Beginning this month, MIconnect will publish a bimonthly summary of upcoming events and resources for youth and young adults that churches can promote in their publications.

Do you have questions about any of these resources, or need further information? Contact Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, chair of the Board of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected] or Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Team staff member, at [email protected]. They would be glad to help you.

Events and Experiences

Holy Friendship online covenant group

• • What and where? The Michigan Conference offers a new 8-week program free to young adults wanting to deepen real friendships through meaningful conversations. Young adults will meet other peers online in a covenant community of 6-8 people.
  • Who? Any young adult, 18-26. No church membership is required. Participants can even attend an out-of-state college or university but are from Michigan.
  • When? Holy Friendship begins March 11 and ends May 5. Registration closes on March 1.
  • More info? Read this MIconnect article to learn more, and register by clicking this link.

Youth Mission Journey to Iowa

• • What and where? Michigan youth are invited to join other United Methodist youth in Des Moines, IA, this summer for an immersion experience learning how to alleviate poverty. This is sponsored by United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Space is limited, so inquire now if you are interested.
  • Who? Youth entering sixth grade to graduating seniors and their adult chaperones.
  • When? June 23-29. priority registration ends on March 1. After that date, this journey will be opened up to those in neighboring conferences.
  • More info? Read this MIconnect article to learn more. Email Stefanie Williams, Youth and Young Adult Programs Coordinator for UMVIM NCJ, at [email protected] to inquire further.

Connexion young adult summer intern program

• • What and where? This brand-new offering from the Michigan Conference gives young adults a relevant ministry experience learning and serving in a local United Methodist congregation, nonprofit, or campus ministry. It’s an excellent opportunity for intergenerational ministry, for a church to lift up the gifts of young people in their congregation. Weekly small peer group meetings will give them connection as they discern their call as laity, deacon, elder, or another form of professional ministry.
  • Who? Young adults post-high school, 18-27. Local United Methodist congregations, nonprofits, and campus ministries seeking to create a culture of discernment and call practices.
  • When? 8 weeks in the summer, with a three-day leadership development training in late May. Applications for sites are due April 1. Intern applications are due May 1.
  • More info? Churches or ministry sites wanting to host a summer intern should identify a young person in their congregation with the gifts and graces for ministry and then complete this application. Young adults interested in being an intern can apply by completing this form.

Global Mission Fellows program, US-2 track

• • What and where? The Global Mission Fellows program of The United Methodist Church places young adults in social justice ministries for two years of service. Fellows on the US-2 track leave their home state to serve in a new community but remain in the United States. Fellows address deep-rooted systems of injustice, working in a variety of areas, including food insecurity, migration/immigration, education, and poverty.
  • Who? Young adults, 20-30.
  • When? Applications are due April 9. Those selected for the next Global Mission Fellow cohort will begin onboarding in Spring 2024 and start service in August 2024.
  • More info? Click this link to learn more about the Global Mission Fellows program. Click this link to review the application.

DISCERN retreat for those with a call to ministry

• • What and where? This four-day, in-person retreat allows young adults to come together with a diverse community of other young adults who are exploring purpose, passion, and call. The event takes place in Atlanta. If selected to attend, all expenses, including roundtrip airfare, will be covered by the Forum for Theological Exploration. This leadership incubator inspires young people to make a difference through Christian communities.
  • Who? Young adults, 18-30.
  • When? May 30 to June 2, 2024.
  • More info? Individuals can nominate up to three young adults to apply, or young adults can apply directly themselves. Being nominated often gives them a nudge they need to take the next step and explore professional ministry. Click this link for more information, including the nomination and application forms.

Summer camping options at our United Methodist camps

• • Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries in East Michigan
    • Summer camping options for all ages
  • Camp Michigamme in the Upper Peninsula
    • Summer camping options for youth in June and July
  • Grace Outside (Michigan Area United Methodist Camping); click to learn about the new branding
    • Lake Michigan Campground
    • Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat
    • Lake Huron Retreat Center
  • Lake Louise Christian Community near Boyne City
    • New Service/Camps for youth that blend the best of a mission trip and summer camp

Scholarships

• • United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards $2+ million yearly to students attending UM-related schools. Applications are open through March 15. Click this link to learn more.
  • General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The application period for fall term awards ends March 30. Click this link to learn more.
  • The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan supports several scholarship programs for college, university, and seminary students. Click this link to learn more.

Resources for Congregations

Connexion ministry site

• • Churches wanting to host a young adult summer intern through the Michigan Conference’s new Connexion program should identify a young person in their congregation who has the gifts and graces for ministry and then complete this application. Young adults interested in being an intern can apply by completing this form. Applications for sites are due April 1. Intern applications are due May 1.

Grants for ministry with young people

• • The Youth Service Fund and Grants for Ministries with Young People programs are accepting applications until April 15. Funding for selected projects would occur in 2025. Several grants are available to support creative and innovative approaches to ministries for, with, and by young people. Click this link to learn more.