Presbyterian Foundation Group Launches Innovative

Initiatives to Bring Its 200-Year -Old Tradition of

Mission and Ministry Support to Life

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN – December 6, 2007 – In an era where religious organizations in the United States have seen declining memberships and divisions within denominations, the Presbyterian Foundation Group ("Foundation Group"), a vital part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is taking innovative steps to connect and engage Presbyterians across the country by building on their shared commitment to support mission and ministry.  In 2008, the Presbyterian Foundation Group will launch two initiatives specifically designed to raise awareness and amplify the collective voice of countless individuals, including youth groups and churches actively engaged in work helping and supporting people in need in the U.S. and throughout the world.

 ymiLIVE (why-em-eye LIVE) provides a Unique Opportunity

The first of the initiatives to launch early in 2008 will be ymiLIVE (Youth Mission Initiative LIVE), a web-based initiative.  This online community will include an opportunity for Presbyterian youth groups to share their unique perspectives on mission and ministry as part of a mission video challenge.  The theme of the mission video challenge will center on Micah 6:8, "…to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God," the theme of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s 2008 General Assembly in San Jose, CA next June.  The videos will be posted on www.ymilive.org creating a community for young Presbyterians, their parents and all who share a commitment to the active support of mission.  ymiLIVE will provide an opportunity to capture the imagination of young Presbyterians as well as the attention of a much broader group of Presbyterians throughout the Church. 

Beginning March 1, 2008, youth groups will be invited to produce and submit original videos.  Registered visitors to the site will have an opportunity to cast votes for their favorite videos.  The site and mission video challenge will culminate at the General Assembly next June.  From among the 15 videos with the most online votes between March 1 and June 21, three will be selected by the Youth Advisory Delegates and each youth group’s church will receive a $25,000 permanent endowment fund to benefit their youth ministry. 

According to Ryan Little, SVP and Director of Marketing for the Foundation Group, "We are excited to be providing a platform for the impassioned and creative members of Presbyterian youth groups across the country with ymiLIVE.  Many groups are already using sites like Facebook and Myspace to share their faith, enthusiasm and creativity; we want to provide a site where they will be able to upload and watch videos, take part in a mission video challenge, and, most importantly, share ideas in a safe and respectful environment."

The Presbyterian Foundation Group offers a wide range of products and services to individuals and institutions.  The gift vehicles, investment management services, socially responsible mutual funds, and other services and products reflect the principles of faithful stewardship shared by all Presbyterians.  The Presbyterian Foundation Group is committed to working with donors and clients according to their needs and circumstances in an effort to help build, grow, preserve and provide financial resources.  For more information, visit www.PresbyterianFoundationGroup.org

If you would like further information about the Presbyterian Foundation, ymiLIVE or Miles for Mission, please contact Barbara Juckett at bjuckett@presbyterianfoundationgroup.org or 502-569-5866.

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Visit www.YMILive.org