* NEW - Fall Convo at Lutheridge - September 15-17th. All rostered leaders, church professionals are invited to attend. Bishop Eaton will be there as well as Dr. Peter Marty and Bishop's transition team members.

* NEW - Synod Bus registration for the gathering will open on September 18th at 10am. This will allow for those traveling on buses to register and include the congregational numbers of those on the same bus. This will help the gathering office in their housing assignment process. Bus cost from Hickory/Charlotte area will be $285 which will include one night housing going/coming from the gathering. Bus cost from the Greensboro/Raleigh area will be $300 and will include one night housing going/coming from the gathering as well. 

* NEW - ELCA Youth Gathering Soft Opening is September 15th. What does this mean? It simply means that you can start entering your participant information but you just can't hit submit yet. That will happen on October 15th. It's one way to avoid someone having to sit and type for some time on the 15th.

* NEW - Lutheran Youth Day at Lenoir-Rhyne University is Saturday, September 27th beginning at 3:15pm. Cost is $8 and includes tours, dinner and a football game. Contact Emily Heaberlin to register. emily.heaberlin@lr.edu or 828.328.7382. Registration deadline is September 22nd at 5pm.

* NEW - Calendar Planning Day - would you like to spend a day surrounded by your colleagues with their great ideas planning for 2015 and beyond? Join us at the synod office for a day devoted to just that. 10am - 3pm. Bring your calendar, your curriculum questions, your ideas for themes, etc. and join us. 

* NEW - Two YouthQuake Events this year!!! We'll be celebrating our 3-5th graders in two spots this year. First, October 25th at Lutheran Chapel, Gastonia. Next, November 1st at Holy Trinity, Raleigh.  Registration is now open. Bring your 3-5th graders out for a day celebrating: We are the church! Rise Up Together!

* NEW - YARP Training will be held November 21-23 this year. YARP stands for Young Adult Resource Person. Who do you know that would be willing to volunteer their time for synod activities, congregational lock-ins, etc.? Let Tammy know! 

* NEW - Calling all Youth & Family Ministry Leaders! December 1-3 - Join us at Lutheridge for fellowship, networking, growth, and FUN! Intentional time will be spent for personal relaxation and renewal as well as hands-on learning. The retreat is offered at a reduced rate as Novus Way's gift to YOU! Watch for future announcements for information on speakers. Cost is $75.

* NEW - The Practice Discipleship Initiative has a Facebook page and Twitter account. (@elcapd) Here are two from the collection of FREE resources that are growing each year.

* NEW - Looking to set up a Mission Investment Fund for the ELCA Youth Gathering or other mission trips? A DEMAND INVESTMENT Youth Ministry account is an easy way to build savings for upcoming ELCA Youth Gatherings-or any youth event-giving you immediate access to the funds when you need them.

* NEW - The Youth & Family Network meetings are on the calendar for the 2014-2015 academic calendar. These gatherings are open to all, anyone who is interested in faith formation in any way. Pastors, we'd love to have you! The day is typically 10am - noon at the synod office with some learning theme. Practice Discipleship training, information sharing, networking and then Mexican food for lunch - dutch treat. :)

* 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.

* 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.