Clinton youth stay home to build faith, rebuild community

By Melissa May

CLINTON, Ind. - Lounging poolside or glued to an X-box is the typical teenage summer vacation. Instead the First United Methodist Church Youth Fellowship of Clinton (UMYF) decided to fix roofs and change perceptions.

Usually, the UMYF packs minivans and travels cross country to help strangers, but this year the teens decided they were needed at home. For the entire week of July 10, a dozen teenagers volunteered time, talent and faith for their neighbors.

"We're not just a church group. We get out and do things to help our community," Nikki Lientz, a six-year UMYF member said.

In just a short week, the group of teens fixed a roof for a church member, organized and cleaned a basement for an elderly woman, built a wheelchair ramp, weeded gardens and mowed lawns.

Hard labor during the easy days of summer doesn't sound too appealing, but D.J. Wood, a two-year member of the group disagreed, "You learn a lot and do lots of new things; like fixing roofs - I've never done that before."

Besides learning new skills and helping others, the youth group hoped that the community's perception of teenagers would change.

"I want to give a good impression of Christian teens," said Megan Hartman, treasurer and seven-year member of UMYF. "We want to show a Christian love. This isn't for fame, but just to show others Christian love," Hartman continued.

"As youth group leaders and members, we can show that unconditional love and make it real for them."

- Carol Shew

Andrew Collins, vice president of the group, also hopes the community takes note of the hard work the youth group did during the mission trip, "We at least see things that need to be done in this community and we're willing to do something about it."

Organizing and planning the events of the week were the UMYF leaders, Ed and Carol Shew, who celebrate 11 years of sponsoring the group. They opened their hearts and home to the twelve energized teenagers. For the entire week, the teenagers lived with the Shews and took advantage of the large front yard for evening games of volleyball.

The mornings started at eight o'clock sharp and the workday wrapped up around four in the afternoon. The evenings were jammed with food, fun and fellowship.

The Shews did have plenty of help though. Janna Hogan and Audrey Lientz, both members of Cllinton's First UMC volunteered their time and effort for the week to help shuttle kids from one work site to the next. Both women also rolled up their sleeves and worked side-by-side with the youth, serving as more than a helping hand - a constant source of spiritual encouragement.

Various groups of the church, ranging from Sunday school classes to families, prepared and served each meal.

When asked why it's important to offer a special ministry for teens, Carol Shew responded, "Our youth group is a place where any young person can come and be accepted. It's hard for any young person to understand that God loves them unconditionally until they have experienced some unconditional love from another person. As youth group leaders and members, we can show that unconditional love and make it real for them."

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org