August 2015 Vol 8, Issue 1
Youth and Family Ministry
 NC Synod, ELCA
Youth Cross
 
Walking Together...Sharing Christ!
 
Welcome to the Youth & Family E-news for the NC Synod!  
 Joys and Concerns

Earth

Among my prayer concerns and joys...


* For teachers and students as they gear up for classes.
 

* For campus ministry folks as they welcome students to campus.


 

* For outdoor ministry staffs as they find time for sabbath after a fruitful summer.


 

* For Bishop Tim Smith as he begins his journey as our bishop.
In This Issue
Joys and Concerns
News
ELCA Highlight
Calendar
Outdoor Ministries
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
News 

* Thankful to the NC Synod Council for granting me a sabbatical last year. I'm taking the third and final month in August. Postings will still be happening throughout the month on social media only because they have been scheduled. I'm really planning on not working and figuring out this new experience of an empty nest. 

* NEW - Rachel Kurtz in concert on Sunday, August 30th. 4-5:30pm. St. John's Lutheran Church in Concord. (Rain site - St. James, Concord). Cost - school supply donations. Drinks & hotdogs will be available for purchase. 

* NEW - Nichole Nordeman will perform at St. John's, Salisbury on September 13th at 7pm. Ticket information here.

* Lutheran Youth Day at Lenoir-Rhyne is October 10th. Look for more information coming from Lenoir-Rhyne soon.

* Once again, we have two scheduled YouthQuake events in the fall. Join us in Gastonia or Raleigh for our annual 3-5th grade event. 

 

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A Story to share.

21 years ago on August 1st, I started as part-time Youth Ministry Coordinator at the NC Synod office. 20 hours a week that eventually became a full-time call to serve on your behalf. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. The Network taught me that you don't have to be 21 years old with a guitar to have a lasting impact on the faith lives of our young people. I've also learned that a large part of my call is to raise up leaders to walk alongside our young people. 
I encourage you to be a part of this network of people committed to faith formation. I also ask that you donate, as you are able, to continue this good work. I'm donating $10 for every year. Join me! Click here to donate. 
 Calendar
Calendar

 

August 1- 31 - Tammy's final month of sabbatical
August 30 - Rachel Kurtz Back to School Concert 4pm, Concord
September 5-7 - LYO Board w/Region 9 boards - Lutheridge
September 12 - Installation of new bishop - Christ, Charlotte
September 13 - Nichole Nordeman - St. John's, Salisbury, 7pm
September 25-26 - Synod Council 
October 10 - Lutheran Youth Day
October 12-14 - Fall Convocation - Lutheridge
October 27 - Get to Know Your Synod Day - Synod office, Salisbury
November 5-8 - Youth Leadership Summit- Camp Carol Joy Hollings, Nebraska
November 14 - YouthQuake - Holy Trinity, Raleigh
November 21 - YouthQuake - Lutheran Chapel, Gastonia
December 4-5 - Synod Council

2016
January 16-17 LYO Board Retreat - Taylorsville
February 5-8 - ELCA YM Extravaganza - Anaheim, California
February 26-28 - LYO Assembly - Embassy Suites, Greensboro
April 11-13 - Region Nine Youth Ministry Staff Retreat


Outdoor Ministry Opportunities


* Growing up with Lutheridge. Here's one story of the impact outdoor ministry has on the faith lives of our youth. Thankful for all those who serve in Outdoor Ministry. You are such a blessing.



 
* UnFinished Objects Retreat (UFO) - September 25-27, 
Kure Beach
Do you have unfinished projects laying around your house?  Do you want to get a jump on those hand-crafted Christmas gifts? Take a moment to pause and spend the weekend with good food, laughter, and fellowship with friends as you finally get the chance to complete those unfinished projects. Contact Melissa at 919.552.9421 or at agape@agapekurebeach.org for more info. Register here!

* GOOD NEWS, GOOD BREWS RETREAT
October 9-11
Kure Beach
Join other participants of this adult retreat at Kure Beach for worship, Bible study led by Pastor Charlie Zimmerman, and of course the chance to sample some really well made craft beer. For more info or to register please contact Ava at 919.552.9421 or atprogram@agapekurebeach.org. Register here!
Tammy Jones West, AIM
Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator
NC Synod ELCA
828.308.1362