wfn.org | First District Teen Women's Unit

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (168
notes).

Note 166 by UMNS on June 19, 1997 at 15:44 Eastern (2882 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT:  Linda Green                             354(10-71B){166}
          Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470            June 19, 1997

United Methodist Women
celebrate first teen unit

     MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (UMNS) -- United Methodist Women of the
Murfreesboro District and the Tennessee Annual Conference
celebrated the organization of the denomination's first district
teen-age United Methodist Women's unit at Key Memorial United
Methodist Church here June 14.
     Called Y.G.T.T. -- Young, Gifted, Talented Teens -- the unit
was organized in April with 17 members ages 14-18 and relates to
the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries' Women's Division.
While meeting the same requirements as a local church unit, the
teen unit is resourced by United Methodist Women (UMW) district
officers rather than being affiliated with a specific local
church.
     As a district unit, Y.G.T.T. represents a new way of
organizing United Methodist Women, said Cheryl A. Hemmerle, a
women's division executive for teens and college/university women.
In that position a year, Hemmerle's focus is recruiting teen- and
college-age women for membership in the organization.
     Currently African-American in composition, the teen unit is
open to all teen-age women in the Murfreesboro district who want
to make a difference in the world today.
     The Rev. John Young, pastor at Key Memorial, first proposed a
teen-age UMW circle to the church's youth advisor.  She presented
the proposal to the church's United Methodist Youth Fellowship.
When Rachel Givens, Murfreesboro district UMW coordinator of
membership, nurture and outreach, learned of Key Memorial's plan,
she suggested a district-sponsored teen-age unit. 
     Guided by Givens and youth advisor Dorothene Woods, the young
women organized, defined their purpose, selected a name, nominated
officers and raised money for mission. Officers were installed
here June 14, the unit's charter given, membership cards
distributed and a identification banner presented.
     In the celebration service, the Rev. S. Renee Franklin,
campus minister at the Tennessee State University Wesley
Foundation, said, Esther, in the Bible, had influence over the
king. Because of the path they have chosen, these teens will
"spread the message like no adult has been able to. God has not
limited his vision to older adults, but is calling forth new
voices to do his bidding."
     Urging the adult United Methodist Women across Murfreesboro
District and Tennessee Conference to mentor the members of the
teen unit, Hemmerle encouraged the young women not to let the
adults forget they are "equal partners."

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