinet and I hope to see you all at National Youth Conference in 1998!


Janelle Wilkinson Biographical
Janelle Wilkinson     I am Janelle Wilkinson from the Modesto California Church of the Brethren in the Pacific Southwest district. I am 16 years old and a junior in high school. I am very excited to be a part of the National Youth Cabinet, and I'm really looking forward to NYC. I recently go a car from my parents, and that has taken over a huge part of my life. Unfortunately, I won't get to drive it to NYC to show you all, but I'll bring a picture. :) I can't wait to get involved in drama this year at school, because that is my favorite school activity. While I'm not driving my brother and sister around I'll usually be listening to music or playing my guitar. Now, I could bring that to NYC! Well, I can't wait to see you all in the summer of '98!

Advisors to the Cabinet...

Eric Bishop Biographical
Eric Bishop     Eric Bishop, a member of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is a journalism professor at the University of La Verne. He grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., and currently resides in Upland. Eric is the oldest of three children and has taught journalism for three years. He has been a member of the Young Adult Steering Committee and was a youth worker and journal editor at the 1994 Young Adult Conference. Prior to teaching at La Verne, Eric worked at the General Offices of the church as director of news services and managing editor of Messenger. He will be 32 on November 4, 1997.


Janice Bowman Biographical
Janice Bowman     Janice is no stranger to National Youth Conference for she has attended five NYCs. Her youth ministry career started in Western Pennsylvania District as a high school Sunday school teacher and expanded to District Youth and Choir Advisor. Since 1985 she has been on staff at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren as half time Youth Director. She has counseled and directed at Shepherd's Spring youth and junior high camps and is a volunteer staff person for People of the Covenant. Another part time position she carries is a visual language interpreter for the public school system. Nelson Bowman is her husband of 26 years and she has two children, Joy, 8, and Aaron, 15.


For more information contact:
National Youth Conference
Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, Illinois 60120
(847) 742-5100
Youth/Young Adult Ministries Office


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