Elementary Retreat Was a Blast!

Wow, what a weekend! On October 4-5, 23 kids and 8 adults attended the Elementary Retreat at Camp Kinard and it was fantastic!

You could definitely see a few nervous faces—both kids and grown-ups—when everyone first got there. But honestly, by the time lunch rolled around, they were all acting like old friends, jumping into the learning and fun activities together.

The whole goal of the retreat was to give them a safe, nurturing place to discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We spent time praying, worshiping, serving, and learning. My prayer is that they left feeling more sure about their faith and purpose as young Christians.

Shining Bright and Having Fun

Saturday was packed! Pastor Luke Swanson led some awesome, faith-based activities that really helped the kids bond and drove home the idea of “shining their light” for others. They:

  • Made cards for others.
  • Went on a pilgrimage.
  • Created a “SHINE” jar.
  • Took a cool nature hike.
  • Painted their own t-shirts.
  • Learned all about the power of prayer.

We wrapped up the day with the perfect campfire evening: a wiener roast, cupcakes, lots of singing around the fire, and a wild game of glow-in-the-dark sharks and minnows!

On Sunday, they did a trust walk and made nature collages. We closed out the whole weekend with a worship service that the kids themselves led, along with Pastor Jane Mitcham.

Why These Weekends Matter

Honestly, retreats like this are huge for kids! They’re not just about fun; they’re an amazing environment for spiritual growth and personal development. By giving children a supportive place to explore their faith, we’re helping to lay a strong foundation that will stick with them for a lifetime.

I really can’t say it enough: these events are so important. They help kids grow closer to God and build stronger friendships through their shared faith. I truly hope every church will think about offering this incredible opportunity to their children and parents.

Hope to see you there next year!

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

WALKING TOGETHER, FOSTERING HOPE

Supporting Mental Health Awareness Across South Carolina

There will be opportunities for dialogue, learning, and resourcing. The goal of the day is to raise awareness and to provide tools for families, congregations and communities to better address the needs of those of us, and those we know, that suffer with depression or mental illness. We hope that every community of faith in South Carolina plans to be present to raise awareness, be equipped, and feel empowered to foster hope.

Saturday, November 1, 2025
Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church
3011 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Keynote Speaker: Dennis Gillan

Dennis is on a mission to reverse the stigma of getting help for one’s mental health.

Learn More and Register at Walking together, Fostering Hope | ELCA South Carolina Synod.

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

Ensuring the safety and security of our children and youth is paramount to fostering a thriving and trustworthy faith community. This workshop directly addresses this by focusing on the development and implementation of effective Child/Youth Protection Policies. It begins by asking: ‘Does our church/faith community have a Child/Youth Protection Policy with annual training for adult staff and volunteers?’ This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about proactively mitigating risks, building trust with families, and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the vulnerable members of our community. This training will guide leaders through the process of creating a context-specific policy and provide actionable steps and outlines for putting it into practice, ultimately strengthening our ability to protect and nurture our young people.  Without a clear and consistently enforced Child/Youth Protection Policy and regular training, your faith community risks failing to adequately protect vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to harm and eroding the trust of families and the wider community.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT
January 23-25
Camp Kinard

Details Coming Soon!

CYFM LEADERS RETREAT

February 6-7 at Camp Kinard

“Worship Is for All: Experimenting Alongside Kids in Worship”

Children belong in worship—not just as observers, but as full participants. This interactive workshop invites church leaders, worship planners, and volunteers to explore how to make worship a more welcoming and formative experience for kids by experimenting with them, not just for them.

Together, we’ll reflect on theology and practical strategies for intergenerational worship, discuss creative approaches to engage children’s senses, questions, and gifts, and share real-life stories of different experiments. Participants will be encouraged to move from performance to participation, from polished to playful, and from scripted to Spirit-led.

This session will include hands-on activities, group reflection, and take-home tools you can adapt for your context—whether you’re just beginning or already trying new things. Come ready to be curious, collaborative, and courageous as we ask: What might the Spirit do if we let kids help us reimagine worship?

Ideal for: Pastors, worship leaders, Christian educators, children’s ministry teams, and anyone passionate about intergenerational church life.

My name is Heather Roth Johnson. As a North Carolina native, I have followed God’s call in my life as an ELCA missionary in Madagascar, lived on 3 continents, and now I reside in Minnesota. Like many, I wear many hats – my family hat means I am wife to Scott, Mom to Noah (24) and Jacob (deceased), and daughter of Billie, my aging mother. My fun hat means I am storyteller, public speaker, workshop leader, and writer/ blogger on storyboardingchurch.com. My work hat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN as Pastor of Intergenerational Ministry.

Resources

Advent in a Bag

The Christmas season is beautiful but often leaves families feeling stretched thin. How can we genuinely support them without creating more pressure? Advent in a Bag can do exactly that. It’s a ready-made kit of faith-at-home resources designed to support, love, and connect families on their own terms—whether they’re at the kitchen table or on the road. Hopefully, when a family opens it, they’ll be delighted and realize, “Finally, something simple to focus on the real meaning of the season together.”

Includes Devotions and Supply List

If interested, contactdeborah@scsynod.com

And more…

26 Ideas for Advent (with Sybil MacBeth)

Advent Activities for Families – Family Faith Builders

4 Advent activities you can use in your youth ministry

All Saints Day

All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls – Wendy Claire Barrie

8 Activities for All Saints’ Day

3 Excellent Activities for All Saints Day – Teach by Faith

Best Practices for Talking about Death in Ministry Settings

In our work as formation leaders, we will encounter opportunities to talk about death and minister to people who are grieving. It can be uncomfortable, and in our society, this discomfort often deters people from showing up and having conversations with those who have experienced loss. However, these moments are opportunities to show love and support.

Best Practices for Talking about Death in Ministry Settings

Sacred Grounds

a National Wildlife Federation program that recognizes congregations, houses of worship, and faith communities who both create wildlife habitat and actively link faith practices and caring for the environment. 

Sacred Grounds