An Invitation for Youth Leaders

What are you doing next January 31 through February 3?  If you are an adult youth leader in any of our congregations, I would like you to consider this invitation.  Join youth leaders from across the country at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in St. Louis.

The Extravaganza is an event filled with worship, plenary speakers, workshops, music and displays.  It is intended for professionals and volunteers, young and old, urban and rural.  If you are engaged in youth ministry in any way, Extravaganza is for you.  I would hope that pastors would consider attending too.  I have long believed that every pastor is a youth pastor.  How about using the Extravaganza for some continuing ed?

This past weekend I attended the 2013 Extravaganza in Orange County, California.  There were a handful of us from the Northern Illinois Synod including Audrey Adams, our LYO Event Coordinator and part of the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center staff and Rosemary Sibley, one of our synod LYO advisors.  Rosemary and I have attended Extravaganzas in the past.  This was a first time experience for Audrey.  All three of us agreed that it was a great event.

Next year’s St. Louis location should make it easier and more cost effective for people from Northern Illinois to attend.  Extravaganza is sure to be a shot in the arm for you and your work with youth.  You will come home energized.  You will make new friends, hear new ideas, and learn about current trends and resources.

If you are a volunteer youth leader with a limited youth budget, I suggest that you speak to your pastor and congregation council about the possibility of helping pay your way to Extravaganza.  It will be a good investment.

 

You will find more information about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network and Extravaganza on its website.  Comments?  Go to the blog website or comment on Facebook.  --JC

Rosemary and Audrey waiting for the first session to begin