Twin Cities District
Connecting United Methodists in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Transforming Lives
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Liz Lopez, Superintendent
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November 2009
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Pamela Pettit, Editor
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In This Issue
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Learnings from Liz . . .
Guest columnist Rev. Carrie Binnie
Young Adults: A Tough Nut to Crack
I gratefully accepted my first pastoral appointment at the 2007 Minnesota Annual Conference, and began my career in professional ministry at Messiah United Methodist Church (Plymouth), the following July 1. I was given the charge to create and develop a young adult ministry. My first thoughts: Umm, how do I do this? I didn't really learn about young adult ministry in seminary, let alone the 'secret' to bringing young adults into our churches! I hope I can do this; I do NOT want my first appointment to be deemed a failure. . . .
At some point during my first week at Messiah, our Office Administrator handed me a list of about two hundred names and phone numbers. I was told that this was a list of every young adult who had passed through our doors in the previous five years. Wow, I found myself thinking, this may be easier than I thought! Two hundred people already? Excellent! I took my master list home with me, and for the next several days, I called everyone on the list, inviting them to an upcoming Sunday evening worship service and Famous Dave's-catered BBQ. I didn't have to call many people before I learned that my list was not exactly a roster of active, church-going young adults who simply needed to be organized and given specialized spiritual leadership. Instead, I talked to someone who had moved to Phoenix two years earlier, someone else who had simply been in town visiting Grandma for Christmas, one who had left the church altogether, and another person who said, "Which church are you from again?" In the end, my list of two hundred young adults quickly became a list of about fifteen people; most of whom were not active in the church. This was going to be an entirely different ballgame than I had anticipated, and I needed to find players for my team before I could throw out the first pitch.
Who is a young adult? The answer depends upon who you ask. The United Methodist Church's web site has a glossary feature that defines young adults as "those persons who are out of high school and nineteen through thirty years of age." From what I've been able to gather, however, churches in the Minnesota Annual Conference often use the term for individuals between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. But there are always exceptions; the church in which I serve refers to everyone between the ages of eighteen and forty as young adults!
What kind of church attracts young adults? I believe that most young adults are drawn less to 'churches' and more to authentic communities of faith. As a young adult myself, I know that I want to be a part of a community of faith that cares more about living out the gospel of Jesus Christ than it does filling its pews or tallying the number of 'souls saved.' The church that simply wants to 'convert' or add another member to its roll is the church that most of the young adults I know want nothing to do with. Instead, they are drawn to a church known for its missional presence in the community. They respond to churches that challenge the status quo and follow their discussions with action. Like people of all generations, young adults want to find a church where there are other people with whom they can connect, where they are inspired in worship, and where they can grow in their faith. They want the sermon content and scriptural references to be relevant to, and intersect their daily lives. And though the worship preferences of young adults vary, a good number of young adults in the Twin Cities area tend to gravitate more toward emergent, experiential worship services featuring a variety of musicians and very intentional atmospherics. Young adults want to be accepted for who they are, not because they happen to fall into a certain demographic.
What can churches do to reach out to young adults? Because every context and every church is unique, there is no particular 'model' that works best, and no specific set of steps that will inevitably attract young adults to a church. That said, I would urge every church to consider the following suggestions when working with young adults:
- The term 'young adult' can be confusing to people.
I remember telling a first-time visitor (who appeared to be in his late-twenties or early-thirties) after worship one Sunday that I work mostly with young adults, while offering him a young adult ministry brochure. With a look of annoyance he said to me, "Uh, I’m not in high school." Quite surprised and a bit confused, I said to him, "No, I mean, I didn't think you were. These brochures aren't about the youth group; they're for young adults, not high school students. . . ." He replied, "Oh. In my church growing up, all of the high school kids were called 'young adults.'"
Suggestion: Ask your 'young adults' how they would like to be addressed. After doing this, the population at Messiah UMC became known as "20/30 Vision." Now, when describing what, specifically, I do at Messiah, I try to remember to tell people that I work primarily with people in their 20s and 30s.
- When developing a strategy for reaching people in their 20s and 30s, involve people in that demographic in the planning and implementation processes. It's true that some people are better at reaching new people than others, and it's also true that an idea suggested by a someone in his/her 20s or 30s isn't necessarily better than an idea from someone in a different age bracket. But it is unlikely that people in their 20s and 30s are going to flock to a church that doesn't look to or employ people in their 20s and 30s in the process of reaching others in that same demographic.
