National Youth Event is coming in 2016 on the grounds of Disney World in Orlando, Florida on July 26th 30th! I have attended NYE as an adult chaperone and a Conference group leader for Florida and the Rocky Mountain conferences since 1996 (Columbia, SC, Ames, IA, Knoxville, TV (twice), West Lafayette, IN 5 total NYEs). I've witnessed every four years how NYE has been a significant, lifechanging event for our youth in the UCC a source of networking, friendshipmaking, and developing inconference relationships that help build ALL our ministries! This NYE 2016 will be celebrated with our sister denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) making worship and gathering INTENSE AND ALIVE like no other NYE!
As an experienced leader for NYE groups, I am stepping up for the Michigan Conference to help our youth and other adult chaperones have yet another blessed experience. Here is what I am proposing:
On July 25th we gather at First Congregational Church, Rochester (where I am the pastor, and where we have hot showers!) for community building, rules and regulations, and the essential getting-our-ducks-in-a-row event, food included. On the 26th, we'd make our way to Detroit Metro Airport to fly (right now, the most costeffective means of transportation available) to Orlando, where transportation to and from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is provided free of charge. After the event concludes on the 30th, we'd fly back to Detroit, make our way back to First Congregational Church, Rochester, and stay for one more festive evening with aclosing
worship on Sunday morning for those who wish to stay one more night and believe me, after spending time in community with one another for a trip like this, you're going to want to stay. One. More. Night!
Here's what is included in the preliminary costs Double occupancy for 5 days and 4 nights (including 8 meals, transportation to and from Orlando Regional Airport, and a parkhopper pass for the youth into Disney) is $549. I lived in Florida for four years no Florida resident can get a deal like this for Disney. Youth would be responsible for food during our freetime inside the theme parks (all day Friday). Youth would also be responsible for flight fees right now flights may be guesstimated at roughly $200 round trip from Detroit to Orlando. There will be opportunities to work with Disney's YES (Youth Education Series), and optional community immersion experiences beyond Disney and Coronado Springs campuses!
I am working diligently on ways to make transportation more affordable for our youth including donated frequent flyer miles and bargaining with airlines for a decent rate but I need your commitment first. I also need adults willing to participate in making this event happen for all youth who choose to "BELIEVE"! I am also working with the Michigan Conference to create a scholarship fund for those for whom the cost might be too much.
Registration will open on January 6, 2016 so we have some work to do!
You can reach me at (office) 248.651.6225 or (cell) 616.822.0669 or (email rev.greg.larsen@gmail.com) for more information, and to sign up as a leader!
Blessings!
Rev. Greg Larsen
Pastor, First Congregational Church, UCC - Rochester
