It is never too early or too late to connect to faith, and as children of God, United Methodists are called to a lifetime of service and ministry together, across generations. One Colorado congregation is imagining a new answer to that call with the help of an "old school" mode of communication—snail mail. An annual tradition dating back to 1997, a ministry known as Special Pals brings students and senior adult church members together to learn from one another throughout the school year.
(Locator: Grand Junction, Colorado)
Through the power of pen, paper, and friendship, the Special Pals Program of First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado creates connections between the young and the not-so-young.
Students age 9 through 11 and senior adult church members exchange handwritten letters and homemade crafts each month.
At the end of each year, Special Pals gather to celebrate their new friendships, share personal stories, and continue encouraging fellowship across generations.
Initially geared to homebound church members, Special Pals has expanded to include members with special needs and those who enjoy the program.
These images are from the 2015-2016 program, when Special Pals enrolled 51 adult pals and two classrooms of students.
Old and young alike learn from Special Pals. Visit www.fumcgj.org for more information about the program.
You are encouraged to share or download this video to use in Sunday School classes, before or during worship, or with your friends and family.
Learn more about how United Methodists are reimagining the faith journey.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN. Media contact is Joe Iovino.
This video was first posted on June 14, 2016.
