wfn.org | "Come To The Feast" Event Supports Young Adult Ministry

[CAROL.FOUKE@ecunet.org]

National Council of the Churches of  Christ in the USA
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org 

Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227

54NCC5/24/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"COME TO THE FEAST" EVENT SUPPORTS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
NCC to Bring 300 People to Chicago, Ill., May 26-29 

WHAT:  National Council of Churches event planned by and for young adults to strengthen the outreach of the churches to the younger generation. 

"We want to inspire, nurture, and train people who are engaged in young adult ministry," said Joe Leonard, NCC staff liaison to the Young Adults Ministry Team and NCC's Associate Director of Ministries in Christian Education.

	"Come to the Feast" is for people interested in developing "skills in young adult ministry, building the ecumenical young adult ministry network, and supporting congregations in their ministries with young adults."  It will explore ways of broadening ministry among people ages 18-30.  Toward that end, a committee composed mostly of young adults was set up to determine the spiritual issues that are at the top of their list.  Those issues helped set the agenda for the "Come to the Feast" workshops.  

Three hundred people from 14 communions will be in attendance, including international participants from Puerto Rico, Canada, Switzerland, Poland, Columbia, and India. 

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
7:30 p.m. Friday May 26: Opening session at Westin River North Hotel, 320 N. Dearborn in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
2:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 27:  Community Service Projects- Photo Opportunities
·	Cathedral Shelter of Chicago, 1668 W. Ogden Avenue
·	Port Ministries, 5058 South Ashland
·	Genesis House, 911 W. Addison 
2:00-6:15 p.m. Saturday, May 27:  Workshops continue at Westin River North Hotel
2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28: Workshops, Westin River North.

WORKSHOPS: (Here are a few of the many young adult-focused workshops that will be available.)
·	"Spirituality in a Speedy World"- Nourishing spirit amid youth hustle.
·	"Spirituality & Politics" - Understanding faith-based advocacy, religious-political involvement.
·	"Rock on with Taize" -Breathe life into youth worship experiences in the spirit and music of the Taize community.
·	"Under the Microscope" - Evaluating the needs of young adults.

Participants will also meet and work with national Christian leaders like Pauline Muchina, a consultant with Women in Mission and Ministry (Episcopal Church- USA) and Sherri "Two Hearts" Haman, a storyteller who spreads the news of Christ.  The first and latest "Come to the Feast" event was held two years ago in Atlanta, Ga.

The following denominations will be represented at "Come to the Feast":  American Baptist/Baptist, Catholic, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Church of the Brethren, Episcopal/Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran/Lutheran, Presbyterian Church USA/Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, African Methodist Episcopal, Onesimus Christian Ministries (India), and the World Council of Churches.

	If you have any questions visit the "Come to the Feast" website at - www.cometothefeast.org, or contact NCC at 212-870-2227.

-end-