This fall issue summarizes upcoming events, scholarships, 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? If so, contact Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, chair of the Board of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected]. She would be glad to help you.
Events and Experiences
Discover … Mission Journey to Peru
What and where? A Discover … Mission journey, led by Jody Pratt from the Michigan Conference and Steve Blake from the Wisconsin Conference, is planned for Lima, Peru. Young adults will experience project work with Peruvian youth and young adults, grow leadership skills, and develop cross-cultural relationships. Discover … Mission is the young adult short-term mission program of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), a grassroots movement of United Methodists seeking to put their Christian love into action worldwide. Click this link to learn about other upcoming Discover … Mission journeys worldwide.
Who? Young adults, 18-35.
When? From December 28, 2024, to January 9, 2025. Deadline for applications and deposits is August 15, 2024.
More info? Click this link for more information, including estimated costs and other important dates. Register by contacting Jody Pratt at [email protected] or 616-292-4908.
Scholarships from the Michigan Conference are available for young adults from a Michigan United Methodist congregation going on a Discover … Mission journey for the first time. Click this link for scholarship criteria. UMVIM scholarships are also available, including the Rollins Scholarship, which is specifically for young adults of color. Click this link to learn more.
Seed to Harvest Ministry Incubation
What? Do you have an idea for a new ministry? Do you have an existing ministry that needs to be updated or reimagined? Join the Michigan Conference’s Connectional Ministries Team at one of the Seed to Harvest events to put your idea through an incubation process for an effective launch or re-launch.
Who? Adults over 18.
When and where? Three dates this fall, two in person and one virtual, and the content is the same. In-person events: Wednesday, September 25, at Marshall UMC, from 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday, October 26, at Wesley at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, from 10 am to 4 pm. Online option: Tuesday, October 15, from 4 to 8:30 pm (with a dinner break).
More info? The fee is $25. Click this link to register. If you have questions, contact Connectional Ministries Team staff member Laura Witkowski at [email protected].
Celtic Spirituality Retreat
What? You are invited to “Sacred Rhythm,” a retreat drawing on practices of Celtic Christianity, in which all belong, both scripture and creation are held as holy, and life transitions are honored. Teaching sessions, personal reflection, and group reflection will be punctuated by times of rest and renewal.
Drawing from books including Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul by John Philip Newell, facilitators will hold space where participants can learn and engage in Celtic Christian teaching and practices. This retreat is facilitated by Rev. Cora Glass, Lisa Batten, and Rev. Greg Lawton.
Who? Adults over 18. Young adults seeking support for vocational discernment are encouraged to register for this retreat.
When and where? October 17-19, 2024, at Lake Louise Christian Community near Boyne City.
More info? Lodging is offered in semi-private rooms at Lake Louise’s retreat center. The cost is $310 for single occupancy and $185 for double occupancy. For those wishing to stay until Sunday, please add $110 per person. Click this link to register.
United Methodist Mission and Service Opportunities
International Track for Global Mission Fellows: The Global Mission Fellows program of The United Methodist Church places young adults, ages 20-30, in social justice ministries for two years of service in international settings (the US-2 track has been paused at this time). Fellows address deep-rooted systems of injustice, working in a variety of areas, including food insecurity, migration/immigration, education, and poverty. Click this link to learn more about this program and the application process.
Mission Volunteers: Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples, ages 18 and up, who seek long-term partnerships with communities worldwide and fund themselves. Mission Volunteer opportunities range from working with refugees, children, and youth to serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director, or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years. The next training for Mission Volunteers is November 11-14, 2024, in Baldwin, Louisiana. Click this link to learn more about this program and the application process.
EarthKeepers: Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training. Youth, ages 13-18, may participate with an adult parent or guardian. Click this link to learn more about this program and the application process.
Scholarships and Grants
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan annually supports several scholarship programs for college, university, and seminary students. Click this link to learn more.
Events and Resources for Congregations
Visit this web page for an updated list of articles, books, and other resources related to youth and young adult ministry, especially outreach to Gen Z. Also, remember to support our United Methodist campus ministries throughout Michigan. Learn more about each one on this website.
Young Adult Discernment Lab
What? Join Connectional Ministries Team staff member Lisa Batten and American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ National Coordinator for Justice and Mission Engagement Rev. Kerwin Webb, as they share what they have learned from Forum for Theological Exploration discernment practices. Laity and clergy will be invited to co-learn how to support young people as they discern their call to vocation. Workshop attendees will be eligible to receive a mini-grant to bring what they have learned to their own ministry settings.
Who? This event is for those who work with young people, want to work with young people, and love young people.
When and where? Wednesday, September 18, from 4 to 8:30 pm (with a dinner break). This event will be held online via Zoom.
More info? The fee is $15, which covers books and resources. Click this link to register for this online event.
Last Updated on August 23, 2024