- People in their 20s and 30s seek worship services done with excellence—and I'm not necessarily referring to worship with all of the 'smells and bells,' PowerPoint slides, or 'polish.' Instead, I'm referring to churches that strive to transform lives! This kind of excellence is predicated on authenticity. To some degree, most people in their 20s and 30s are willing to drive a fair distance to find such an experience.
- People in their 20s and 30s who are interested in participating in the life of a United Methodist faith community want to be heard and listened to, not simply told what to think. Similarly, they don't want to 'earn' their place at the table, or 'put in their time' before being acknowledged or taken seriously. Instead of being seen as young or inexperienced, people in their 20s and 30s want to be accepted as equals who bring new perspectives to the church.
- People in their 20s and 30s thrive in churches that aren't trying to assimilate them into an existing church culture. They aren't looking to be a part of age-old structures, follow set 'rules,' or live according to expectations placed upon them by people who "have always done it that way." People in their 20s and 30s living in the 21st century are doing things differently, and they're intrigued by churches open to accepting people as they are; eager to encourage each individual to contribute to, and in many instances, change the shape of the faith community.
People in their 20s and 30s, on the whole, are a tough nut to crack. But together, we can be in ministry with them, and cultivate spiritually vital communities of faith.
As we continue to address the goal of reaching out to young adults I want to thank Rev. Carrie Binnie for sharing her thoughts, insights and perspectives of "young adult ministry." Carrie is the clergy responsible for young adult ministry at Messiah UMC in Plymouth!
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United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium
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Developing Congregations
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Strengthening Clergy and Lay Leadership (Equipping Leaders, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the Wesleyan Model of Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ)
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Global Health and Connection (Ending Malaria and HIV/AIDS, Global Outreach, Transforming the Lives of Children)
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Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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You can help in developing new congregations in Minnesota by giving to the following Minnesota Conference Advance Specials through your local church.
- Congregational Development, New Day UMC, Big Lake: Launch of a new church, including salary for church planter, lease of meeting space, and equipment and program materials.
- Congregational Development, Isanti Area Connectional New Church Start: Launch of a new church, including salary for church planter, rental of meeting space, and equipment and program materials.
- Congregational Development, Good Samaritan UMC, Saint Peter: Launch of a new church, including salary for church planter, rental of meeting space, and equipment and program materials.
Fun fundraising opportunity: Plymouth playhouse is providing fundraising opportunity for local churches. How to Talk Minnesotan The Musical opens Jan. 29. Order a $30 ticket and $10 of the ticket cost will be donated back to your local church when you mention "Church Fundraising" when ordering your ticket along with the name of your church. (Excludes weekday matinees.) For individual tickets call the box office at (763) 553-1600, ext. 1. For group sales call (763) 383-1073. (Allow three to four weeks for best seating.)
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Caring and Sharing
Prayers for
- Rev. Paul Bosshardt, recovering from surgery.
- Russ Scheffler, conference staff, recovering from cancer surgery.
Join in our connectedness by praying with our district superintendent for the following churches, their pastors, parish, and leaders:
- Centennial
- Discovery
- Korean Evangelical
- Park Avenue
- Saint Anthony Park
- Wheelock Parkway
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Structures of Care for One Another
Ethnic Young Adults Summer Internships: May 30-July 31, Washington, D.C. For ethnic-minority young adults (age 18-22) to work with social justice issues and learn more about the UMC. Apply by Dec. 15. Visit the General Board of Church and Society web site for further information or contact Rev. L.A. McCrae at (202) 488-5644.
Survivors Conference: Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Anthony Park UMC, St. Paul. For those who have lost someone to suicide. Contact Becky at (612) 781-3630 for further information.
UM Student Day: Nov. 29, offering helps UM students with scholarships and loans. Visit the UMC Giving web site for further details. Make donations through your local church marking "UM Student Day" in the memo.
Cookie Walk for Mission: Dec. 5., 3-4:30 p.m., Normandale Hylands UMC. Select from over 5,000 homemade Christmas cookies and candies and pay per pound. Also available: Cookie Cafe, angel display, cookie gift baskets, and children's activities. All proceeds go to benefit the NHUMC/Belize Mission Ministry.
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Someone said, "If you don't know where you're headed, any road will do." We hope our churches and pastors aren't living life that way! Because we live in a new day and time of social networking, and a culture where only 17 percent of people show up for church on Sunday, it's time to "rethink" church.
