Hands On Work, Study Mark 2009 School of Missions

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United Methodists and friends found inspiration and ideas for ministry focused on easing the burdens of poverty and improving global health at the 2009 Western PA School of Christian Mission. The mid-July school at Grove City College also offered opportunities for people of all ages to do hands-on mission work.

Adult participants attended the four-day weekday school, July 13-17, or the July 17-19 weekend school. The Sampler Days –July 14 or 18, were another option. Mission Expedition offered both weekday and weekend activities and programs for younger children.

Mission Adventure, a new program for “tween-agers” (6th, 7th and 8th graders), and Mission Discovery for high school youth were offered during the weekdays of School of Mission.

Each year, more than 20,000 people –children, youth, women, men, clergy, laity, United Methodist and non-United Methodist – participate in the Schools of Christian Mission across the country.

The mission education events provide an opportunity to focus on a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area and an issue impacting society. Participants gain understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context.

The geographical study on the Sudan was especially relevant as some aid organizations that have been providing relief for years to the survivors of war and famine have been ordered out of the country.

Food and Faith, the spiritual growth study, will examine how our faith is nurtured, strengthened, and enhanced by food, and explore the ways food touches our lives. For example, the presence of God in our lives is shared in community when the faithful gather for fellowship and food. It can demonstrate hospitality. Food can be a comfort or a cruel addiction. Fasting can be a means of grace.

The Rev. Clayton Childers, director of conference reltionships for the General Board of Church & Society, led the spiritual growth study. He is an ordained elder in the Furman University, Southeastern Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with an emphasis in Christian education.

Native American Survival was the School of Mission focus for issue study for the second year. Sessions were geared to both returning participants and those new to the subject.

Greg Forrester, the Volunteers in Mission coordinator for the UMC’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, led training for VIM team leaders at the School. He also helped youth and adult participants assemble ramps to provide accessibility to homes. Some were installed in the area as part of hands-on mission work.

Another less strenuous hands-on project was the making of neck coolers for military personnel.

Dean for the School of Mission was the Rev. Pam Gardner, pastor of Slippery Rock UMC, and assistant dean was Ruth Higginbotham. Frank and the Rev. Cyndi Bloise, pastor of Center Avenue in Pitcairn UMC, served as deans of the youth school. Armstrong and the Rev. Rick Nelson, pastor of White Chapel UMC, served as deans of Mission Adventure.

The children’s school, Mission Expedition, was offered during both the weekday and weekend sessions. Leaders were Joan Luccarelli and the Rev. Debra Dennick-Ream of First Bethel UMC.