June 2010 - Reach Out, Connect & Learn this Summer
It’s nearly summer, when United Methodists shift into a new gear and take advantage of opportunities for spiritual development, outdoor Christian activity, and hands-on mission work. Here’s a sampling offered by our Western PA Conference. Details and online registration are available at www.wpaumc.org.
First up is the Western PA Annual Conference session, June 10-13 at Grove City College. Pastor(s) and lay representative(s) from your church/charge will attend as voting members, but there are lots of reasons you may want to visit for a few hours or days.
The Laity Academy has a choice of workshops at 8 pm on June 9 and 9 am, June 10.
Among the 2010 Annual Conference preachers will be United Methodist Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of Zimbabwe. Bible study leader is the Rev. Steve Cordle, founding pastor of Crossroads UMC in Oakdale.
AC2010 Saturday morning workshops will offer hands-on ways to get involved in our areas of ministry focus: poverty, dismantling racism, Christian leadership development, global health, and church revitalization and development.
uth4missions, scheduled July 5-10, offers fellowship, fun and work for 6th-12th graders at the beautiful University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus. Youth can choose Hands On building-related projects or Hands Out work with children.
School of Christian Mission offers spiritual growth sessions; a geographic emphasis on the Sudan; hands-on mission work and the chance to learn about ministries making a difference. The Rev. Steve Tuell of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will lead the spiritual growth study. Adults choose a four-day (July 12-16) or weekend session (July 16-18). For an overview, Sampler Days are July 13 or 17.
For children, Mission Expedition is offered at both sessions.
Mission Adventure for 6th to 8th grade youth and Mission Discovery for high school youth offer hands-on mission work.
Volunteers in Mission teams are forming now to work locally, in the U.S. and in places around the globe this summer. Check out the map locations on the website.
United Methodist camping offers a myriad of programs for kids, and some for adults, too. Safe, top-quality camping experiences are open to all, regardless of church affiliation. It’s not too late to register.
By Jackie Campbell, WPAUMC News
A youth is pictured from the 2009 uth4mission as she works in mission on a home near the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Image courtesy Renaye Hoffman, Conference youth coordinator.