Yep, we are going to try to pull off a Synod Youth Academy at SynodFest 2013. This will be a leadership event held at Wittenberg University for High School students. The event will take place on Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8.
Look for the Synod Youth Academy flier to be enclosed in the February monthly mailing from the Synod Office.
This event is a result of congregations asking for an annual Synod-wide High School leadership event.
In the meantime, if you have questions or ideas connect with Gary.
Click on "Calendar" under the "Quick Links" section of the e-bulletin (top left corner, third pearl down). There are oodles of upcoming events.
Remember that Synod Staff (Gary) are available to come to your congregation to help you to Create a Healthy Youth Ministry Culture in Your Congregation. There is no cost for the visit.
Gary recently heard a congregational youth director say that his ministry to young people is only limited by the number of adults over age 50 that are involved in the ministry. Consider putting your OWL's in a room and let's brainstorm how to Faith Web kids into the Kingdom.
The Faith Advances continue to go well. Over 100 people have been through Faith Advance events thus far since September.
What is a Faith Advance?: It is a program designed by our Synod staff specifically for youth and parents/mentors from the Southern Ohio Synod. During Faith Advances participants are trained in Faith Skills. There are over 40 Faith Skills in the Faith Advance Program.
Who Can Attend?: Designed for teens and their parents/mentors, it is best to attend your first Faith Advance as a Middle Schooler...along with their parents/mentors. The goal is always a 1 to 1 ratio of youth to adults.
Are There Various Faith Advance Experiences?: Yes, with over 40 Faith Skills to learn experiences build upon one another until all the Faith Skills are covered
What is the Format?: Faith Advances can either be day long or overnight experiences. They can be hosted by a congregation or church camp.
What is the Cost?: Just expenses (Food/Lodging). Since Faith Advances are led by Synod Staff programming costs are aborbed by the Synod...These are your Synod dollars at work. :)
Interested in more details?: Contact Gary
On March 22, 2001, Amended Ohio Senate Bill 187 became law (Ohio Revised Code sections 109.574-577, 121.401, 121.402). The legislation's purpose is to help ensure that youth-serving organizations that place volunteers in positions requiring "unsupervised access to children on a regular basis" use appropriate screening methods.
Churches are required to adhere to Amended Ohio Senate Bill 187.
Is your congregation up to speed on safe gaurding children and youth? What steps have you taken? Need some information? Synod Staff are well versed on helping congregations through this murky subject.
are scheduled as folks raise their hand and say, "Hey, let's do one in my area." Contact Gary and after a date, time, and location are chosen, he will advertise the event through facebook, youth & family e-bulletins, and hard copy mailings to congregations.
Just for you...a youth and family ministry facebook group page has been created focusing on our favorite topic. Here's a chance to ask questions, have discussions, and share what you are doing in youth and family ministry to an entire network.
To join, send a request to Gary Pecuch or Susan Barton Nonno through Facebook or send an email request and Gary will send you an invitation.
www.southernohiosynod.org Click on the youth and family ministry tab
gpecuch@southernohiosynod.org or 614-464-3532 extension 110