Young Adult Volunteer Program - Limited spots available in the U.S.

Young adults lead in creative and important ways during crisis Greetings in the name of our Risen Savior! Hope these words find you and your loved ones well. We are all living in unprecedented times in this global pandemic. Many of us have begun to hear news of loved ones, friends or acquaintances affected by COVID-19. Personally, I have already received sad news of loved ones who have died in the past week as a result of complications from the virus. Others are fighting for their lives in hospitals. Yet others are on the front lines as first responders putting themselves at risk every day. This is a time of intentional collective prayer, practicing social distancing and mutual support. Indeed, in these times we can still provide accompaniment — even if it is virtually. As you can imagine, the YAV program has been affected in unprecedented ways. World Mission’s Crisis Management Team decided to discontinue this year’s international YAV program (IYAV) for obvious reasons. All IYAVs are now safely home. We were able to evacuate our last three IYAVs through the U.S. Embassy in Peru. This was a true communal effort that took the support of many people inside and outside the PC(USA). The national YAV (NYAV) sites are operating with many NYAVs serving remotely and others from home. Ministry is still taking place in creative and important ways. More than ever, we need your support through prayers and contributions to strengthen the work of our ministry. Please consider supporting the YAV program directly through the Pentecost Offering. Below you will find information about this important offering to share with your congregations. You will also read how Luke Rembold, site coordinator in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is engaging his NYAVs in these COVID-19 times. We can all contribute in meaningful ways. The work of Jesus Christ continues, and we are in the best position to be his hands, feet and eyes. The Rev. Everdith "Evie" Landrau, coordinator Young Adult Volunteer Program Presbyterian Mission Give to support YAV →

Young Adult Volunteers lead in Albuquerque While Luke Rembold, YAV alum and site coordinator in Albuquerque, isn’t grateful for the circumstances of the current COVID-19 crisis and the pain and fear it is causing, he is grateful for the way he sees Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) responding. (Photo by Nathaniel Williams) Read more → All mission co-workers are safe in the US or are sheltering in place When it comes to keeping mission co-workers safe in the face of a global pandemic, there is no one-size-fits-all decision. Each situation is different, and each decision is individual. All international Young Adult Volunteers have returned to the U.S. for the remainder of this service year. (Photo provided to Leslie Vogel) Read more →

Pentecost Offering During Pentecost we are building the household of God with our children, youth and young adults. Just as many of us were nurtured in faith during our youth, we give of ourselves and our resources to support the faith formation of other youth and young adults. The YAV program is supported by gifts to the Pentecost Offering. The Rev. Ashley McFaul-Erwin, a YAV alum, shared her story for this year’s offering. During the COVID-19 crisis, offering resources will continually be updated and added to help congregations deal with the reality of online promotion. Click here to learn more. Won’t you join in your support? If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot. (Art by Illustrated Ministry LLC) Give online →

Got photos? Please share with us! Your communications team at the Presbyterian Mission Agency is always looking for high-quality photos that help us tell your stories in YAV promotions. High-quality photos don’t need be taken with a fancy camera — they can be taken right from your mobile phone. Feel free to send any photos that you may have taken from Instagram takeovers or during your YAV year to tammy.warren@pcusa.org. Learn how to take great photos from your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Also learn how to send those photos via iPhone or Android, so that the quality isn’t affected. (Photo by Molly DeWitt) Share your photos →

Limited spots available at U.S. YAV sites The final date to apply to serve at a YAV site within the U.S. is June 1. If you are discerning your next steps, YAV offers an opportunity for a transformative year of service and growth unlike any other. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. Alongside this work, volunteers explore the meaning of their Christian faith and accountability to their neighbors in community with peers and mentors. Learn more and apply →

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 more than two decades, 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.

A paper chain built by Presbyterian generosity is unbreakable! Our Links of Love special giving challenge celebrates our united and collective impact toward making a difference in the lives of others around the world. Get involved today. Learn more →

Become a Matthew 25 Church Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Matthew 25 is a bold new vision and invitation from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with over 460 congregations and mid councils that have already pledged to become a Matthew 25 church by working to build congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism and eradicate systemic poverty. We invite you to join us on this journey! Find out how →

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

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