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Academy for Spiritual Formation: Nov. 8-13, Christ the King Retreat Center (621 First Ave. S., Buffalo). Spiritual Vitality in Turblent Times: Personal and Spiritual Practices is the theme. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org. Contact Deb DeMeester for further information.
Exploration 2009: Nov. 13-15, Dallas, Texas. An event for high school seniors through young adults age 24 considering a call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder in the United Methodist Church, sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Contact Rev. Leah Rosso at (612) 871-5303 for information about scholarships and/or travel. Visit the Exploration site to learn about this event and to register.
What's Next?: Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., United Theological Seminary, New Brighton. Theological exploration for those wondering where the call from God might be taking them. This event is free and includes lunch but reservations are required. Contact Michelle at (651) 255-6119 for information and registration.
Community Programing at United Theological Seminary: (3000 Fifth St. NW, New Brighton)
- Creating Significant Worship Through Design and Collaborative Planning: Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring new interest and vitality to all styles of worship including engaging through senses and imagery. $190 for teams of 3-5 persons or $65/person (lunch included).
- Ministry in a 2.0 World: Facebook, Twitter, and the Church: Dec. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Address the implications of social media on the church and ministry. Learn how it can assist in doing ministry, reaching out to new members, and meeting the needs of youth, while remaining faithful to our core values and beliefs. $25. Register by Nov. 24.
For information and registration visit the UTS web site. Contact Renee at (651) 255-6138 for questions.
Christian Educators Fellowship Meeting: Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Excelsior UMC. Team building with Cindy Yanchury and Donna Dreager. Contact Karen at (651) 423-2475 for further information.
Advanced Lay Speaking Training: Dancing with Words, by Ray Buckley: Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Rapids UMC (1701 SE Fifth Ave., Grand Rapids). Focus on storytelling. Book available from Cokesbury. Register by Nov. 10 with Marion Hanson at (218) 837-5054.
Hospitality: the unopened gift: recognizing and receiving the gifts of all. Jan. 5-7, Comfort Inn, Collinsville, Ill. Best practices for/of Urban and Town and Country Ministries. Bishop Gregory Palmer will be preaching and Rev. Vance Ross, Deputy General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship, will be the keynote speaker. Register by Dec. 18. Sponsored by the North Central Jurisdiction Town & Country/Urban Network.
Creative Church Conference: Jan. 12-14, Disney World, Orlando, Fla. Creativity in the local church will be led by people of faith from Walt Disney World, Sea World/Busch Gardens, and more. They will guide you in the principles of being creative and show you how to transfer the concepts and ideas they use into more effective church ministries. Register by Dec. 10 for a reduced rate. Sponsored by Leadership Nexus.
Worship Workshop: Jan. 30, Good Samaritan UMC, Edina. Learn from Marcia McFee how to make worship a vibrant opportunity for people to meet God and prepare to care for the world. Contact Rev. Becky Sechrist form more information.
Leading Worship 101 for Lay People: Feb. 1-26, (approved by the GBOD as an advanced course in Lay Speaking Ministries). See www.beadisciple.com for information and registration on this online course.
Church and Cultural Change: Feb. 9-11, Willowbrook UMC, Phoenix, Ariz. George Barna and Phyllis Tickle will offer insights into our culture and how we can respond. Register by Jan. 10 for a reduced rate.
Passion for Ministry: Feb. 26-28, Lake Koronis Ministries, Paynesville. For adult, youth, children, and camping ministry leaders and volunteers. $60. Contact the camping office at (612) 230-2267 for further information or visit www.campminnesota.org.
North Star Christian Adventures: Plan your Boundary Waters canoe trip now and receive 2009 pricing in 2010. Contact the camping office at (612) 230-2267 or visit their web site for further information.
Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in Today's World: April 7-10, Chicago. Connect with communicators from around the wold at the 2010 Religion Communication Congress. Hear from internationally acclaimed speakers, learn from skill building workshops, and join in discussions. Register by Jan. 15.
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Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe: Nov. 14 and 15, 7 p.m., Eden Prairie UMC, admission is free, an offering will be taken for a local mission and to help with the cost of the production.
The Sweetest Christmas Ever: Invite your group, staff or special friends to an old fashioned holiday wonderland either Dec. 9 or 10 at noon, or Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. for a holiday meal, carol singing, stories, and boutique. $17. For further information and reservations contact Carolyn at (612) 578-6676.
