KTinthechurch@aol.com

Attention all college age students, and twenty somethings, are hanging out on Sunday mornings around 10:30 am for a short time together-before church. We keep it informal with short videos,discussion,prayer-all topics chosen by the group. Don't worry those of you going away to school are keeping you in prayer and will welcome you whenever you are home. Please forward us your name and what school you attend. We meet in the upstairs room( with the couches) -Katie

It's not often that we'll point you to a quote by Paris Hilton. But last week, we couldn't help but be impressed—and downright surprised—by Hilton's defense of the Jonas Brothers and their bold stance on abstinence and purity.

Hilton's comments were in response to British comedian Russell Brand, who hosted MTV's Video Music Awards. During the show, he continuously ridiculed the Jonas brothers for wearing purity rings and remaining virgins until marriage.

Hilton told usmagazine.com, "I don't pick on them. That's something cool for a kid to keep, so don't pick on them for that. I think that they're all really good kids and that they're definitely our next generation of kids. They're all really good, so I think that's awesome."

It's great to see the Jonas brothers—and sexual purity—getting support from an unlikely source. For more on the Jonas Brothers, check out our Fall print issue (out now) which features a special IYF interview that proves the guys' music career is going exactly as they planned.

This week, we're featuring another teen who's making a bold stance of her own—and taking action by fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa. Not content to sponsor one child, this student decided to support an entire Zambian village and started the nonprofit organization Kids Caring 4 Kids. You'll be encouraged and inspired by her story—much like Oprah was!

But don't think you have to start an organization to make a difference. Little things can change lives. And so can fun things. In fact, you could provide food and education for a needy child in Africa just by submitting a t-shirt slogan. Don't miss this chance to invent a clever t-shirt, win a shopping spree and help others through Kids Caring 4 Kids at the same time.

Also this week, Nevertheless talks about what they were like in high school, a reader asks how believers should respond to homosexuals, and a college student doles out advice on managing your money. Oh, and Krystal Meyers and the dragons fight an evil doctor to keep rock alive.

One more thing: We're wondering if you watched coverage of the recent political conventions. Let us know in this week's poll.

Hope you have a great week!

Jill Meier
for IYF

P.S. We're exploring what mobile content might look like for Ignite Your Faith. To help us learn about your use and interest in mobile browsing and texting, please complete this short survey and you'll receive a $10 gift certificate to ChristianBibleStudies.com.

Brothers and sisters,

Literally millions of people are out of their homes as a result of our 2008 hurricane season. Thousands of homes will need substantial work to make them habitable again. Insurance will go only so far and many of the poorest don't have that assistance. The anticipated recovery from hurricane Ike begins.

Domestically, UMCOR will be a leader during the moths ahead in helping identify and assist those who fall through the cracks. UMCOR relies on the support and direct assistance of thousands of United Methodist churches across the US and the world to help these neighbors in need.

Please consider a special offering for hurricane relief, tithe a morning offering or fund-raiser, collect flood buckets or supplies to make them. Financial gifts are the most easily transportable, flexible and help a community recover its economic strength.

Several United Methodists from our Conference area are active in early response to disasters including the disaster child care services led by Barb and Rev. Don Weaver and our new Early Response Teams being trained by Tom & Linda Cooper and Charlie Hodges. Child care workers from our area have been deployed since early September. Red Cross volunteers like Jim McMoil, head of our Conference men's ministries are directly in the early recovery work. I will be joining him later this week.

I have asked Charlie Hodges and our UMVIM volunteers to receive our flood buckets at Asbury First UMC, Sunday afternoon, September 28th when Bishop Matthews assignment is celebrated. Please bring any health kits, school kits or flood bucket donations to the truck in the parking lot. Financial donations will also be accepted at that time. Checks should be made out to "WNY Conference" with the note they are for "Hurricanes 2008" or "UMCOR".

And keep storm victims and their servants in your prayers.


Rev. Carl Chamberlain
WNY Conference Disaster Response Coordinator


What does the Lord require of us but to do justice to those we meet, offer mercy to those in need and walk humbly with Him always.