Welcome to the Young Adult Network!

I'm Julie O'Neal, Manager of Faith Formation, Leadership Development, and Resource Coordination with Young Adults and I love working with young adults, helping them develop a relationship with a God who loves them so very much. I welcome you to the young adult network and I look forward to interacting with you!

My area is resourcing young adults. My question for you is "What Can I Do For You?" If I can be of any help resourcing your church, young adult council, conference council on young adult ministries (if you have one) or any other young adult group that you may have or want to start, please let me know. I focus on the areas of leadership, faith formation and resources. Webcasts are a big part of this ministry, one of which is archived on the website. We will soon have others as well and would love to have your input for topics.

We need your help in reaching United Methodist Young Adults! We have launched a new Young Adult Network website www.gbod.org/youngpeople/youngadult/yanet and are looking for young adults who want to be part of a global community of people sharing their spiritual journey. The Network is a place where faith and life and God all meet.

The goal of the network is to help keep young adults connected to each other and to the church in one way or another. Many of the components of the network are guided by the hopes, dreams, visions, goals, thoughts and nitty gritty ideas of the young adults themselves. The target age for this network is 18-30, although it does focused work with those who are about to enter this age group. This network is not limited to United Methodist participants and contributors. Many young adults are interested in and explore inter-denomination and inter-faith relationships and we welcome those perspectives in this community to enhance the dialogue.

I invite you to visit the network and encourage others in your young adult circles, groups or people you just hang out with and encourage them to become a part of the community that is the young adult network.

I really want to hear from you! Email me or call toll free anytime. I would also love to know what is going on in your area with young adult ministry. What are some of the cool ways that the church is being effective in ministry with young adults? Where are the challenges? Where are the celebrations?

As you continue in your ministry, I hope that you will be mindful that you are making a difference in the lives of others - whether you realize it or not. May God be with you in the work that you do.