Welcome to the NC Synod 
Youth and Family Ministry E-news. 
August 2016
Events and news...

* NEW  Ever-Reforming coloring book
The Reformation 500 Task Force is very excited to announce that we now have a coloring book supplement to accompany our year-long curriculum, Ever-Reforming: A Reformation 500 Cross-Generational Study. The coloring book is intended to be used with ALL ages but is an especially important way of engaging the younger members of our communities. It is available on the synod website.

*
NEW - YouthQuake is just around the corner. Gather your 3-5th graders and join us in Hickory or Raleigh. (same event, different locations). Cost is $20 and includes lunch, program supplies and a cool t-shirt. You can find a flyer ready for you to post here.
 

*NEW - Safe Gatherings. We will launch the new Safe Gatherings online training and background check at Fall Convo. Safe Gatherings is a comprehensive system that incorporates an online application, online abuse prevention training, several levels of background checks, and paperless reference checks for people who volunteer or are employed with churches, schools, and organizations that serve or work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Each congregation will have access to the training and background check for all those who work with our children and youth. The synod is covering all set up costs but individuals or congregations will cover the training/background check cost. 

* NEW - Leaders Learn Update - Keep tracking your continuing education. Our goal for 2016 is at least 20 hours. How are you doing? The new website with continuing education options and suggestions will be "live" by fall convo. It turns out this is a bigger task than at first glance. (This might be a theme in my life and ministry but I'll learn one day - maybe.) However, don't let the lack of a website stop you from learning with others. Fall convo is coming up. Register today!

*NEW - Campus Ministry. They've packed their cars and they are off to college. Don't forget to connect them to the campus ministry. Campus ministry sites don't receive names of incoming students. It's up to you. Refer your young adults here.

* NEW - Stay at Home Mission trip - we have five sites ready to welcome folks from around the ELCA and around North Carolina as they serve in their communities. These sites, from the mountains to the coast, who are willing to share their local work with your group. 
  • Good Shepherd, Brevard
  • Kimball, Kannapolis
  • Holy Trinity, Chapel Hill
  • Macedonia, Burlington
  • St. Matthew's, Wilmington
Registration will open in October. Dates, grades, and open spots vary by site. Details coming soon...

* NEW - ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza - Registration is now open for the E! What is the E? The Extravaganza is an amazing event.  The Extravaganza is an annual 4-day conference that draws together anywhere from 500-750 adults who work with youth in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the premier renewal, education and networking event of our church.  It is for the professional and the volunteer.  It is for the old and the young.  It is for the urban, the suburban and the rural.  It is for pastors, it is for laypeople.  It is for all who share in the adventure we call youth and family ministry. I'll be there and hope to welcome you too! We'll have a NC Synod lunch too. Don't miss this event. 

* The Fall Youth & Family Ministry Network meetings are on the calendar. Anyone who works with those in the first third of life are invited. We gather at 10am and go to lunch together. Each time we gather around a specific topic but we also have time to share concerns, joys and challenges. There's great wisdom in the room. We're also going to be trying out our new conference call system so you can join via Go To Meeting.
September 6 - Planning for 2017
October 18 - ELCA Youth Gathering
November 15 - Child safety policies



2016 Calendar of Events
September 6- Youth & Family Network meeting - Synod office
September 8 - FREE Practice Discipleship Webinar
- Wondering about Confirmation with Terri Elton. 2pm eastern.
September 9-10 - Synod Council 
September 26-28 - Fall Convo - Lutheridge
October 13 - FREE Practice Discipleship Webinar - Wondering at Creation with Brian Peterson. 2pm eastern.
October 18 - Youth & Family Network meeting - Synod office
October 22 - YouthQuake - Mt. Pisgah, Hickory
November 3-6 - ELCA Youth Leadership Summit - Lutheridge
November 10 - FREE Practice Discipleship Webinar - Wondering in Prayer with Mindy Makant. 2pm eastern.
November 12 - YouthQuake - Holy Trinity, Raleigh
November 15 - Youth & Family Network meeting - Synod office
November 28-30 - Youth Ministry Retreat - Camp Agape (anyone who             works with youth.)
December 2-3 - Synod Council meeting

2017 
January 14 - LYO Board Planning retreat
January 20-23 - ELCA YM Extravaganza - Louisville, KY
February 24-26 - LYO Assembly
Summer - Stay at home mission trips
July 25-29 - Bishop's School - South Carolina (DATE CHANGE)

2018
February 23-25 - LYO Assembly
June 27 - July 1 - ELCA Youth Gathering - Houston, TX

2019
June 23 - 29 - Bishop's School - North Carolina

2020
July 5 - 11 - Bishop's School - Southeastern Synod

App of the Month - WordSwag

Basically a graphic design app that's super easy to use. You can pick from their photos or your own. Then, add text and you're ready to go. Fun and useful
Resource of the Month - God's work. Our Hands.
 
