This fall issue summarizes events, scholarships, and resources for youth and young adults and their leaders 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
Seed to Harvest Ministry Incubation
What? Join us for a ministry incubation event and active workshop, where participants will grow a new or existing ministry idea. This event is designed for small teams from faith communities, non-profits, or individual passion projects.
Who? Adults over 18.
When and where? One in-person event on Saturday, October 26, at Wesley at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, from 10 am to 4 pm Eastern.
More info? The fee is $25, and lunch is provided. Click this link to register. If you have questions, contact Lisa Batten at [email protected].
Young Adult Discernment Cohort
What? This cohort of young adults, post-high school ages 18-29, began October 15, but there is still time to join. This monthly cohort will learn about and practice tools to help them seek clarity about their next faithful steps in life. This cohort practices community belonging, being present with one another, individual and group reflection, and engaging the imagination.
Who? Post-high school young adults, ages 18-29.
When and where? The next meeting is November 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Eastern, and every third Tuesday (December, January, February, March, April, and a retreat opportunity in May).
More info? Contact Lisa Batten at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
Fall Youth Retreat
What? Youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to experience what it means to grow in faith and make new connections. They’ll stay in the camp lodges with chaperones (like summer camp) and enjoy activities, worship, and nature led by Rev. Carl Gladstone and others. Youth can come as a church group or on their own.
Who? Youth in grades 6-12.
When and where? November 22-24 at Lake Louise Christian Community in Boyne Falls.
More info? Registration costs $125 per participant and includes meals, lodging, and program materials. The retreat starts with dinner on Friday at 7 pm Eastern and ends Sunday at 11 am. Adult drivers who are not chaperones or participating in the Youth Leaders Retreat (see separate entry posted later in this article) are being asked to pay $175 for their stay since they will enjoy private lodging. Click this link to register. For more information, contact Greg Lawton at [email protected] or 231-549-2728.
Mission and Service Opportunities
These are listed in order of length of service, from short-term to long-term opportunities.
Discover … Mission Journeys
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. The program is for young adults, ages 18-35. Click this link to learn about upcoming Discover … Mission journeys worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
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 Faith Leaders
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? This is a cohort for those leading ministry with young adults. The cohort meets to explore and practice tools for walking alongside young adults as they discern their next faithful steps in life, vocation, and ministry. Those attending the cohort are encouraged to design a discernment ministry, program, or event in their local setting. Participants will receive grant funds to support their ministry, event, or program with young adults.
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, November 13, from 4 to 5:30 pm Eastern. This event will be held online via Zoom.
More info? Contact Lisa Batten at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
Fall Youth Leader Retreat
What? Adult youth leaders are welcome to attend the Fall Youth Retreat with or without their youth group (see separate entry above). The retreat will include times for rest and renewal, connecting with colleagues, worship, and sharing from our experiences. Rev. Greg Lawton and others will lead this retreat.
Who? Volunteer, lay, professional, part-time, and full-time youth leaders.
When and where? November 22-24 at Lake Louise Christian Community in Boyne Falls.
More info? Registration costs $125 per participant and includes meals, lodging, and program materials. The retreat starts with dinner on Friday at 7 pm Eastern and ends Sunday at 11 am. Thanks to a generous grant from the Michigan Conference Board of Young People’s Ministries, Lake Louise can offer this retreat for the first 10 applicants at no cost. It will follow the same timeframe as the youth retreat, and most meals will be shared. Click this link to register. For more information, contact Greg Lawton at [email protected] or 231-549-2728.
Crash Courses: Recruiting & Keeping Volunteers
What? Are you struggling to find and retain the right volunteers for your ministry? Discipleship Ministries is offering this online course for youth and young adult ministry leaders. In this course, you’ll learn what works (and doesn’t) when building a strong, committed volunteer team. Say goodbye to the frustrations of high turnover and volunteer burnout. They will provide practical, easy-to-implement tools to keep your volunteers engaged, motivated, and ready to serve.
Who? Youth and young adult leaders.
When and where? On-demand at your convenience. Registration for this course will end on February 28, 2025. The course content will be archived on March 31, 2025.
More info? Registration is $10. Click this link to learn more and register.
Last Updated on October 23, 2024