Cyrus Hicks presents a session on Adam Hamilton’s “When Christian’s Get It Wrong”.
Campus Connection | By Cyrus Hicks
We, the United Methodist Student Movement at the University of Idaho, just finished a study on Adam Hamilton’s series “When Christians Get it Wrong”. Throughout the course of six weeks we discussed the top reasons why young adults are rejecting Christianity today. The atmosphere was respectful and the opinions were varied. I, as the group leader, found myself learning new things as I was teaching them to the group. One of my favorite memories was when we were on the topic of Science and Politics: Everyone was open about their political views and each view was heard and respected. I have never seen people so amiable in the face of political diversity.
It was an excellent study and together we had a great time and grew in our faith. I now have my own copy of the material so I can take it with me and share it with others in my future.
Cyrus Hicks serves as a Peer Minister at the University of Idaho. Special thanks to John Morse.
Download the full issue of Channels 55, August 2012 here.
Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco, Calif.
Musings & Younger Perspectives: Understanding who we are called to serve
By Amy Pazan | Photo by Theon Johnson III
While I look back at my first year of college, I can’t stop thinking about all of the new memories and friends I have made through Central Space, Central Washington University’s campus ministry. During spring break we accompanied Garden Street UMC’s college ministry to visit Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco. We spent our days working with Glide’s food program, serving meals to thousands of people each day.
This visit served as an immersion trip, not a mission trip. We were not trying to fix the problem of hunger and homelessness in the San Francisco Area, but rather trying to understand and get to know the people whom we were serving. Guests always had smiles on their faces. They were thankful to get a warm meal away from the streets that they spent most of their time on. There were people from all walks of life getting a meal each day. No one was looked down upon for who they were regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class.
This was a really great opportunity to help many different people in this community. With this experience, I have come to understand and embrace what my calling is in helping other people. The differences that I make for other people doesn’t always seem like enough help, but if I can make a difference in just one person, I know that I fulfilled my calling to help others.
Now as you go back to your churches from your summer breaks and vacations think about what you can do in your community. What can you provide to the others around you? What can your church do for local schools and community programs? I pray that we may use this time of fall as a restarting point to are callings for ourselves and for the others around us. Grant us the peace that we may understand how we can live out your truth of making disciples for the transformation of the world.
Amy Pazan is a member of Aldersgate UMC (Bellevue, Wash.). Theon Johnson serves as associate pastor of Glide Memorial UMC (San Francisco, Calif.).
