News from us [link removed] October 26, 2021
5 Ways to Support College-Age Ministry

“There’s just not enough young people in the church,” is a common refrain. But how are we actually responding?
In the book Slow Fade by Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar and Abbie Smith, the authors write, “Any entity that ignores this age group’s potential runs the risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant.”
The Missouri Annual Conference supports [link removed] 10 college-age ministries around the state through grants. These are just a portion of the college-age ministry happening in local churches. Even so, this is an age group that many churches struggle to reach and support.
[link removed] Read about five ways you can reach out and serve college-age people →
Upcoming Events
College-Age Ministry Meet-and-Greet
Pastors, volunteers and youth leaders who work with high school students are invited to Columbia for a meet-and-greet with the leaders of Missouri Conference college-age ministries. From 12-2 p.m. on November 11, join us for lunch and networking as we hear about the amazing work these ministries are doing with young adults across the state. [link removed] Learn more and RSVP →
Other Upcoming Events
Mondays, Nov. 1-15 - [link removed] Thinking Theologically: The Exploratory Function of Metaphors - Registration closes Oct. 27
Nov. 3-18 - [link removed] HealthFlex Annual Enrollment
Nov. 8-9 - [link removed] Wespath Delivered To You Virtual Event - Registration closes Oct. 29
Nov. 7-13 - [link removed] Festival of Sharing Online Quilt Auction
Nov. 18 - SAVE THE DATE: Collaborating for Community Impact with Rev. Lia McIntosh (virtual event)
See the full events calendars at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/events
Race and Culture Survey
The Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church is conducting research to better understand race and culture within our connection and congregations. The survey is confidential and asks for your thoughts and experiences related to racism. Your input is critical as we develop Conference-wide strategies and tactics toward becoming a brave, empowering place for people from all diverse cultures and generations so that we can become a Church for all God’s people. This survey should take no more than 6-8 minutes to complete and will remain open until November 1, 2021. The survey is sponsored by the Missouri Annual Conference and is being conducted by Discipleship Ministries.
[link removed] Take the survey → College-Age Ministry Grants Available
The Office of Next Generation Ministries is excited to announce the availability of college-age ministry grants. We invite local churches already engaged in college-age ministry of any type to apply for grant funding by November 5, 2021. [link removed] View the application →

Featured Resource
Free Books for Newsletter Subscribers
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More Resources
[link removed] Learn and Lead Podcast Episode 29: From Prison to Purpose with Courtney Trankle
What do you do when you hit rock bottom? When you've lost all that matters in your past and your future to addiction? Courtney Trankle grew up an army brat and became addicted to drugs in her teen years. She spent 25 years using and trafficking drugs in Missouri before she landed in prison. In this episode, you’ll hear about Courtney's journey of addiction and how God gave her Beauty for Ashes and is using her story for His glory.
[link removed] How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice
How is the practical fight against racism key to faithful discipleship? Pastors and laity alike wrestle with how they can participate in the struggle for racial justice as Christians. What does courageous Christian faith look like given our history of prejudice, compromise, and complicity? Dr. Jemar Tisby, best-selling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism, and Missouri's own Rev. Tex Sample discuss very specific ways ordinary people of faith can live out the call to be active agents of grace, mercy, and justice (Micah 6:8).
[link removed] Unpacking Your HealthFlex Benefits
In the past, Rev. Nate Berneking, director of financial and administrative ministries for the Missouri Conference, has recorded webinars sharing information about the available HealthFlex plans. The offerings this year closely resemble those available for 2021, so last year’s webinar, Unpacking Your HealthFlex Benefits, can still provide guidance.
See the full resource library at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary


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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | 573-441-1770
www.moumethodist.org