The Lutheran Youth Organization includes all youth in Lutheran congregations of the synod, grades 7-12.  The Board (for lack of another term) will be elected representation and officers for this synod, from students in grades 9-12.  We would like to hold elections at next year's (2011) Youthfext retreat.  Having 2 representatives from each conference is our goal.  The Board will meet periodically through-out the year for the purpose of planning synodical events, discussing current synodical issues, brainstorming ways to support congregational and youth ministries, leadership development, and fellowship with one another.

Any events that we plan are open to members of the LYO, that is all Lutheran Youth of the synod, as well as their friends.  Also connections are being made between Youth Convo and LYO, as well as Lutherlyn leadership programs in the future.  Efforts are being made to connect and work together, sharing resources and ministries, so that youth ministry in this synod is strengthened.

The 2010 Council of Synod LYO Presidents (CSLYOPs) will take place Thursday, Ocotber 28 to Reformation Sunday, October 31, 2010 at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland NE.  We hope to  have participation in this, as sending elected delegates to the Churchwide LYO Convention that happens alongside the next National Youth Gathering in New Orleans 2012.

To read about the LYO, it's history and place in the ELCA - www.elca.org/LYO

For now, Maggie Kemp, Mara Benson, Phylicia Johnson, and Jaclyn Shearer are serving as leadership for this endeavor along with advisors Pastor Erin Smith and Pastor Steve Broome.  Starting with identifying spiritual gifts, we are forming a leadership team.  Some have gifts for worship and teaching scripture, some have artistic gifts, some are gifted toward administration - but we need your youth's gifts too!  Invite them to come to our next meeting and find out how they can serve!

If you have a youth in your church, with gifts for leadership and service to the wider church, pas on this information to them.  You can either give them my email address This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or send me their nemes and I'll make the connection.

+Pastor Erin Smith