News from the Young Adult Volunteers – January 2021

The importance of ‘community’ during a pandemic Greetings! I hope these words find you well during these troubling times as we face a tri-pandemic of race, poverty and COVID-19. The actions that took place on Jan. 6 (Epiphany), at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., shed light on the importance of the Young Adult Volunteer program and the need to be a Matthew 25 ministry. As we continue to dive deeper into the YAV "virtual year," our volunteers (ages 19–30) are exploring ways to exemplify the three foci of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 vision to dismantle structural racism, eradicate systemic poverty and build congregational vitality. They are each doing this through the application of Scripture in their own lives within our virtual workspace. Just as YAVs have done for nearly three decades, virtual YAVs are learning the importance of building community, engaging in sustainable dialogue and asking tough questions in these unprecedented times. See the link below to read a reflection written by virtual YAV Cassie Oliver of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Thank you for your continued support of the YAV program. You are making a difference in our world. Destini Hodges, interim coordinator Young Adult Volunteers Read Cassie’s reflection →

Important YAV application dates approaching! There’s still time to apply to serve as a YAV in 2021–22 (August to August). These are the dates to be aware of in the application process. March 1 (final date to apply for international sites, most sites available) June 1 (final date to apply for national sites, limited spots available) YAV is a faith-based ecumenical volunteer service program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Since the early 1990s, more than 1,700 young adults have participated in YAV service at 45 sites in 19 countries. Several mission co-workers, pastors and church leaders have experienced a YAV year of service for a lifetime of change. Learn more →

YAV alumna leads new prison reentry ministry Though she’s the reentry pastor of Hagar’s Community Church, the Rev. Riley Pickett (New Orleans YAV, 2016–17) has never been inside the Washington Corrections Center for Women. That’s because Pickett’s ministry begins when residents of the largest women’s prison in the state of Washington are released. Read more →

Sixth-generation Presbyterian & YAV alumna accepts pastoral call Accepting a first call to ministry and moving during a pandemic may not be ideal, but one thing is certain: the Rev. Katheryn McGinnis (Philippines YAV, 2016–17) is following in the footsteps of a long line of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors, including her grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and great-great-great grandfather. Read more →

Financial support for the YAV program Please consider giving to the YAV program through a monthly or one-time gift to care for young adults engaged in "a year of service for a lifetime of change." Give online →

The Young Adult Volunteer program, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is an ecumenical, one-year service opportunity for young adults ages 19 to 30. For nearly 30 years, YAVs have listened for God’s call in their lives, while serving alongside partners at sites in the United States and around the world. YAVs live in intentional Christian communities developing and deepening their faith through service. Learn more about this transformative year at youngadultvolunteers.org. Watch a video →

Matthew 25 – A bold vision and invitation We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. Over 680 churches and mid councils have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation to help our denomination become a more relevant presence in the world by building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. You are invited →

Coronavirus/COVID-19 — Latest church resources for congregations and members

You are receiving this email because you requested information about the Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteers Program. Presbyterian Mission, an Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 800-728-7228 | 502-569-5000