The Dwelling 

This summer (July 20-25), the youth of St John’s Lutheran, Beaufort, went to The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC. This is a church comprised of people who are unhoused or formerly unhoused. This is a growing church in the ELCA. Pastor Emily Harkins founded it. We do a summer program called SPARK’DWELL. This is their summer program for all youth of many denominations.  

While we were there for a week, we did a walk-on-the-margins simulation on Monday. This gives the kids a chance to understand what life is like for an unhoused person. They must either find shelter for the night, look for housing, get help with mental health or addiction issues, and other things that can be harder for an unhoused person to do. Not all the goals that are hoped to be accomplished are accomplished, and the kids begin to understand that being unhoused is not an easy life.  

The rest of the week, we do service projects around Winston-Salem. My group worked on HOPE Farm on Tuesday and Wednesday. HOPE is an acronym for Help Our People Eat.  We then worked at the church we were staying at on Thursday, painting a mural and refurbishing furniture for the Pearl Project. 

The youth at St. John’s have been going to the Dwelling for five years. Each year, they experience something new. Whether it’s making new friends or learning more about the unhoused community than they had the previous year, they always come away with something new.  

If you would like to learn more about the summer program at The Dwelling, you can contact me, Deacon Katie Justice, and I will connect you with Amber Harris, who is over the SPARK’DWELL program.  

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

Let’s Glow for God! 
Elementary Retreat
(Grades 1-5)
October 4-5
Camp Kinard
Register by September 27! 

Register Now!

EXTRAVAGANZA 2026 

January 30-February 2, 2026
St. Louis, Missouri 

This leadership event gathers church leaders who work with children, youth, young adults and their families for 4 days and 3 nights of focused learning and growth in your ministry. 

I am pleased to announce a special scholarship opportunity for one individual to attend. This scholarship, valued at $350, covers the full registration fee for attendee + one year membership to ELCAYMNET. (Note: Travel and housing expenses are not included.) 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 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, writer/ blogger. on storyboardingchurch.com. My work hat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities in  Minneapolis, MN as Pastor of Intergenerational Ministry. 

RESOURCES 

New and Recent Formation Resources for Advent 

From Resources to Relationships: Shifting Your Mindset in Partnering with Parents – Deeper KidMin 

Free download: Family Prayer Calendar to make praying for your families a habit!
DKM KidMin Leader Family Prayer Calendar 

Are you looking for a fun fall devotional for your families? Check out this new post from Rev. Heather Roth Johnson.
My ABC’s with Jesus | StoryBoard 

THEME FOR 2025-2026 

MATTHEW 5: 17. “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE” 

Rooted in the knowledge of God’s love and grace, and empowered by our baptismal calling to live, hear, share, proclaim, serve, and strive, South Carolina Synod Children, Youth and Family Ministry is called to nurture youth as lights for the world, equipping them to discover their gifts, embrace belonging, and become faithful leaders and servants of Christ. 

EVENTS IN 2025-2026  

October 4-5 Elementary Retreat – “What is a Disciple?” 

October 19 Marty Party 

November 1 Mental Health Day (Synod-Wide) 

November 20 Child Protection Policy Training  

January TBA CYFM Cabinet  

January 23-25 Middle School Retreat – “What is a Disciple?” 

February 6-7 CYF Leaders –  

March 13-15 Confirmation Retreat (6-8) 

May 15-17 High School Retreat – “What is a Disciple?” 

June Leadership Summit – What it Means to be a Faithful Leader 

In conjunction with Synod Assembly. Will include social gatherings, pool party, etc.  

June/July Camp Hugg 

GraceWorks