SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADVISORS: EXTRAVAGANZA 2017

Your synod’s Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team would like to encourage those who work with youth to participate in the ELCA  Extravaganza, a 4-day conference that draws together anywhere from 500 to 750 adults who work with youth in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for renewal, education and networking. The Extravaganza will be held in Louisville, KY from January 20-23. The event is for professional staff and volunteers. It is for pastors and lay people. It is for all who share in the adventure we call youth and family ministry.

The team is offering two scholarships to cover the cost of the Extravaganza program (covering up to $380). Check out the Extravaganza website for discounts for airfare, additional scholarship assistance , and information about housing.

To apply for the synod scholarship, download the scholarship form and mail/email the completed form to Karen Matthias-Long, The Lutheran Center in Northeastern PA, 2354 Grove RD, Allentown, PA 18109 by November 15.

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Have you heard the saying, “Youth are the church of tomorrow?” Nothing could be further from the truth because youth are very much the church of TODAY. They are worship leaders, learners and teachers, servant leaders, committee members and more in their home congregations. How are young people involved in the ministries of your congregation? Think of new ways for young people to use their gifts, perhaps even in roles normally taken by adults.

Have you spoken with your young people how they can be involved in the church at the synod and regional level? Here are some examples:

• Lutheran Youth Fellowship Assembly
• FaithaPalooza
• Bear Creek Camp
• Theological Education with Youth
• trips to our companion partner synods (Argentina/Uruguay, Saxony, Slovenia, and Tanzania)
• serve as a voting member at the synod assembly

Have you spoken with your young people how youth and young adults are involved in the church at the churchwide level? Here are some examples:

• Young Adults in Global Mission
• ELCA Youth Gathering
• Lutheran Volunteer Corps
• Urban Servant Corps
• Border Servant Corps
• Abundant Life Together Alternative Year
• serve as a voting member at the churchwide assembly
• attend the churchwide youth gathering

Invest in your young people and show them the many opportunities that are available to them to strengthen their relationship with God and others.

If you have questions about any of these ministries, please contact Karen Matthias-Long or Pastor Jen Dee (convener of the Youth, Youth Adult and Family Ministry Team).