* NEW - (brochure/flyer and registration link) 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. $160 per person includes program, food, housing, t-shirt, water bottles, etc. Transportation is not included. 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. Our brochure is here. Click here to register. 

* NEW - Join the S. Central Cluster of the LYO for their spring service day - Get Off Your Donkey! March 29th at several hot spots around the S. Central area OR in your own place. 

* NEW - Instagram Lenten Challenge. Take a picture each day of Lent depicting the word of the day. New to Instagram? Instagram is a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends and family. It's an app for your smart phone/tablet. For this Lenten challenge, take a picture then post to Instagram - it's that easy. You can even share to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more. It's a new way to see the world. Oh yeah, did we mention it's free? Use the hashtag (that's the number symbol) #ncsynodfortydays and we'll all be able to share in the fun.  

* NEW - Y&F Network Meeting - February 18th. 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.

* NEW - The North Carolina Synod has a Facebook page. Check it out. Like it and stay informed.

* NEW - The Practice Discipleship Initiative now has a Facebook page and Twitter account. (@elcapd) Like and follow these for great resources.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.