United Methodist Youth Conference Set to 'SPLAT'

|TOP|More than 10,000 young people from across the world are expected to attend Youth2007 to ‘SPLAT’—“Seek, Pray, Learn, Act, Teach.”

Youth2007, the largest United Methodist Church youth event, will be held July 11-15, 2007, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is expected to allow participants to experience God through multiple ministerial, cultural and spiritual opportunities.

According to the Youth2007 website: “During the five days of music, praise, prayer, learning, and growth, participants will be challenged to go back into their communities ready to make a difference in God's world and to live out their faith in ways they never thought possible.”

The event is sponsored by the Division on Ministries with Young People at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.

“Youth2007 is about transforming lives and sending youth back to their communities as stronger disciples of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive at the board.

In addition to worship and workshops, the participants will have opportunities for mission service projects across the Greensboro area as well as options to serve on site at the event.

“People don’t realise what a bonding experience this can be for their youth group or even for a family,” said Jay Clark, director of Youth2007. “I have seen it time and time again. People leave transformed ... and the greatest thing is knowing that this is not about anything we did; it’s a God thing.”

Beyond worship and workshop opportunities, a full Expo Centre will be open for youth and youth workers to network, gather and purchase resources, and return equipped to strengthen their churches and communities.

While speakers have been confirmed, workshop leaders are needed to reinforce the theme by developing activities and experiences for the event. “Our workshop leaders play an integral role in the success of Youth2007’s mission,” Greenwaldt said.

Regardless of the time had in Greensboro, if something doesn’t happen after the event in local churches and in those communities, the event’s goal will not be achieved, according to Clark. “And we need workshop leaders who can help us accomplish our goal,” he said.

“We want people to have a great time while they are at Youth2007, but we really want all of the young people and adults that come to this event to go back to their local churches and communities recharged and ready to make a difference,” he said.

People interested in volunteering during Youth2007 will also be able to download a volunteer application in the beginning of August. Volunteers are members of groups who will already be in attendance at Youth2007 but would like to come early or leave late to help set up, or just want extra responsibility while on site at the event. Volunteers may sign up at www.Youth2007.org, the event’s official Web site.