Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
From the Desk…
Events
News & Resources
mission statement
What We Believe God Has Called Us To Do
We believe God has called us, in partnership with parents and adult leaders, to cultivate faith formation, leadership development, fellowship and service by, with, and for ELCA children and youth and communities.
Vision Statement
What We Hope God Will Do Through Us
Our vision is for all youth and children in SC to experience God’s love and grace.
From the Desk of Deborah Poole
From the Desk…
The Youth Ministry Task Force is part of the Community Engagement Table in the Synod Council Structure. Until a few years ago, it was comprised of members of the Lutheran Church Youth (LCY) board. That structure worked well for many years, but it became clear over time that a new structure was needed.
After prayer, research, a visioning event, and many conversations, Pastor Emily Hartmann brought together a team including youth and adults from the Upstate, Midlands, and Low Country. It includes some folks who are familiar with the previous LCY structure, some who are part of other forms of youth ministry in South Carolina, and some who have experienced synodical youth ministry in other synods.
South Carolina Synod will move to a structure where our Youth Ministry Task Force includes members of many teams. Most teams will be convened by an adult and a youth. The Task Force will have an adult convener, a youth convener, and a synod staff member as well as the conveners from each Team.
On March 1, 2024, Deacon Deborah Poole came on board as the Coordinator for Children and Youth.
Children’s Ministry Team- This team plans and facilitates ministry with children in elementary school and younger.
Communication Team – This team works with the Synod Director of Communications to plan and facilitate the sharing of information regarding youth ministry events to the synod, congregations, and individuals.
Connecting Leaders Team– This team plans and facilitates workshops, networking opportunities, etc. to support, equip and encourage children and youth leaders and congregations across the synod.
Service Events Team – This team plans, facilitates, and evaluates special projects like Bridge Building, Camp HUGG, and GraceWorks.
Youth Ministry Team – This team plans, facilitates, and evaluates faith formation events including spring, winter, and fall weekend retreats.
ELCA Events Team – This team shares communications and plans for the ELCA Youth Gathering and other ELCA youth ministry opportunities.
Come Share in Re-Visioning South Carolina Youth Ministry!
Join a team today!
EVENTS
250+ from SC traveling to New Orleans!
Youth & Young Adult Gatherings, July 16-20 (MYLE & tAble, July 13-16)
Gathering Theme Scripture:
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. – Psalm 139:14
We’re excited that SC has over 250 participants headed to New Orleans in July for the ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE, tAble, and first ever Young Adult Gathering… (based on synod size, this is one of the larger participation %’s). Way to go, SC! We have congregations represented from all over the synod:
St. Philip, Newberry
Holy Trinity, Anderson
Ebenezer, Columbia
Pisgah, Lexington
St. Luke, Florence
University, Clemson
Incarnation, Columbia
St. Stephen, Lexington
Grace, Rock Hill
St. Michael, Greenville
St. Andrew’s, Columbia
Zion, Lexington
Holy Spirit, Charleston
Trinity, Greenville
Redeemer, Columbia
SC Synod Bishop’s Staff
St. John, Beaufort
Redeemer, Greer
Christus Victor, Columbia
St. Matthew, Charleston
Joy, Moore
Living Springs, Columbia
St. Luke, Summerville
St. John, Walhalla
Cristo Rey, West Columbia
Shepherd of the Sea, Murrells Inlet
Newberry College
St. David, West Columbia
SC Young Adults/Volunteers
Youth Gathering In-Kind Offering – Disaster Kit Items!
Our Region 9 focus item is: AA-powered small lanterns. Link here for info, including Amazon/Target direct order option…
Gathering-Based Devotions!
groups are doing monthly pre-gathering devotions, but these are adaptable materials great for any group.
Have a watch party for some of the streamed Gathering events!
Mass Gatherings will be each evening at 7pm (July 16/17/18/19) and closing worship will be Saturday (July 20) at 9:30am.
Pray!
Have your youth regularly include in prayer all the gathering participants, staff, people of New Orleans, etc. Pick a couple of SC participating groups each time (and/or lift up other synods)!
Resources& Links
LINKS COMING SOON
Organizational structure
LINKS COMING SOON
Our Call as the Church of TODAY…
We are called, young and old, to be the Body of Christ together. In baptism we receive God’s Spirit, through which we are empowered to answer that call. Together we can do so much more than we can individually. Together, let us share God’s love with all the world! Together we can make a difference!
The purpose of the South Carolina Synod Lutheran Church Youth organization is to be a community in Christ…Rooted in God’s love…Hearing God’s voice…Acting as God’s hands.
To be an adult volunteer for these events, please contact Rev. Emily Hartmann by e-mail emily@scsynod.com.. Also, you will need to download and complete the background check release form.
Additional Resources
Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When employees and volunteers are trained to identify potential abusers, recognize the signs of abuse, and know how to handle reporting, they are better equipped to prevent abuse.
LCY Resolution Against Racial Injustice
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Resolution Against Racial Injustice was passed by the Voting Members of the 2015 Annual Convention of the Lutheran Church Youth of the South Carolina Synod, ELCA this 20th day of June by unanimous decision.
Mission Partners
Get In Touch
This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
Contact Information
ELCA South Carolina Synod
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone 803-765-0590
Fax 803-252-5558
Looking for Something?
Related Organizations
James R. Crumley, Jr., Archives (ELCA Archives)
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
NovusWay (Lutheridge+Lutherock+Luther Springs+Lutheranch)
South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth
South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission
