In Friday’s Tampa Tribune there was a great story featuring Erica Ares, TTUMC’s Director of Children and Youth Ministries:
Today, the youth leave for West Virginia, where they will volunteer at a vacation Bible school and work with senior citizens.
“I try and teach the youth: It’s not just about what you believe or what you say you believe; it’s the actions you put behind it,” Ares said.
[Youth Erin] McDonald credits Ares with helping her discover the true meaning of Christianity.
“A youth group event this summer helped me realize that faith wasn’t just about going to church every Sunday,” she said. “I’m looking forward to going to West Virginia. We’ll be able to help so many people and share with them about Jesus.”
In addition to mission trips, Ares encourages the youth to participate in fundraisers for national and international charities. They recently raised about $700 for Loose Change to Loosen Chains, an organization dedicated to ending world slavery. To inspire the youth, Ares often agrees to do something embarrassing in return for their efforts. Once, she took a pie in the face. Another time, she donned a costume from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
“I dressed up a like an Oompa-Loompa in front of the whole church congregation and did a dance,” she said.
[Children's Director Julie] Nipp is constantly amazed by Ares.
“Our church mission statement is, ‘Risking Whatever It Takes,’” she said. “Erica truly takes risks.”
Ares’ goals no longer involve becoming a famous artist. Her artwork hangs in the church fellowship hall rather than in galleries.
“I just feel called to work with youth and children,” she said. “People say the youth are the church of tomorrow, but I say they’re a vital part of the church now.”
If you have a young person whom you want to be serious about following Jesus–while at the same time having fun–entrust him or her to Erica.
As the Tribune says,
…Ares, 27, leads the youth ministry at Temple Terrace United Methodist Church, 5030 E. Busch Blvd. The ministry serves grades six through 12, with meetings at 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Ares leads youth services, organizes mission trips and uses her fine arts degree to generate creative youth activities. Her favorite T-shirt has the words “You Have One Life, Do Something” printed across the front.
By the way, Erica’s blog is The Live Wire.
