Youth Ministry E-News July 09

Youth Ministry E-News July 09

Southeastern Youth Ministry E-News

July/August 2009

I have heard from many of you about your busy summers. You have been involved in Summer Camps, WOW, Affirm, Lutheridge, VBS, Mission Trips, the Gathering, and much more. I received this little poem from one of my Sunday school teachers today, Mrs. Hefner taught me in 5th-8th grades and she is still teaching me and sending me stuff 30 years later! Thanks for all you have done with our kids this summer and sharing who God is with them. It Matters! Have a Great rest of the summer!

Love, Rachel

AIN'T

He was just a little boy,
On a week's first day.
Wandering home from Bible school,
And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He even found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
And blew out all the 'filler.'

A bird's nest in a tree overhead,
So wisely placed up so high.
Was just another wonder,
That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig zag course,
And hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day
And what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School ,'
He said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying,
'I've learned a lot about God.'

'M'm very fine way,' the neighbor said,
'for a boy to spend his time.'
'If you'll tell me where God is,
I'll give you a brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
'I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain't.'

You’re Invited!

The ELCA Southeastern Synod
Ice Cream Party with Bishop Gordy
Bienville Club Room Upstairs
in the SuperDome, New Orleans
Friday, July 24, 2009
8:30-9:30 pm

ALL-ALASSIPPI YOUTH GATHERING

August 28-30, 2009
at the Gulf Shores Christian Retreat Center. This event is for youth grades 6th-12th who live in the states of Alabama and Mississippi!
Registration forms are available on www.elca-ses.org and www.sesyouth.org or email Rachel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Marcia Giordano at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the forms.

ALL-TENNESSEE YOUTH GATHERING

Save the dates Nov 13-15 or Nov 20-23
Information is Coming Soon from the Planning Team!
Please email Rachel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can serve on this team with Melody Simpkins, Julie Stickney, and Sarah Smith!

ALL-GEORGIA YOUTH GATHERING

March 12-14,  2010 FFA-FCCLA Camp, Covington, Georgia

Walking Holy

A Region 9 Youth Holy Land Pilgrimage
to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, and the Dead Sea
This is an Educational Trip that will bring the Bible to Life!
Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossRoAds, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies: and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
December 20,  2010-January 2, 2011      Approximately $3500
Application IS posted to the synod  SITE At  
www.sesyouth.org and www.elca-ses.org
DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED to August 30, 2010 or until Trip is Full

Save the Dates!

SESLYO Assembly January 22-24, 2009
Affirm 2010 is  June 20-25!

For All Ages

Lutheran Night at the Braves

Wednesday, July 22     7:00PM
Field Level Tickets $37
Terrace Level $17
Nominate someone to throw out the First Pitch
Go to www.atlantalutherans.net for
info and to reserve your tickets.
Children (and their adults friends) are invited to parade on Turner Field before the game
See your children and you on the JumboTron
Register at www.atlantalutherans.net

Lost and Found Concert

November 21, 2009
For ticket information   770-448-4142   www.nfumc.org

United Methodist Church, Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, Georgia

Passion 2010 Conference for Students

Jan 2-5 Phillips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

http://268generation.com/passion2010/

ELCA YOUTH TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND
(different from the Region 9 Walking Holy Trip)

Youth (ages 15 through 22) are invited to join in a leadership and peace-building trip to the Holy Land July 8-22 of 2010.  See www.elca.org/peacenotwalls

Young Adult Stuff

Follow ELCA Young Adults on Twitter! www.twitter.com/elcayoungadults
Check out the new ELCA Young Adult Web Presence at www.elca.org/imagineyourself

Are you a congregation interested in Young Adult Ministry?
Meet with Kristen Glass, ELCA Young Adult Specialist on October 9th for conversation about how to get started. This will be  free day for you and your team to talk with Kristen about possibilities for your congregation. Please RSVP to Rachel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Looking Ahead

SESYALL Young Adult Retreat October 9-11th at Lutheranch
For Young Adults Ages 18-30 who live in the Southeastern Synod
Special Guest is Kristen Glass, ELCA Young Adult Specialist
Cost is $40 for the weekend which includes lodging, meals, and programming.  Space is limited. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adult Training Opportunities

Don’t forget the SES offers a $250 scholarship for youth ministry and multicultural training. Check out the www.elca-ses.org for more information on those scholarships.

