The single, most represented age among UM elders in 2006 and 2007 was 59. In 1985, there was 1 young elder for every 13,000 US young adults. In 2005, there was 1 young elder for every 47,000 US young adults (Weems, The Crisis of Younger Clergy). We can’t argue with these statistics. We must accept them as our reality. But we also know that God does God’s best work in places that appear dead and lifeless.

On September 28, our high school youth had the opportunity to choose an issue to debate, learn about, and reflect upon with the guidance of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The issue they chose was Education. For the next seven months we will research, debate, and discover what God has to say about the church's relationship to the world. In Spring 2010, we will go to Washington D.C. to meet with the General Board of Church and Society to ask the experts what the United Methodist understanding is on Education.

Then, on Youth Sunday, May 9, 2010 - our youth will lead the church and challenge our congregation to become more active to bring about justice, peace, and proclaim the word of Christ.  A detailed schedule, speakers, and updates on the progress of our youth are soon to come.

Next Meeting:  December 14, 7:00  Topic:  Access to Public Education.

Questions:  What is your understanding of the stance the United Methodist Church has chosen to take as it relates to the accesss of individuals to Public Education?  Is it in accord with Scripture?  What does Christ have to say about this?  What is at stake for the local and global church?  What questions might you have of local leaders after learning about education over the past month?

What is the General Board of Church and Society?

The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The General Board has headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. The General Secretary of the Board since Nov.1, 2000 is Mr. James E. Winkler.

The General Board is defined by its five areas of ministry: (1) Public Witness and Advocacy (2) Administration (3) Ministry of Resourcing Congregational Life, (4)United Nations Ministry, (5) Communications.

...The message of salvation brought by Jesus Christ binds us together as a people and sends us forth to bring healing in the midst of strife, justice in the midst of brokenness, and love in the midst of hate. As United Methodists, we are called to invite people to enter into a community of faith responsive to a vision of justice ministries that is biblically and theologically grounded, and to invite United Methodist congregations to play a prophetic role in bringing God’s vision to reality. Our mission is to advocate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the church and society.

Our youth will participate in the United Methodist Seminar. 

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Our seminars are educational, interactive, thought-provoking, and fun. You pick the topic and we'll design a seminar to answer questions, challenge assumptions, and open up the group to reflection.