Join me in trying out this app called Centering Prayer. I am enjoying starting the day with this. You are able to choose the texts, amount of silent time, (this extrovert is slowly adding minutes) sounds, prayers, etc. It might be a helpful tool for some. 

Others - what app, blog, podcast, etc. would you suggest for moments of sabbath or study? 

I am thankful for the LEAD team from the Gulf Coast Synod for their good work in leadership development. They have a great selection of webinars which are free under their 10 minute toolbox section. As we begin a new calendar year with new congregational councils, the one that could be a great conversation starter is the one entitled, "God has called you into leadership, now what?" This webinar is geared specifically for congregational council leaders. This is good stuff! Check it out here.

Social Media Revolution 2015 - this is a great video clip on the power of social media. Mark your calendars for the 2016 Pre-Assembly event where we will welcome Rev. David Hansen to North Carolina to present "Digital Tools for Creating Community."  June 2nd from 9am - 5pm. 

* Network members get deep discounts to attend the Extravaganza.

* Members receive the Connect Journal, published 3 or 4 times per year.

* Members get access to the video archives of Extravaganza keynote talks going back to 2006.

* Members receive access to MartinsList.org, the resource sharing web site.

* Members are invited to participate in live, monthly "3rd Tuesday Conversations" (3TC) webinars with experts in the field. 

* Members receive access to the full archive of 3TC webinars

* Members receive discounts from network partner organizations including: The Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg Seminary; Hertz Rental; Impression Media Group; Lutheran Life Coaching; Trinity Lutheran College Center for Children, Youth and Family Ministry; Unify Church App Development; TxtSignal; Youth Leadership and Youth Specialties

* Access to the online membership directory

* The list of congregations willing to host visiting youth groups

* The results of the annual salary survey.

And they keep adding to the list all of the time!

Check out the network website. 

O' HOLY NIGHT
December 18 & 19
Two shows each evening
Camp Agapé
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas this year? How about under the stars at Camp Agapé? Enjoy the story of Christ's birth camp style! There will be Christmas carols, delicious food and a lovely starlit stroll around the pond. Shows fill quickly; contact the office at agape@agapekurebeach.org to register soon.

BAG Lady Retreat ~ Recognizing the Good Girls of the Bible and in Our Lives
March 4-6
Kure Beach Faith Center
Calling all BAG Ladies (Blest and Gifted Women of God) . . . You are invited to register and attend Lou Bradley's annual BAG Lady Retreat. Spend an uplifting weekend focusing on how we use our gifts and blessings to recognize the good in and around us. For registration information call Lou at 910-297-3738.

SPRING WORK DAY
March 12
Camp Agapé
Gather your crew together and come on out to camp on March 12 for our Spring Work Day. Get your hands dirty and help Camp Agapé get ready for a new season. There will be plenty to do! Contact Mir at ACEEd@agapekurebeach.org to let her know how many folks you'll be bringing!

CLERGY CRASH!
March 27-30
Kure Beach Faith Center
Rostered leaders (and your families), come, spend 3 days at the Kure Beach Center. Sleep late, dip your toes in the ocean, chase your loved ones down the beach, enjoy a coastal sunset . . . all for free! It's Agapé V Kure Beach Ministries' gift to you. Please contact Maureen at kurebeach@agapekurebeach.org or 910.458.0783 for more information or to register.

CHURCH STAFF RETREAT
April 4 & 5
Camp Agapé
Come to camp, relax and enjoy talking with your peers about personal and church philosophy, communication, networking, and time to meet as a church. Enjoy a free massage, good food, and zip-line rides! Contact Ava at program@agapekurebeach.org to register.

MOTHER DAUGHTER RETREAT
May 6-7
Camp Agapé
Come celebrate Mother's Day, May 6-7, at a special place apart. Hike, craft, worship and share a campfire with that special woman who has listened to, cared for, and loved you unconditionally over the years. Contact Melissa at agape@agapekurebeach.org for registration information.

AGAPÉ-GANZA!
May 14
Camp Agapé
Hey Everybody! May 14, is set to be a fun-filled day of camp activities: canoeing, games, zip-line, etc. PLUS a GaGa ball tournament! AGAPÉ-GANZA! will be fun for the whole family, church group or youth group! Register your teams now! Contact Ava at program@agapekurebeach.org for more information.

FUN IN THE "SON" SKI BEECH RETREAT 

Jan 29-31, 2016
Let us handle all the details of your next youth group's ski retreat while you sip hot cocoa by our fire! This weekend we will spend some time in Bible study and fellowship and also time at nearby Beech Mountain ski resort; so, we'll have some fun in the Son and in the Sun (or at least the snow!). Lutherock staff will handle ski reservations and also provide evening programming and vespers. Don't want to ski? Don't worry, there are lots of fun things to do in the winter like sledding, tubing, hiking and ice skating; just to name a few! We will work with you to create the winter retreat experience you're looking for.
Rate: $120.00/youth; $80.00/adult *Does not include ski costs*

February 12-15, 2016
A winter Beech retreat in the North Carolina mountains!? That's right! Bring your group to Lutherock and let us handle your ski reservations at nearby Beech Mountain ski resort. Choose if you want to ski for one or both days. The town of Beech Mountain also has a free sledding park if you want a different winter activity (Lutherock can provide you with sleds for this excursion) Lutherock staff will provide programming and vespers in the evenings. Chaperones must accompany youth.
Rate: $145.00/youth; $80.00/adult *Does not include ski costs*