Why Did It All Change?

Two weeks ago, we rolled out a new name, a new mission, vision and structure, a new logo.  You’re probably wondering why.

Let me give you a little background.

Until a few years ago, the South Carolina Synod Youth Ministry Task Force 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 included 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. 

This group developed a new mission statement, vision and structure. 

Then, on March 1st, I began as the new Coordinator for Children and Youth.  (I added children because I strongly believe we must start discipleship at a much younger age.) The first thing I did was research. I looked at what other synods were doing.  I talked to colleagues.  And I set up listening sessions around our synod.  This is what I heard:

Needs

  • Better communication+++
  • More structure and supervision at retreats
  • Be careful with insider language.
  • Need to adapt!
  • Leadership training for task force and event staff +
  • More content in publicity – descriptions of retreats, etc. – not just the what but the why
  • Networking/Connecting ++
  • Resources – ready made to hand out
  • Plan for year and get dates out early +
  • Convention +

Ideas

  • Confirmation Retreats +
  • Conference Gatherings +
  • Retreat at Kinard for Leaders – speakers, idea share, etc.
  • Transition Retreat for high school seniors
  • Vocation Retreat +
  • Cultivate relationships in churches
  • Stewardship of creation retreat
  • Bishop’s School or Day with the Bishop
  • Publicize what youth groups are doing
  • Social Media
  • Something for elementary aged kids
  • Lutheroad at Camp Kinard
  • Camp experience once a month (like ELF)
  • Collaboration between Camp Kinard and Lutheridge
  • Youth on planning teams

The CYFM Network Board decided on the name, logo, and calendar of events in the hope that they will resonate with our synod’s values, foster trust, and lay the foundation for a strong and engaged community of children, youth and adults.  It also aligns with our mission, vision and core values.

Now more than ever, young people need us to be with them and for them in new ways to help them develop faith for today, and faith that sticks and grows with them into the future. These changes are more than just a marketing tactic; they are part of our journey towards creating a more cohesive and engaged synod community.

I hope you’ll join us!

And always shine wherever you are.

Deacon Deboara Poole

Resources for September

September is:

Suicide Prevention Month

Hope: A Guide for Faith Leaders to Help Prevent Youth Suicide | National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (theactionalliance.org)

Teaching resources for talking with teens about suicide | PBS NewsHour Classroom

Children Ages 12 and Younger – Suicide Prevention Resource Center (sprc.org)

Five Ways a Church Can Observe National Suicide Prevention Month – Gordon Conwell

Hispanic Heritage Month

17 Awesome Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students (elementaryassessments.com)

Season of Creation

Season of Creation Formation Resources (buildfaith.org)

Creation Justice Resources for Children & Youth | UMC Creation Justice (umcreationjustice.org)

Season of Creation

“To hope and act with creation” is theme of 2024 Season of Creation | The Lutheran World Federation