* NEW - Video Challenge - Something new this year. We hope you've  watched the Forward Together video with your congregation or saw it at assembly last year. Maybe you said to yourself at the time - "our congregation could have been a part of that too. We should have been in that video for _____."  Now you have your chance. Put together a 2 minute video clip (Mp4 format) or less highlighting something life-giving in your congregation. Start the video with these words and then share your clip. "(Insert Congregation name here and city) is moving forward together in Christ, in community by..." Deadline - April 30th at noon. Email Tammy when you are ready to send. We'll share by Dropbox.

The fine print - We are working on the winning prize. We'd love to show them all at assembly but depending on the number submitted that may not be possible. We may narrow to three and let the assembly decide. 

* 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. 

*  Instagram Lenten Challenge. Take a picture each day of Lent depicting the word of the day. (No Sunday words) 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.  (No words for Sundays, FYI) 

* The North Carolina Synod has a Facebook page. Check it out. Like it (especially between March 24th and 30th) and stay informed.

* 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.

* 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 fourth 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.