May 2009 - Get Busy this Summer!
Get Busy this Summer!
The 2009 School of Christian Mission at Grove City College offers a full program of spiritual growth sessions; a geographic emphasis on the Sudan; and chances to learn about Conference ministries that make a difference.The Rev. Neal Christie, of the UM Board of Church and Society, will lead the spiritual growth study. Adults can attend a four-day session, July 13-17, or weekend event, July 17-19. A Sampler Day on July 14 or July 18 offers an overview.
Mission Expedition for children is offered during both the weekend and weekday schools. Mission Adventure for 6th, 7th and 8th graders will provide several hands-on experiences. Mission Discovery for high school youth offers a choice of building work, leading Bible School or other projects. Stella Kojo Kenyi, a Sudan native who works with the ENOUGH project (www.ENOUGHProject.org), will lead the youth study on Darfur. Both youth programs run July 13-17. For info on the School of Mission programs and to download registration forms, go to www.wpaumc.org and click on Mission Opportunities.
Summer is also a great time for the Youth Worker Retreat. Volunteer and staff youth ministry workers from across Western PA will gather Aug. 7-8 at Wesley Woods. Peggy Osbourne of Christ UMC in Bethel Park will be the guest speaker. Childcare is available. To register or learn more, go to www.wpaumcyouth.com.
uth4missions, July 5-10 for 6th-12th graders, offers plenty of mission, fellowship and fun. Based at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, students will work on Hands On (building) or Hands Out (mentoring younger children) projects.The Adam Swiger Band will lead worship. Learn more and register at www. wpaumcyouth.org.
Volunteers in Mission experiences for summer include a Conference-sponsored June 20-27 trip to East Peoria, IL, to work at the Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church, a log cabin. For details, go to www.wpaumc.org and click on Mission Opportunities; contact Diane Miller at Diane.Miller@wpaumc.org or 724-652-9182. For info on trips to the Nyadire UM Mission in Zimbabwe, go to www.nyadire.org.
Elevate is for anyone interested in young adult and campus ministries.The event, sponsored by the UM Northeastern Jurisdiction, is set for July 10-12 at Pittsburgh’s Station Square. Among the dynamic, leaders, who will share their experience and best practices, are Eric Detar and Karen Salser of Grace UMC in Indiana, PA; and Jim Walker of Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in Pittsburgh. Register online at www.wpaumcyouth.org.