Pastor Mary's Column
I have been reflecting on the Youth 2003 adventure. It was
incredible to be with 9000+ youth and sponsors. The Sunday service on
August 17th reminded me of the energy. If you want to see the video, you
can borrow it from the office.
Some of my learning's:
This is a multi-sensory generation.
My generation is visual; reading and auditory: listening, but these young people
take in as well as participate in music, visual , and motion all at one time.
Worship is important to these youth though their
worship is active and participatory.
The "testimonies" of youth that we
shared were amazing.
The youth leaders who presided over the sessions
did a great job.
Over 500 children were "adopted" by
youth during the conference. They will pay $28 per month to sponsor a
child. One of the men working in the Compassion International booth told
me that it is the United Methodist Youth who always adopt the most children.
The conference was about personal
commitment to God but also about serving others. John Wesley would smile!
We have a wonderful generation of faithful
young people!
As one of the Bishops told the youth..."You
can change the church! You can change the world." I believe
that is true. Thanks be to God!
Pastor Mary