Great resources available including:

* Toolkit
* Worship resource
* Service learning
* Bulletin insert

September 11th - let's do this!!!
The church has left the building. Out to SERVE!
Video of the Month - Your Role as Leader

Dr. Terri Elton of Luther Seminary with the Practice Discipleship Initiative
Dr. Terri Elton of Luther Seminary with the Practice Discipleship Initiative


Outdoor Ministries of the NC Synod 



Five weekends - SEVEN retreats. Two separate retreats each weekend
- except November. Our unique curriculum uses experiential learning to leave lasting lessons. Lutheridge staff provide supervision for campers, staying in cabins with them and sharing their faithful witness. Campers can come alone or with a group. Lessons are geared to middle school, but 5th grade through high school youth are welcome to attend. 
September 23-25 Lord's Prayer and the Apostle's Creed
November 4-6 Old Testament
November 18-20 Ten Commandments (at Agape+Kure Beach Ministries)
February 3-5 Holy Baptism and Holy Communion
April 28-30 Ten Commandments and Reformation

Good News Good Brews!
September 30 - October 2
Kure Beach Faith Center
Come out to the coast for this unique retreat and enjoy fellowship, Bible study with Pastor Tim Brown (GSLC), and of course good beer. You'll enjoy time on the beach, time in the Word, and time on a tour of a local micro-brewery. For pricing please visit our website www.agapekurebeach.org .
Agapé Fall Work Day
October 22 (DATE CHANGE!)
Hey Everybody! Gather your work gloves and head out to Agapé for a day of service and fellowship. There will be plenty of jobs for everyone! This is an excellent opportunity for students to fulfill any required community service hours they may have. Breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information or to register, contact Mir at AceEd@agapekurebeach.org

Father / Son Retreat
November 4-5
Fathers, sons, grandfathers - this retreat offers a great opportunity to connect! Gather around the campfire, tell stories, fish, shoot an arrow, then finish your adventure hiking together at our Enviro-Venture (featuring the Hike-a-thon & Basket Raffle). Contact Melissa at agape@agapekurebeach.org or see our website www.agapekurebeach.org for more information.


ACE Ed Enviro-Venture featuring the Hike-a-thon & Basket Raffle
November 5
Camp Agapé
The 13th annual Hike-a-Thon and Basket Raffle will be taking on a new look and a new name in November. Introducing: Enviro-Venture!
What's new?
Nature Stations: guest naturalists will be part of the event - specializing in topics such as entomology, geology, ornithology, apiary, and likely more. 
Chili Cook-off Contest, Pumpkin fling, Musical Entertainment
$20 Entrance fee (reduced from $25)
What's the same?
Hiking the trails! (A.k.a. Hike-a-Thon) Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a stimulating walk - several yards to several miles. It's all up to you.
Basket Raffle! (Just $1.00/ticket for a chance to win the basket of your choice.)FUN & Prizes!
Enviro-Venture is for everyone! Bring your friends! Bring the whole family! Bring your youth group! Bring your senior group! Bring your scout troop! Everyone!
Mark your calendars for November 5, 2016! Contact Melissa at agape@agapekurebeach.org or see our website www.agapekurebeach.org for more information.


NC Youth Leaders' Retreat
November 28-30
Camp Agapé
Come out to beautiful Camp Agapé for rest, renewal, laughter, and time to share challenges and hear other Youth Leader's ideas. Learn how to build a case for Youth Ministry to share with parents, councils and pastors. Discuss some of the WHY's of Youth Ministry and Community Building - how to use intentionality as your greatest asset.
Includes 2 nights, 6 meals, program and a Zip-line ride. Contact Ava at program@agapekurebeach.org or at 919.552.9421 for pricing info.


O' Holy Night
December 16 & 17
Camp Agapé
Enjoy an evening of light food and fellowship followed by a special worship under stars at the Lakeside Chapel of Camp Agapé. This will be a "Holy Night filled with Christmas carols, Christmas lights, and the Christmas story. Contact Melissa at agape@agapekurebeach.org or see our website www.agapekurebeach.org for more information.



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