GraceWorks, Lowcountry

In June, youth from St. Matthew’s Lutheran in Charleston and All Saints Lutheran in Mt. Pleasant joined forces for two days of GraceWorks Lowcountry, a program of service learning for middle and high school youth. GraceWorks Lowcountry youth served at several locations, including Neighbors Together, Lowcountry Food Bank, Bitty and Beaus, All Saints Respite Care, and Lutheran Services Carolinas.

GraceWorks originated in Columbia, SC in 2014 when youth and adult leaders from several area Lutheran congregations were inspired to make a difference in their own local communities. One of the key components to GraceWorks is that it is collaborative, bringing youth from different congregations together to make a greater impact than any of them could individually. GraceWorks Lowcountry was born from GraceWorks Midlands when Pastors Kris and Ginger Litman Koon moved from Columbia to Mt. Pleasant to serve All Saints. While not as large or long-established as GraceWorks Midlands, GraceWorks Lowcountry is aiming to build its network of partner congregations and local agencies in order to expand its ministry in the Lowcountry area.

If you have questions or are interested in participating in GraceWorks Lowcountry next summer, contact Deacon Andrew More at deaconandrew65@gmail.com.

Music Camp at Martin Luther, Charleston
Sing the Journey

For the second consecutive year, four local congregations—Redeemer, Faith, St. John’s, and Martin Luther—joined forces to create an unforgettable experience for 17 enthusiastic children. Filled with energy, creativity, and deep connection, this year’s music camp proved that when communities collaborate, magic happens.

Every morning kicked off with a opening worship. Campers didn’t just sit and listen—they raised their voices in song, heard inspiring Bible readings, and centered themselves with a powerful morning prayer that set an uplifting tone for the day’s adventures.

   The daily rotation kept campers on their toes as they dove headfirst into:

  • Chimes
  • Movement
  • Instruments – percussion was certainly a crowd favorite!

Amidst the snack and laughter, the camp’s core message came alive through storytelling.

Throughout the week, each child decorated a cutout portrait of themselves. They also decorated a “road” filled with themes and lessons from the daily Bible stories. This creative project served as a visual testament to each child’s personal “journey with Jesus.”

The week-long celebration culminated in a Friday concert for proud family members and friends. The children showcased what they had learned, filling the room with music and rhythm.

This incredible community tradition is the brainchild of Gina Shuey, Music Director at Martin Luther. What started as a long-held dream has officially blossomed into a annual tradition for church and community, leaving a mark on a new generation of young musicians.

Sunday School at Faith, Batesburg-Leesville

In 2024, Pastor Lisa Isenhower initiated an incredible journey by applying for an Age-to-Age grant! This groundbreaking initiative—a grant-funded program from the Lilly Endowments’ Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer project, hosted by Capital University—is designed to equip congregations with tools and support to boost faith formation across generations.

Through hands-on partnerships with dedicated specialists and coaches, each chosen congregation dives into a specialized ministry project built with children and families in mind, backed by a $750 grant to bring their vision to life!

Faith set out with a bold goal: to increase Biblical literacy for their children. And they didn’t just meet that goal—they completely shattered expectations! Attendance has swelled from just a handful of kids to an excited group of 16 to 20 children every Sunday!

To make this happen, they transitioned to an energetic one-room model, incorporating active learning elements like singing, crafts, and creative snacks. Congregation member Michelle Moyer stepped up to write an innovative curriculum that blends faith with science: a S.T.E.M. journey diving deep into the four elements found in the world that God loves—earth, air, water, and fire/light. By making learning tangible, interactive, and deeply relevant, children are truly listening and participating—and the results speak for themselves!

The 2026-2027 Events Calendar is Here!

We are happy to unveil a lineup packed with learning, connection, and growth. We are keeping our favorite retreats while introducing fresh experiences designed just for you!

  • Bridge Building is Back! We are excited to bring back this foundational program with renewed energy to help us connect and grow together with senior adults.
  • New Horizons for Young Adults: We are launching brand-new opportunities specifically tailored for young adults (ages 18–25). It’s time to find your voice, build your community, and make an impact.
  • Favorite Retreats Return: All your most loved retreats are back on the calendar, ready to provide the space you need to recharge and refocus.

Stay tuned for more details—you won’t want to miss what’s in store!

Which of these new opportunities are you most excited to share with your community first?

Child Protection Policy

Recent events in Pawley’s Island have once again highlighted the critical importance of child protection policies. Does your congregation currently have a child protection policy in place? If you would like assistance in developing or reviewing one, please feel free to reach out.

Here are several resources:

safe gatherings – Search (the synod has a partnership)

SELECTION.COM Background Checks

Deacon Lexanne Graves at  Lgraves910@gmail.com  or Pinnacle Leadership Associates

Home – Darkness to Light

On June 27, the CYFM team had the pleasure of sitting down with Aaron Schopa, Director of Youth Ministry for the ELCA. It was a wonderful exchange of ideas, packed with invaluable resources and insights for our ministry. Click below to watch the full video!

News From the ELCA Youth Gathering

Synod Fundraising

I am looking at fundraising to help alleviate costs for youth in our synod to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering. If you are interested in brainstorming ways that we can do this, please join me on Zoom on September 10 at 7pm.

Important Dates

Oct. 1, 2026 Financial assistance opens

Oct. 21, 2026 Priority registration opens

If you haven’t signed up for gNews, here is the link. It is filled with updates!Gathering | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Resources

Curriculum for youth ministry teams, youth, parents, church councils, Sunday forums, Bible study groups, etc.

Formation Co-Op – Co-Op Resources

Read the latest from Rev. Heather Roth Johnson

Top ten trends I’m seeing that are moving children’s ministry, and the church itself, forward.

Less Glitter, More Gospel | StoryBoard

The State of Today’s Family – Barna Group

I downloaded this and have just started reading.

 It may be worth a conversation!

Digital copy is just $19

The State of Today’s Family – Barna Resources

Blog – Illustrated Ministry

Youth Ministry Articles

See What They Are Carrying

August 20 | 11:00 ct

Join us for a practical webinar with Dr. Chinwe Williams on recognizing emotional struggles in kids and teens, understanding anxiety and emotional shutdown, and responding with greater confidence and compassion.

Use code MENTAL HEALTH at checkout to attend for FREE!

Support Youth Mental Health

Everyday Ministry

Free Resource Everyday Ministry offers simple, accessible volunteer training designed for real schedules and real life. With 11 short videos and discussion guides, it helps leaders reflect, grow, and put what they learn into practice—because ministry happens every day, in every interaction, with every student.

Everyday Ministry – Small Youth Ministry Resources

2026-2027

Theme What About…

Dates

October 10-11, 2026: Elementary Retreat

TBD: Leader Webinar

January 8-10, 2027: High School Retreat

February 5-7, 2027: Middle School Retreat

June 12-18, 2027: Camp Hugg

June 28-July 2, 2027: Youth and Young Adult Gathering

July 7-10, 2027: Bridge Building

July 11-16, 2027: Graceworks