Extravaganza Site and Dates Are Set!

The ELCA Youth Ministry Network has confirmed the dates and location of the 2010 Extravaganza.  The event will be held from February 4-8, 2010 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Network's Intensive Care Courses will be held Feb. 4-5, and the main event will begin the evening of February 5th.  The theme of this year's event is "Irresistible".

Grow in Grace

Southeastern Synod Youth and Family Ministry Training Event
It is a two day retreat experience with an expert in Teaching the Bible to Youth and Children, Professor Shauna Hannon from LTSS as our keynote speaker.  This event also includes a variety of workshops for all size congregations and Augsburg Fortress will offer workshops on their curriculums. The goal is to equip and empower those who work (paid and non-paid) in children’s and youth ministries.  Come be fed so that you can help others to GROW IN GRACE!
Rock of Ages Lutheran Church      October 23-24, 2009
Bring Your Team! All your Sunday School Teachers, Youth and Family Volunteers, and Parents!

Gathering in the East

The Premier east coast Youthworkers event and convention dedicated to training, renewal and networking.
www.gatheringintheeast.org
April 16-18, 2010
Holiday Inn, Harrisburg, PA

Media Madness

Parent and Volunteer Training Events
Across the State of Georgia
An Educational Resource Designed
to reduce the influence of Media on Youth. http://janefondacenter.emory.edu/

For more information please contact Emma Clark, Member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Atlanta at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

You can either attend a free training in Atlanta or have a free training at your church. They are looking for sites all across Georgia.  JANE FONDA CENTER   Phone: (404) 712-8730 Fax: (404) 712-8739

Youth in Mission Conference

A conference for Youth Ministry Workers
Sacred Stories: Youth Faith Formation in an Interfaith World
April 12-14, 2010 - Event Info
Date: April 12-14, 2010
Location: The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
1100 E 55th St
Chicago, IL 60615
Topic: Youth Faith Formation in an Interfaith World

Keynote from the Interfaith Youth Core:
There are millions of young people with different religious and philosophical perspectives interacting with increasing frequency around the world. This interaction tends toward either conflict or cooperation. Come for amazing dialog on strengthening faith, creating partnerships that equip young people for action and nurturing leadership in a multifaith world.
“Through the Interfaith Youth Core I was able to learn about the many different belief systems that exist, ideologies and philosophies people have that are absolutely amazing.…It has changed me completely, it made me much more open-minded and accepting of others’ beliefs and traditions, teaching me to accept and embrace diversity in its fullest.” ~Silvia, age 17
More Information about the Conference and the Workshop leaders will be posted at a later date.
Registration Info:
•    Early Registration: November 2 - January 15
•    Late Registration: January 16 - March 12

Youth Specialties Youth Workers Convention

Atlanta  Nov 20-23, 2009  
at the World Congress Center!    http://www.nywc.com/attend/
Registration cost is $350 if you sign up by Aug 1(this does not include lodging, food, etc)

Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2010

Hyatt Regency (Chicago/O'Hare)
Feb. 26 - Mar. 1, 2010
http://conference.youthministry.com/

Group Children’s Ministry Conferences

Fall 2009
Bring your entire Children’s Ministry Leadership Team!    www.how2conference.com

Other Good Things

If your "Youth Ministry" needs a web-site, check out Shutterfly.  They just launched their Share Sites.  They take photo albums that you upload & put them on a personalized site for you for FREE.  You can add pages, share photos, add a calendar, about us section, blogs, forums, polls, and more.  Best of all, you control the privacy and security thorugh the site.