Christmas in the Country: Plan your retreat, meeting, or special event at Kingswood Camp and Retreat Center in Mound. For $12/person receive your meeting space and choice of a meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres. Sledding, snowshoeing, campfires, and more available. Call (952) 472-3586 to make your reservation.
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Three Cups of Tea—A Mother's Perspective: Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m., Centennial UMC, Roseville. Potluck followed by Jerene Mortenson, mother of Greg Mortenson—who is the author and protagonist of Three Cups of Tea—telling the story of Greg's quest to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan and transform the lives of young people through education. This event is free and no reservations are required. Sponsored by Every Church A Peace Church.
Faith Healer: Nov. 10 and 17, The Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Consortium of Theological Schools are having a panel discussion titled "Reflections by Theologians and Physicians" following the 7:30 p.m. performance of Faith Healer on these two dates. Call the Guthrie box office at (612) 377-2224 and quote "A54" to receive tickets for $20 each. Click here to download bulletin inserts.
Iran: Setting the Record Straight: Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Portland Avenue UMC, Bloomington. A panel of professors and Iran scholars will discuss the media's sensationalized coverage of Iran. Sponsored by Palestine/Israel Justice Project. Contact Rev. John Darlington for further information.
World AIDS Day: Dec. 1, observance helps to raise awareness and understanding of this deadly disease. News, worship resources, and materials are available from the UMCOR web site.
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Outreach Opportunities
Church World Service (CWS): In the wake of multiple disasters across the Asia Pacific region and recent serious flooding in regions of the U.S., global humanitarian agency CWS calls on its donors and the public nationwide for increased supoport, as the agency responds to the latest events and begins to assess longer term recovery needs. CWS is a Minnesota Conference Advance Special. For information about the current emergencies and development programs that CWS is supporting and how you can support this ministry visit their web site or call (800) 297-1516.
Give a Gift that Changes the World: Gifts that serve others honor the birth of Jesus and show concern for the whole family of God. Visit the UMCOR web site for a guide for giving.
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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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Today Is The Day: Educate, Energize, Empower: Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis). Building Social Action Ministries, sponsored by the Church and Society Ministry Team. Bishop Sally Dyck will be preaching and Jim Winkler will be the keynote speaker. Workshops include: Social Principles, Immigration, Eco-Justice, Minnesota Without Poverty, Advocacy, and How to Talk About Controversial Issues. $15/person, includes lunch ($60/parish maximum). For further information call (651) 523-2032.
UMC Individual GBGM Volunteer Training: April 15-18, Camp Kingswood (7301 Kingswood Rd, Mound). This is a special training by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) for those seeking two-month or longer UMC service opportunities. Contact Lorna at (605) 692-3390 for further information.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Servant Heart Ministries: Register by Nov. 15 for your 2010 mission trip and receive the 2009 pricing. These ministries include Mission Minnesota, Mobil Missions, Adults In Service, Urban Servants, and more. Contact Ian Deane for further information at (952) 472-3586. A Camp Kingswood program.
Project Homeless Connect: Dec. 7, Minneapolis Convention Center. Plan now to help with this one-stop-shop for people experiencing homelessness. Five training sessions are set up between Nov. 23 and Dec. 4. Visit the web site for further details.
Outreach Opportunities in Mission: a new site for volunteering in mission opportunities will work with your mission team to plan and make all of the arrangements for a meaningful mission experience.
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Liz's Calendar: (off on Fridays)
November:
| 1 |
Excelsior, 9 a.m.
UMC-ELCA, 4 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC
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| 2 |
Salem, 6:30 p.m. |
| 5 |
Church, Location, and Building, 6:30 p.m., Minnehaha |
| 7 |
Congregational Training, 9:30 a.m., Fridley |
| 8 |
Epworth (Mpls), 10;30 a.m.
The Well, 5 p.m. |
| 9 |
Congregational Training, 6:30 p.m., Faith (West St. Paul) |
| 10 |
GCFA Training, 10 a.m.
Hamline, 7 p.m. |
| 12 |
Minnesota Builders East, 7 p.m., Hamline |
| 15 |
Faith (W St. Paul), 9 a.m. |
| 16-18 |
Cabinet |
| 19 |
dCOM, 8:30 a.m., Hennepin Avenue
Riverview, 7 p.m. |
| 22 |
Lake Harriet, 9 a.m. |
| 24-29 |
out of town |
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Reach New People!
Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!
. . . in our United Methodist Churches
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