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 congregationsโRedeemer, Faith, St. Johnโs, and Martin Lutherโjoined 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 didnโt just sit and listenโthey 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 campโs 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 โjourney with Jesus.โ
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 initiativeโa grant-funded program from the Lilly Endowments’ Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer project, hosted by Capital Universityโis 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 goalโthey 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 lovesโearth, air, water, and fire/light. By making learning tangible, interactive, and deeply relevant, children are truly listening and participatingโand 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 18โ25). Itโs 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 detailsโyou wonโt want to miss whatโs 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
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 havenโt 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 Iโm seeing that are moving childrenโs ministry, and the church itself, forward.
Less Glitter, More Gospel | StoryBoard
The State of Todayโs 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 โ Barna Resources
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!
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 practiceโbecause ministry happens every day, in every interaction, with every student.
Everyday Ministry – Small Youth Ministry Resources
2026-2027
Themeย What Aboutโฆ
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
