During Fall 2002 and Winter 2003, I worked with a team of young adults to survey and talk with other young adults attending national United Methodist events. Out of this work emerged three recurring messages concerning young adult expectations of the church:

• Seek out young adults; don't just wait for them to show up.
• An open atmosphere and authentic hospitality is crucial in settings for young adults.
• Acknowledge young adult gifts, talents, and experience, and deploy their leadership appropriately.
• Encourage young adults to explore relevant questions and issues in their lives; practice being available as young adults navigate life issues and spiritual development.

Young adults are taking on leadership responsibilities at every level of The United Methodist Church. In this update we have spotlighted young adult leadership in annual conferences as well as in ecumenical settings. We will continue to share examples of young adult leadership in future editions of this online newsletter.

Sharon Parks, noted professor and author of Big Questions, Worthy Dreams, describes the earliest stage of adulthood as "the demanding decade of the twenties." Our discipleship challenge, she notes, includes creating experiences and supportive communities that help young adults explore questions, issues, and continuous transitions. We hope the experiences, ideas, resources, and links in this update will prove useful in answering this "call to ministry" with young adults across The United Methodist Church.