News from Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church

Countdown to Annual Conference

This week we feature the Pre-Conference events -- the opening acts of Annual Conference. This year the Methodist Youth Annual Conference (MYAC) returns and is coupled with an exciting new event NEXUS/Youth Day for young people and those who work with them. And Trans4mation will bring leaders together to share best practices in ministry. Our questions go to Rev. Frank Haynes, Conference Young People's Coordinator and Rev. Oscar McGough, of the Trans4mation committee.

Q & A with Rev. Frank Haynes

What is MYAC and who attends?
Methodist Youth Annual Conference (MYAC) is an event where youth and youth workers have a voice in the church. It is a time where leaders and delegates gather from all over our conference to learn and discuss how we can better engage youth in church and reach youth outside the church. It is an opportunity to voice frustration, struggles, ideas, and joys. Each church can invite up to four students. Two of those may be voting delegates. If a church is interested in bringing more, they may contact me at the Conference office.
Is NEXUS part of MYAC?
Yes. If you have paid for MYAC, then Nexus is included. However, Nexus is open for everyone and every church, including those who are not United Methodist.
Why should my church's youth group participate in NEXUS/Youth Day?
It is an event unlike anything the conference has had recently. It is a fellowship, worship, and training event for youth, and anyone who works with youth. This year's event will feature two nationally known leaders. Mark Oestricher, author and speaker, will be leading our training for youth workers and volunteers. He will also be speaking during our worship time. Shane and Shane and Dathan Thigpen will be leading us in worship and concert. During the training portion for youth leaders and volunteers, we will provide a fun time for our youth, which will include games, competitions, and music. This is an incredible opportunity for your youth and those who work with youth, and we hope to see you there.
What will it cost?
MYAC is $150 and includes lodging, food, and programming, including the NEXUS/Youth Day. The Youth Day for those who do not come to MYAC is $15 for the day and $10 for the concert if you purchase online or through reservation by calling the Conference office. These prices increase $5 if you purchase at the door. The concert is from 4-7 p.m. The entire day begins at 1 p.m.
What excites you most about this event?
NEXUS excites me because, as I emphasized earlier, it is an event like none other we have done recently in our conference. In bringing in nationally known music artists and youth ministry trainers, we have the opportunity to grow physically and spiritually. This is our goal as the church, to grow and make disciples. Every church should take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

Q&A with Rev. Oscar McGough

What is Trans4mation?
It is an opportunity to look in someone else's tool shed and have them show you how you may use their tools in your own garden.
Trans4mation day started last year as a time for us to share the successes in our local churches. It was well attended making it apparent many of us were interested in how these changes had taken place and wondering if these successes could be duplicated in our church. The breakout sessions will follow the Arise, Shine, Grow! Theme. This combined with our two plenary speakers gives us a range for developing GROWTH that ranges from starting a new church to developing small groups to building community and stability.
Who should attend and does it cost anything?
Lay and clergy will benefit from the sessions we have planned for them. Most of the presenters are from our local churches and people we know. The cost for the event is $10 for the day or $15 if you plan to stay for the concert that night for early registrations. The music will be geared for the youth since we are tagging on with them. You are encouraged to stay and join the youth as they praise God and worship. Registration the day of the event is $15 and $20. 1/2 CEU will be earned for attending the day.
What do you hope people will take from this event?
Our prayer for Trans4mation day is to have the people that attend see a tool that they can use to grow their church. Maybe they need a new approach to something or they might need to see how someone else used a tool they have. You know steel sharpens steel and the Question and Answer times built into each breakout session will be where this happens. We hope each person who attends will see a glimpse of how God's Kingdom can be increased through their church.
What excites you most about this event?
The "light bulb moments;" you know when a person gets it and you see that light come on. I tell you, in talking with all these speakers and the many people that have helped put this together it should be a bright day for us. Just wait till you here the stories of how a small country church rebuilt itself using "complex plans like eating together and talking," or the youth group that rebuilt a ministry after tragedy struck and they now have three to four times the students in bible study. I mean these stories are from our own backyard. This is what excites me the most. If you are one of those who does not need to learn anything, just come and have your heart warmed; and the rest of you, like me, will be trying to figure out what I need to learn about the most!