First 15 registrants free at familiarization events
John Hill, Director of Economic and Environmental Justice discussing the federal budget. Photo courtesy of GBCSUMC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Youth group and young-adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day “In Focus” familiarization event about United Methodist Seminars on National & International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars, which are custom-designed to meet attendee requests, and will explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the nation’s capital.
This year there will be two In Focus events:
- June 24-26 (Wednesday to Friday): Pastors/directors of youth and young-adult ministries in ethnic-minority local church settings.
- July 7-9 (Tuesday to Thursday): Pastors/directors of Wesley Foundation and other campus ministry groups.
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS), which manages the Washington, D.C., UM Seminars, will provide lodging, food and seminar materials at no charge for the first 15 persons to register. A $75 registration fee will be charged for all others. Travel costs to and from Washington, D.C., are the attendees’ responsibility.
All UM Seminars are conducted at the United Methodist Building, which is across the street from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court.
Nearly 2,000 people have attended more than 100 UM Seminars during the past five years. Many groups from across the United States have returned repeatedly to take part in the decades-old program. In 2014, attendees came from 18 states and 16 Annual Conferences.
Engage issues
The UM Seminars program is about learning, experiencing and engaging around issues affecting communities. Seminar activities include experiential exercises, small-group discussions and opportunities to express what you’ve learned in various art forms.
Authorities on the subjects chosen by participants are invited to share information. Often, seminar participants also visit with members of Congress.
Attendees at the “In Focus” event will learn about the program by experiencing a seminar firsthand.
Attendees at this “In Focus” familiarization event will:
- Engage in experiential education focused on the intersection of faith and social justice;
- Participate in sample simulations and exercises designed specifically for youths and young adults to connect social issues, public policy and faith;
- Meet and interact with GBCS staff, community advocates and leaders in the nation’s capital.
- Develop understanding of the importance of engaging informed by faith with elected officials on issues of justice;
- Network with other church leaders and educators from around the country;
- Learn how to plan a seminar experience.
This familiarization opportunity is for persons who have not previously led a group for a seminar. To be eligible to participate, registrants must agree to lead a group to participate in a seminar within the next 14 months.
The seminar will begin in the morning of the first day. Programming will conclude by 5 p.m. on the third day.
Registration
Registration is limited. Deadline for the June 2-4 In Focus is May 8; deadline for the July 7-9 In Focus is June 26..
To register, click on the appropriate dates:
- June 2-4 (Pastors/directors of youth and young-adult ministries in ethnic-minority local church settings)
- July 7-9 (Pastors/directors of Wesley Foundation and other campus ministry groups)
For more information, contact Aimee Hong, director for Seminar Design, via email at ahong@umc-gbcs.org or phone (202) 488-5649, or Dave Johnson, Seminar designer, djohnson@umc-gbcs.org or (202) 488-5644.
You can learn more about UM Seminars at UM Seminars on National & International Affairs.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. Prime responsibility of the board is to seek implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements on Christian social concerns of the General Conference, the denomination’s highest policy-making body. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education & Leadership Formation, and United Nations & International Affairs. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.
Contact Info
Wayne Rhodes, Director of Communications
General Board of Church & Society
The United Methodist Church
(202) 488-5630 / wrhodes@umc-gbcs.org
