Uniting as one

Jenna Murphy found herself at a youth leadership training meeting paid for by her congregation — Grace Baptist Church — nearly six years ago, about the time the WAY's founder needed to move in a different direction. As a result, she stepped up, and brought her husband, Paul, along for the ride.

Not that he had a lot of time to spare, as public communications director for the Utah Attorney General's Office. But they started working with other youth leaders at Grace Lutheran and St. Olaf's Catholic Church, all of whom worked hard, but eventually burned out, too. Monthly activities held at the different churches evolved into weekly meetings at their home, and soon the Murphys were going it alone in leadership.

Their motivation: They wanted a good experience for their own children, as well as for more than 100 other teens they have since loved and mentored each week.

"It needs to be weekly so you keep that contact," Paul said, remembering the challenge they faced when more than 30 youths were regularly showing up at their home on any given Wednesday. "You have to have a large enough group to make things happen," but too many teens without enough leaders becomes overwhelming, he said.

At that point, they asked the veterans — some of them in their early 20s — to move to a young adult group. They know several were hurt by the request, and several "went kicking and screaming," Jenna recalls.

But they take satisfaction in the fact that the resentment was short-lived — and that the alumni now show up each summer at the fireworks stand the WAY operates as a fund-raiser.

The group now numbers a more manageable 15, some of whom no longer attend their own churches but feel at home in the youth group. Not that the Murphys wouldn't welcome help from other adults: in fact, they routinely get parent volunteers to help out. But the planning and oversight are up to them.

Service projects, including "lots of weed-pulling," are a staple for the group, as are activities like bowling, ice skating and physical involvement. Participants are asked to pay for their own admission to such events, but no one will be turned away because he or she can't pay, she said. Fund-raisers help provide funding and boost enthusiasm for summer trips to places like Moab. There is no charge to participate, but all are expected to raise funds and to pay their own way as much as possible.

A bank account set up through Grace Baptist holds the group's funds. "We want them to make choices that way," Jenna said. "It's good for them to learn that they may not be able to shop at American Eagle if they want to go to Moab."

As word spreads, and the teens bring their friends, they'd like to see others get involved — not because they're pushing any kind of religious agenda, but because teens need and gravitate toward adult mentors.