The Presbytery of New Covenant is living out what it means to be the connectional church by helping youth groups unite for mission.
In the summer of 2013, a team of 75 youth and adults from 10 congregations ventured to Austin for two weeks of mission with the homeless, hungry and impoverished. Two sister congregations in Austin opened their doors and hearts to the team by providing housing and mission connections.
The beauty of this joint mission is that, alone, each sending congregation may not have enough youth for a mission trip. By connecting these congregations, the presbytery offered young people the chance to engage in mission work beyond their home community, grow in their faith, and build relationships.
They were empowered to explore their gifts and exercise leadership through planning the trip, devotionals, music, recreation, and cooking.
The trip also allowed them to continue making connections with Presbyterian youth in other congregations, perhaps even to reconnect with friends met at another presbytery event.
Youth directors reported that another benefit of their youth groups uniting for mission was getting to know fellow youth leaders and exchanging ideas and resources.
The young people came back inspired and passionate for Christ’s mission in the world. The spark has been ignited. The presbytery’s youth council now organizes and leads youth mission days that bring youth groups together for mission work several times a year in addition to the summer trips.
New Covenant Presbytery serves 102 congregations and their 32,013 members.
For more stories like this, order your 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study today. Order through the Church Store or call 800-524-2612.