The Annual Marty Party Was a Blast!

The annual Marty Party exploded with fun and faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Lexington on October 19th! Forget boring history lessons—this was a time of thrilling learning and unforgettable laughs!
Our amazing leader, Walt Hampton, Zion’s Youth Director, brought the Reformation to life! He told stories about Luther and the lightning, Luther’s first mass, the sale of indulgences by Tetzel, rescuing Katie and the nuns, and translating the Bible into German.

But the youth didn’t just sit and listen! Every story came with an epic, hands-on activity:

  • • They put their aim to the test, shooting Q-tips through a straw!
  • • Teams worked together in a hilarious relay, passing pretzels along a string to drop into a bucket!
  • • They strategized in a super-fun game of tic-tac-toe using communion ware!
  • • A towel was used to collect balls and drop them into a bucket.
  • • The participants also worked to decode a cipher.
  • • And finally, for the grand finale: a deliciously disgusting challenge!
  • • Teams faced the Diet of Worms, plunging headfirst into a towering mountain of whipped cream to find those elusive gummy worms—all without the help of their hands!

When the dust settled, one congregation stood victorious! Living Springs crushed the competition and proudly carried home the coveted Marty—a trophy representing all the fun and spirit of the day!

Do you have a story to share? Send to deborah@scsynod.com

Child and Youth Protection Policy

How are things going with implementing your child protection policy? Are you and your congregation feeling good about the child safety measures you have in place? What’s the status of your child protection work? Please let me know if I can assist you in any way and don’t forget the following event:

Child and Youth Protection Policy for Churches and Faith Communities
Thursday, November 20, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Christus Victor Lutheran Church
400 Harbison Boulevard, Columbia, SC, 29212
Cost: $50
Facilitator: Lexanne Graves

Hybrid Option Available: participants may join online for the same registration fee. Please check “Online Attendance” under “Participation Method” during checkout.

Child and Youth Protection Policy for Churches and Faith Communities — Pinnacle Leadership Associates

Stick Ministry

Do any of you have a stick ministry.  If so, please let me know. 

One of our congregations is interested in starting one.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

January 23-25
Camp Kinard
Details Coming Soon!

CYFM LEADERS RETREAT

February 6-7 at Camp Kinard
Nurturing the Spirituality of our Children

GATHERING EXPEDITION CAMP

The ELCA Youth Gathering only happens every three years—but we want to create more meaningful touchpoints for high school youth in between. This summer we’re bringing together the best of the ELCA Youth Gathering and the Lutheridge camp experience!

Campers will enjoy classic camp activities like swimming, crafts, campfires, challenge tower, and hiking—alongside Gathering favorites such as dynamic worship, inspiring speakers, and live music from the house band.

We’re also offering continuing education for youth leaders during the same week.
Gathering Expedition Camp takes place July 12–17 at Lutheridge—it’s going to be an incredible week of faith, fun, and formation!

JOURNEY TOGETHER: GROWING AS CYF MINISTERS

Journey Together is a guided, ten-session process for a small cohort of Region 9 youth ministry leaders. Through shared learning, reflection, and peer support, participants will deepen self-awareness, spiritual grounding, and leadership skills.

Each session weaves together theological reflection, practical tools, and collaborative conversation—helping leaders clarify their calling, strengthen their ministries, and sustain healthy, Christ-centered communities. Attached is a flyer with a QR code to register.

Download Flyer Here

RESOURCES

Need a service activity for your youth? SC Synod Lutheran Disaster Response has several projects (resulting from Helene) available. 

StoryBoard

Lots of great ideas from Rev. Heather Roth Johnson, who will be the presenter at our first annual CYFM Leaders Retreat in February.

StoryBoard | Moving Forward in God’s Story | Page 7

Augsburg Fortress 

Check out this new program which offers resources to support the worship and prayer life of kids and families.

Unbridled Presence

Ministry Leadership Center

Includes Advent sermons, adult small group guides, youth curriculum, and children’s ministry moments.

Advent Sermon Series | Whole-Church Curriculum – Ministry Leadership Center

 Deeper KidMin

Gratitude + Generosity = The Full Picture of Thanksgiving – Deeper KidMin

My Fantastic Fall Gratitude Journal

10 Tips for Planning Christmas in Your KidMin – Deeper KidMin

Candy cane tag

ReFocus Ministry

Advent Photo Scavenger Hunt

Building Faith

Advent Calendars for 2025

Practical Resources for Churches

Advent & Christmas Page

And for our young adults!

Young Adult Discussion Guide Series – Fuller Youth Institute