Annual Events for Youth Sponsored by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Pittsburgh Youth Quake - This annual Junior High Event is a partnership between the synod and Youth Encounter. It focuses on the needs and interests of young people in grades 6-9. The event is usually held the last weekend in January or the first weekend in February at the Wyndham Hotel in Pittsburgh (near the airport). Nationally known speakers and musicians work with Youth Encounter Teams to present an exciting weekend. Much of the small group work done at the event takes place within congregational groups, enabling adults and junior leaders(youth in grades 10-12) to develop deeper relationships with the youth of their congregations. Our local planning committee is chaired by Joyce Lydick. For detailed information and registration materials, visit http://www.youthencounter.org.
Bible Bowl - Congregational teams of youth in grades 6-12 study an assigned book of the Bible. Local competitions are established at sites around the synod, normally on the last Sunday of February. The winner of each site participates in a Regional Bible Bowl, normally the first Sunday in March. Winning teams then advance to the "Super Bible Bowl" on the third Sunday of March. The winner of the Super Bible Bowl receives a trophy at the next synod assembly. For detailed information and registration materials, visit http://www.swpabiblebowl.org.
Scouting Dinner - Each year in March, the synod's Scouting Subcommittee sponsors a worship service and dinner bringing together scouts and their families from around the synod. Scouts who have earned religious emblems are honored. Throughout the year, help is available to congregations interested in assisting youth in earning religious emblems.
Youthfest - This annual event is held at Camp Lutherlyn on the last full weekend of April. Youthfest begins Friday evening and ends with the noon meal on Sunday. It is for youth in grades 9 -12. This is the synod's largest youth gathering each year. Exceptional musicians and speakers along with small group studies and fellowship times make this weekend a real highlight for senior high youth. For more information and a sample schedule of Youthfest visit http://www.youthfestswpa.org.
Youth Convo - Held in conjunction with the synod assembly, Youth Convo is a leadership development opportunity for youth in grades 9 -12. Youth who attend Convo participate in aspects of the assembly as well as in separate programming. Youth who apply to participate must have a written reference describing his/her leadership potential.
Praisefest - Various congregations share in providing an exciting worship experience for junior and senior high youth and their adult leaders. Offered periodically through the year by congregations from around the synod, the worship experiences include lively music, skits, Holy Communion, prayer, puppets and other enthusiastic expressions of faith. The host congregation leads the worship service. Fellowship is also an important part of each event.
Committee Goals
Provide training for adult leaders
Identify, train, and support area youth ministry contact persons. These people will serve as a liaison between congregations and the synod's Youth Ministry Committee.
Enhance communication of youth ministry through the ECHO newsletter youth page and a youth ministry web site
Develop a current database of contact people for youth leaders in congregations
Develop and implement a scholarship fund to be used by youth to encourage attendance at leadership training events such as those offered at our Lutheran colleges and seminaries
Develop and implement an effective way to share ideas, books, and other youth ministry experiences, for instance, a future youth ministry resource library or web page link
Develop a Youth Church Outreach Coffee House that would be called "Luther's Loft" where youth could share their talents and spend time in a safe, Christian environment.
Youth Ministry Committee Membership: Debra Brut Roberts, Chairperson; Stephanie L. Dew, Synod Council Representative; Joyce B. Lydick; William Geidel; Dan Heckert; David R. Hiles; Amanda Bangor; Chris Malloy; Liz Zellhart; Pastor Steven E. Broome; Pastor Debra D. Thompson; Pastor Martin J. Galbraith; Pastor Sarah Lee-Faulkner, Synod Staff.
