Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (MYAF)
Introducing MYAF: Building Fellowship and Inclusivity in Our Church
On November 12, 2023, the Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (MYAF) was officially launched after consistent prayer and much discussion. MYAF — the brainchild of our esteemed pastor, Rev. Dr. S Retnamony, emerged to address two critical objectives essential to our church’s growth and inclusivity.
The first objective stems from a noticeable gap in fellowship opportunities within our church. With the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) catering to those under 25, and the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) and Methodist Men’s Fellowship (MMF) serving older demographics, there was a longing for a space where young adults — both married couples and unmarried individuals — could connect, grow spiritually, and support one another. The MYAF is an attempt to fill this void, aiming to become a source of fellowship for young adults within our congregation.
The second objective highlights the importance of accessibility to spiritual nourishment for all members of our church family. Recognizing that language barriers should never hinder one’s ability to partake in the teachings of our faith, the MYAF intends to conduct its activities primarily in English. This decision ensures that every individual, regardless of their proficiency in Tamil, can actively engage in church services and events. This will foster a more inclusive environment where everyone feels heard.
The kickoff meeting of MYAF saw an encouraging turnout of 21 attendees. Led by our dedicated pastor, the session laid the foundation for what promises to be a wonderful journey for all involved. Steadily, more members have been added to the MYAF group on WhatsApp.
The MYAF established a regular meeting schedule, convening on the second and last Sunday of each month. One of these sessions was led by Rev. John Christopher Samuel, the guest speaker at our church service that day, who shared with us about his life and ministry, and how young adults can minister in the congregation.
In December 2023, the MYAF came together to practice and perform “God rest ye merry, gentlemen” during the annual Carol Service. Their participation in this cherished tradition added a youthful vigor to the service.
While the formal election of office bearers for MYAF is still pending, the members have unanimously chosen Ms. Evangelin Retnamony to take on the role of coordinating the group’s activities and ensuring that sessions run smoothly.