* Our NC Synod Practice Discipleship team will be in St. Louis for training January 29-31. Please hold Danielle Kosanovich and Emily Harkins in prayer as they train to serve this synod. Watch for upcoming training announcements. 

* 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering buses. In the midst of planning for transportation, let me know if you are interested in riding the synod buses. This does not secure your spot, just helps plan for the number of buses to put under contract. The plan is to use these buses while in Detroit to help with transportation from our hotels into downtown each day. This will only be an option for those riding the synod buses. We are also praying for hotel assignments that allow that to happen. Click here to share your interest in riding the synod buses.

Raleigh

* Y&F Network Meeting - January 21st. Join the conversation and the fun for all those who gather around faith formation. Synod Office - 10-noon and then lunch out following the time together.

* LYO Theme 2014 - "Joyfully Learning Together - The Secret of My Success." Join us February 21-23, 2014 for our annual youth gathering for 6-12th graders. Rachel Kurtz and Agape will be serving with us as our musicians. Registration is currently closed until housing assignments are complete. There may be a few additional spots available after that. Please email Tammy if you have additions or cancellations.

* LYO Board applications are due March 1st. Our blind selection process is based solely on these applications so they are important and must be received by 10pm on March 1. Who do you know? Here's what we are looking for: child of God with a servant heart; 8-11 grader; able to attend the Board retreat June 23-27; and a willingness to serve on behalf of their peers to plan the 2015 LYO Assembly. Email Tammy for the application.

* 21st Century Faith Formation Training - Learn How To Develop Christian Faith Formation For All Ages And Generations In A Digital, Connected World. This event will be held in Raleigh on April 28-30th. Don't miss this. It's an incredible event and well worth your time and money. I'd go again if I didn't have other commitments to Region Nine. SO, go!!! :)

* Our third annual Youth & Family Staff retreat will be held May 5-7 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro. Cost is $75. Please email Tammy to reserve your spot. Deadline is April 2nd.

* Plan now to invite a youth or young adult to journey with you to our 2014 NC Synod Assembly at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory on May 30-31. Each congregation receives an additional voting member if they are a youth or young adult. Youth is someone confirmed to age 17. Young adult is someone 18-30.

* NC Synod Mission Trip - something different this year. We have seven sites around our synod willing to host your group and serve alongside you in their community. July 6-12 at the following spots: St. Philip, Raleigh; St. Luke's, Charlotte; Morning Star, Matthews; Kimball, Kannapolis; Christ the King, Cary; Lutheran Chapel, Gastonia and the 3-point ministry team CHAOs in the China Grove area.

* On our website we have the opportunity to include pictures (slides really that change) on the homepage. I'd love to have pictures of your trips, events, etc. Email me with a 1-2 paragraph description and see your group on the www.lutheranyouth.org homepage.