Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
From the Desk…
Events
News & Resources
Connecting Leaders – Zoom Meetings
Contact Deacon Deborah Poole for the Zoom link via email at deborah@scsynod.com.
OUR CORE VALUES
How We Believe God Would Have Us Accomplish the Mission And Vision
Leadership Development
- Form youth to be leaders.
- Plan and implement leadership training for youth.
Faith Formation
- Plan and implement events and programs intended to lead children, youth and their families closer to Christ and toward a life of discipleship.
Equip Adult Leaders
- Encourage and support youth leaders through events where leaders can share experiences, successes and resources.
Support
- Develop and maintain communication to inform youth and youth leaders about upcoming events, using email, social media, monthly newsletter.
- Provide publicity for events in a timely manner.
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
ideas for your graduation celebration!
WRAPPING SERVICE
- Quilt
- Blankets with their name at the bottom
- Fleece tie blankets in the school colors of their college/university. If not going to college they get to pick their favorite colors
- Blankets embroidered with church logo
- Crocheted Prayer Shawls
Yard Signs with church name
Tri-fold boards of pictures/etc. to display. Photos, soccer ball, Harry Potter stuff, whatever fits their personality.
Host a luncheon, dinner or dessert celebration. Plan time for a slide show, sharing stories, affirmations and prayer.
Have volunteers deliver care packages to each graduate’s house.
Contigo water bottle, stuffed with treats. Have a member cricut the name of the church and the students name for the bottle. Why “Contigo” you ask? It is Spanish for “To Go With”. Remind them that no matter where they go, God goes with them as do our prayers and love from the congregation that has watched them grow and continue to grow.
Books
We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates
Always Wear Clean Underwear: And Other Ways Parents Say I Love You
Unscheduled Grace: 40 Reflections and Prayers for College Students
Senior Spotlights every day leading up to graduation on social media pages.
Have graduates fill leadership roles in worship – preach, serve communion, read, children’s message, etc.
Surge protector power strip with outlets and usb ports…a reminder to stay connected with God/church.
Bag for laundry! Remember your baptism.
Laundry basket, filled with tide pods, dryer sheets etc
Elastic Velcro towel. Embroider it.
Wooden bookmarks with the church logo on them that we gave out last year.
A journal with memories, scripture, or words of wisdom from the congregation
A Leatherman
Organizational structure
newsletters
Resources& Links
ELCA Faith Formation
Growing Young Assessment
Living Our Baptism
Implementing the ELCA Faith Practices in your Ministry Setting
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.
EVENTS
4th Thursdays
@ 7:00 p.m.
Connecting Leaders – Zoom Meetings
Contact Deacon Deborah Poole for the Zoom link via email at deborah@scsynod.com.
Oct. 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Youth Leaders Training
All Leaders invited; Mandatory for adults working at Synod Events
Nov. 16, 2024
Lutheran Youth Day at Newberry College
Love in Action Weekend
If you can’t join us for service and football, do something for others in your congregation and community.
Dec. 7, 2024
SC Lutheran Kids
Children in Elementary School will come together for learning and fun!
Jan. 2025
Love in Action Weekend (By Conference)
Join your conference for a special accompaniment project
Jan. 24-26, 2025
Middle School Retreat at Camp Kinard
Something special for those in Grades 6-8
Feb. 7-9, 2025
Elementary School Retreat at Camp Kinard
Just for those in Grades 1-5
Apr. 6, 2025
Love in Action Weekend (By Area)
Join your area for a special accompaniment project
May 9-11, 2025
High School Retreat at Coastal Retreat Center
Time away for those in Grades 9-12
SC Lutheran Youth Summit
Worship! Workshops! Connections!
Jun. 28 – Jul. 4, 2025
Camp Hugg
Jul. 7-11, 2025
GraceWorks
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