This summer 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? Contact Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, chair of the Board of Young People’s Ministries, at pastor.westbloomfield@gmail.com or Lisa Batten, Connectional Ministries Team staff member, at lbatten@michiganumc.org. They would be glad to help you.
Events and Experiences
Young Adult Discernment Cohort
What? This monthly gathering is for young adults who are seeking their next faithful step in life, work, and vocation.
Who? Young adults, 18 to 30.
When and where? The cohort will meet via Zoom from September 2025 to May 2026. The exact day and time each month will be set to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
More info? No registration is needed. Contact lbatten@michiganumc.org with questions and to receive the Zoom link.
Seed to Harvest Ministry Incubation Cohort
What? We often feel isolated when launching something new, or we may be unsure of the next steps when revamping a program or ministry already in place to be more fruitful. The good news is that we don’t have to go it alone! Join this monthly cohort and be part of a peer community, learning and implementing ministry incubation tools.
Who? Adults over 18.
When and where? The Seed to Harvest Cohort will meet monthly on the second Tuesday of each month, starting on September 9, with two time options (noon or 6 pm, Eastern). The cohort will meet through March 2026. $60 fee. Click this link to learn more and to register. If you’re unsure and would like to learn more, register for one of the information sessions on August 13 and 19, at noon and 6:00 pm Eastern each day. Four offerings, same content. Click this link to register.
More info? If you join the monthly cohort and register for the optional Sprout-A-Thon held on October 8, you will be eligible for a start-up grant of $500-$1,000. Cost for both is $100, which includes all meals, resources, coaching, and support from the Seed to Harvest team members between cohorts. Click this link to learn more and register. Contact lbatten@michiganumc.org with questions.
Fall Retreat for Students and Young Adults
What? This event is for young adults seeking time from the daily grind for rest and renewal. Participants are invited to journey alongside others, meeting people wherever they are in faith and spirituality. Open to the diverse needs of participants including language, ability, socio-economic, orientation, gender, culture, and needs that will be self-identified by participants.
Who? Post-high school young adults, ages 18-30.
When and where? October 2025. Exact date and location TBD.
More info? More details will be in the August edition of the Youth & Young Adult Resource Roundup. Contact lbatten@michiganumc.org with questions.
Global Young People’s Convocation 2026
What? This event, which happens only once every four years, is your chance to connect, learn, and lead alongside young Methodists from around the world. this event is a celebration of the connectional relationships we form through discipleship in The United Methodist Church.
Who? Designed for those in the age range of 12-35, and those who lead those ages in ministry.
When and where? July 7-11, 2026, Dublin, Ireland.
More info? Click this link to learn more and register. Need help fundraising? Visit the FAQ section on this informational web page for travel tips, budget planning, and scholarship opportunities.
Mission and Service Opportunities
These are listed in order of length of service, from short-term to long-term opportunities.
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 30, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Deadline for applications and deposits is September 1, 2025.
More info? Click this link for more information, including estimated costs and other important dates. If you have questions or wish to register, contact Jody Pratt at prattgji09@gmail.com.
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. The next in-person training is October 2-5, 2025, in Des Moines, Washington. Click this link to learn more about this program and the application process. The deadline to apply is August 21.
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.
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 is November 10-13, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Click this link to learn more about this program and the application process.
Summer camping options at our United Methodist camps
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- Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries in east Michigan
- Camp Michigamme in the Upper Peninsula
- Grace Outside (Michigan Area United Methodist Camping)
- Lake Michigan Campground in Pentwater
- Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat in Dowling
- Lake Huron Retreat Center in Burtchville
- Lake Louise Camp & Retreat Center near Boyne City
Scholarships and Grants
United Women in Faith is accepting applications for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. The grant is awarded to a laywoman aged 21-35 of any race or nationality who wishes to travel to explore and study in a country or region other than the applicant’s own. Priority will be given to projects that explore climate or racial justice. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2025. Click this link to learn more.
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.
4 Every Generation Conference
What? Discipleship Ministries is sponsoring the 4 Every Generation Conference, where church leaders, ministry teams, and passionate disciples come together to reimagine faith formation as an intergenerational experience.
Who? This intergenerational conference is an evolution of what used to be a Children’s Ministry Forum. The planning team for this event has dialed in on intergenerational approaches to children’s and youth ministries as the focus.
When and where? November 4-6, 2025, at The Gathering Church, St. Louis, Missouri.
More info? Click this link to learn more and register. Register by August 1 for early-bird pricing of $269.
Last Updated on June 18, 2025