Our gifts for Mission & Service support
pilgrimages for United Church youth.
Thirteen Youth Forum pilgrims were on a journey during the summer of 2018. After work and orientation in their home Conferences, they travelled east to Newfoundland. With their two young adult leaders and a global partner, these dedicated young people visited each Conference of the United Church. They stopped in Oshawa, Ontario, in July to participate as commissioners at the 43rd General Council and then continued their pilgrimage, ending in British Columbia in mid-August.
Building on the theme of Rendez-vous 2017, these young people deepened their understanding of what it means to Be the Church/Soyons l’eglise in this time of change and challenge.
The youth were selected by peers from their home Conference at a Youth Forum Winter Retreat held in February 2018. At the retreat, 60 youth gathered to learn what a remit was, gain insight into how business would be carried out at General Council, and immerse themselves in the issues and concerns facing the United Church. They also spent time in worship, small groups, and played games, and other activities.
The pilgrimage invited participants to deepen their experience as they visited Indigenous communities, met migrant workers, learned about justice issues related to mining and fair trade, witnessed the work of social justice ministries and camps, and worshipped and celebrated with many communities of faith across the church. They came home changed, challenged, and ready to lead in ministry. How will you walk with a Youth Forum pilgrim from your region?
If Mission & Service giving is already a regular part of your life, thank you so much! If you have not given, please join in making Mission & Service giving a regular part of your life of faith. Loving our neighbour is at the heart of our Mission & Service.