Commentary: Young people's ministries grow in Russia
|
The Rev. Micki McCorkle |
Sept. 18, 2006
A UMNS Commentary
By the Rev. Micki McCorkle*
This summer, I had the privilege of visiting Russia, where I witnessed
the passion and excitement young people there have for God and what God
can do in everyone's life.
In the short, 15-year history of United Methodism in Russia, young
people are already strong leaders. As musicians and small-group
facilitators, pastors and teachers, prayer partners and event
coordinators, young people are creating the future of the United
Methodist Church in Russia today.
From youth ministry training events in St. Petersburg to young adult
retreats in Moscow and day camps in Ulyonsk, young people's ministries
in the United Methodist Church are making a difference in the lives of
people in Russia.
|
A UMNS photo by Micki McCorkle A rock band plays at Samara United Methodist Church.
|
A
rock band plays at Samara United Methodist Church in Samara, Russia.
Young people are strong leaders in United Methodist churches in Russia.
In one community the young people have a rock band that plays at worship
services and offers messages of hope and life to many. This worship
service draws new young people weekly. A UMNS photo by Micki McCorkle.
Photo #061092. Accompanies UMNS story #558. 9/18/06 |
The young people in many congregations play a vital role in the overall
ministry of the church. In one community, the youth group (youth and
young adults) raises money for a local children's hospital, helping the
children obtain games that develop motor skills.
In another community, the young people have a rock band that plays at
worship services and offers messages of hope and life to many. This
worship service draws new young people weekly.
Elsewhere, young people help the elderly wash windows, do shopping and
prepare meals. And still other young people prepare and lead Bible camps
for children, offering games, food, skits, Bible readings and plenty of
music.
Ministries with alcoholics and prisoners are also places where United Methodist young people can be found in Russia.
|
A UMNS photo by Micki McCorkle Youth hold a one-day Bible camp at Ulyonsk United Methodist Church.
|
Young
people hold a one-day Bible camp at Ulyonsk United Methodist Church in
Ulyonsk, Russia. In the short, 15-year history of United Methodism in
Russia, young people are already strong leaders. As musicians and
small-group facilitators, pastors and teachers, prayer partners and
event coordinators, young people are creating the future of the United
Methodist Church in Russia today. A UMNS photo by Micki McCorkle. Photo
#061093. Accompanies UMNS story #558. 9/18/06 |
Throughout the United Methodist Church in Russia, small groups are
forming. Some are Bible studies; others are prayer groups. All of these
groups provide ways for young people to learn more about God's work in
their lives and in the world. It is not unusual, then, for these small
groups to find ways to serve in their communities as well.
There is a healthy vision among young people in the United Methodist Church in Russia.
They are committed to deepening their personal faith and sharing with
others, through outreach, what God has personally done for them. Today's
young people are actively building a strong United Methodist Church in
Russia for tomorrow.
*McCorkle is interim director of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship's Division on Ministries with Young People.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Related Articles
Russia Initiative emphasizes ministries with young people
New bishop meets with United Methodist churches in Eurasia
Russian seminary symbolizes United Methodist vision, service
Campus ministry group starts Internet outpost in Russia
Theological education expands in Eastern Europe
Related Articles
Global Connections: Russia
Country Profile: Russia
Division on Ministries with Young People
|