Reunion celebrates US-2s and Interns
A conference this summer will celebrate, reconnect, educate, and inspire people who have been involved with the long term Young Adult Mission Service programs of the United Methodist Church. These growing programs have sent and supported over 60 years of US-2s and 35 years of Mission Interns.
The goal of this conference is to bring alumni and partners together who have been involved in mission and justice work around the world. Participants can expect to network, to learn about groundbreaking efforts led by current partners, and to gain tools and strategies to support alumni’s continued social action work. 300 attendees are expected.
Alycia Capone, chairperson of the planning committee, says, “My hope for this gathering is for alumni to walk away with a rejuvenated spirit and desire to participate more actively in the recruitment and support of these young adult programs. It is my hope for the current and new participants to walk away with a deeper understanding of the programs' histories and connection to the alumni.”
The theme of this event is Celebrating Young Adults in Mission: Living Stones for Transformation. The scriptural focus comes from Peter’s letter to the early Church. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourself be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (NRSV)
This event is made possible by the General Board of Global Ministries. Elizabeth Lee, executive of the Young Adults Mission Service office, says, "Global Ministries is working to strengthen and expand these historic programs, by increasing the number of participants serving from the US and around the world and by building stronger partnerships with placement site organizations, local churches and alumni. The conference will provide a sacramental occasion to celebrate and remember the impact the programs have had on participants, communities and the church; witness the commissioning of new young adult missionaries; highlight programmatic developments; and offer opportunities to support young adults in service and engage in mission.”
Be sure to register online by June 15th to participate in this inspiring conference!
For more information about the special speakers, click here.