Dash of Thought September/October 2023

What moves me
18 people from 10 countries of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe met in Budapest (Hungary) in mid-September. All of them are responsible for the ministries with children and youth in their home countries. Not least because of the Covid pandemic, this area of ministry had become somewhat quiet on a Central Conference level – too quiet. The goal of these days in the Hungarian capital was therefore to bring new momentum into the matter. Not only was there an enriching exchange of experiences and ideas, but new relationships were established, and old ones deepened. One participant from Romania said at the end: "It is so valuable for us to feel that there are other Methodists – and to be connected with each other." Several of those that were present emphasized how important it would be for them personally and for their young people, especially in the tense times in which we find ourselves, to be and remain an international Church, and to experience our diversity as enrichment for life and faith. I am very happy about this commitment to our unity across borders! It was a courageous and hopeful meeting for all.
I organized this meeting with great motivation, because young people are close to my heart. It's true, they are important for the future of our Church. But above all, they are part of the present. They and we together are the UMC – already now! It is the task of us older people to let them experience this by giving them space and responsibility in our local churches, by meeting them at eye level and shaping the Church together. This will be quite challenging for us older people now and then, because we have to change things. – Thank God! It is worth it.
That's what I told the youth leaders at the meeting, and also how grateful I am to them for their commitment and for helping to raise awareness of this in our Church in their countries.
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
 
 
Photo: Children and youth of the UMC in Poland