news article
Youth make an impact at NEJ Conference
July 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Youth often remark that they are seen, but not heard. That was not the case at the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference, held July 8-12 in Pittsburgh, PA. Nineteen youth representatives took part in the NEJ Conference. It was the only jurisdiction in 2024 with youth representation.
“The presence and participation of youth at the jurisdictional conference was vital to the continuing presence of The United Methodist Church in our communities. Our young people learned about the greater church, how it operates, and how it functions in our jurisdiction. They learned about being in ministry with one another and learned about other United Methodists from the jurisdiction. They were able to grow in their leadership skills and especially understand parliamentary procedures,” said Rev. Tony Hipes, adult coordinator for the NEJ Council on Youth Ministry.
Valeria Burgos-Adorno and Grace Stierheim were two of the youth representatives from Upper New York with voice, but no vote.
Valeria arrived in Pittsburgh early, before the start of the jurisdictional conference, to take part in the 2024 NEJ Youth Convocation. This was the first youth convocation gathering in eight years.
“Because of COVID, we did not have a strong presence in 2022 and many of our youth had aged out and could not attend because of commitments to college. The jurisdiction recognized this and allowed us to re-pick our youth observers for 2024,” explained Rev. Hipes.
As part of the youth convocation, Valeria was involved in hands-on mission work and local church visits. She described it as a time of spiritual growth and relationship-building with other young people across the jurisdiction.
“As a youth in my prime, I’ve made it my mission to follow through my journey with God from going to church, performing mission work, and even doing little things like helping out with VBS,” said Valeria.
On Saturday, July 6, the group visited Warren United Methodist Church and helped with cleaning and painting projects. The group also traveled to Christ Church in Bethel Park for worship on Sunday morning, July 7, and enjoyed an afternoon at PNC Park where the Pittsburgh Pirates played the New York Mets.
“I was blessed with the opportunity to go to the NEJ Youth Convocation. It was an amazing experience to meet and bond with youth who have the same intentions as me, despite having different backgrounds. We all come from different areas, but coming together we were able to grow as siblings in just a day. It sprouted when we worshiped, and devoted our time to 
God, traveling around Pittsburgh, learning new things, as well as feeling truly in touch with God. Time and time again, I go out to do what I feel is needed, but never had I felt so seen in such little time,” expressed Valeria.
Grace Stierheim wasn’t able to participate in the Youth Convocation, but witnessed and participated in the business of jurisdictional conference, sitting in plenary behind the UNY delegation.
“As a youth at NEJ, the 19 youth representatives made many impacts. I was interested in the inter-workings of the church along with making new friendships with youth from the other conferences. When the youth created an aspirational motion to include a recommendation that each conference send two youth as delegates, all of the youth rose to the occasion. I spoke for the motion in which much of NEJ seemed to positively respond. With an overwhelming majority in favor of the youth, my presence at NEJ felt like it had a purpose,“ explained Grace.
“I was overjoyed to hang out with the youth, break ground by making history, and learn about the church. The NEJ Conference continues to emphasize the impact of youth, the love of the church, and how youth can spark an impact.”
Emma Scavo was also in attendance as a youth from Upper New York, but she was an elected lay delegate. Meet the rest of the delegates by clicking here.