Junior attends Methodist convocation in Berlin

Michael Grout
Michael Grout

WILMORE, KY—In a city where thousands of people often had their cries for justice go unheard, Michael Grout ’12 provided a voice for his generation on politics, finances and church policies. Grout attended the Global Young People Convocation in Berlin, Germany.

According to the Global Young People Convocation Web site, Berlin, Germany, provided a "tremendous potential for programming for GYPC. The Wall (there are still some sections standing), prison sites and nearby concentration camps, the Memorial Church, and the living testimonies of those who lived in a divided city, provide a backdrop for exploring what young people can work toward to overcome oppression in their own settings."

The Young People’s Ministries are an initiative of the United Methodist Church. This group seeks to involve more young people in the church and draw them closer to God. Through programs and conferences, this organization helps young people develop into spiritual leaders in their congregations. They also give young people a voice by advocating concerns of youth around the world.

At this Global Young People Convocation, Grout and other young people from around the world looked at legislation on political issues, financial decisions and church policies and decided which proposals to send to the General Conference for voting. “Our convocation basically wanted to give the younger demographic a united voice,” Grout said.

Grout was chosen to attend the conference because of his background with the United Methodist Church. He served as Kentucky’s youth president and young adult pres for two years. He also been heavily involved in general board meetings for the past two years and will continue his involvement for the next two years.

Grout stuck around in Berlin for a few days to enjoy the local art scene and learn more about Berlin and it’s people. Grout is a media communications major and the son of Asburians, David ’80 and Pam Ritchey ’79 Grout.

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