"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." -- 1 Timothy 4:12
YouthLinks >> Events > LYO > Service > Training
Our mission is to lead youth into a closer relationship with Christ by offering opportunities to explore their faith through worship, expanded Christian relationships and through life-transforming experiences. Our 2009 Connected in Chaos youth gatherings were great examples of this mission in action! Watch video below.
News and notes
A whole bunch of exciting things are happening Spring 2010, so make mental note of these opportunities and check back here for more details in the coming months!
In early 2010 we are planning on launching the SEPA Synod online Youth Ministry Idea Bank. This will be an easy and safe place to look for and share youth ministry ideas and resources with other youth workers in the synod.
April 18th is South Dakota Servant Trip Sunday in our synod. This day we are asking congregations to raise awareness of our South Dakota Servant Trip in July 2010 by including any of the following in their worship: prayers for the servants and the people of South Dakota, bulletin inserts about our upcoming work in SD, a temple talk from a trip participant, in-kind and monetary offering for our day camps in South Dakota.
We are setting up small groups throughout the synod for youth workers just like you! We are hoping to start these early in 2010. Small groups will have a Bible Study/Faith Formation focus or a Networking focus. This is a relaxed, informal way of connecting with other youth workers, renewing yourself personally and strengthening your ministry. We need your help to make this happen!! If you are interested in hosting or coordinating a small group for youth workers near you, .
Youth of the Month
The LYO board recognizes an outstanding youth of our synod each month. We ask you to consider nominating youth that are making a positive impact on their community through church, school or other organizations. Nomination forms can be downloaded here or by contacting Jessica at or 267.323.3757. Please send nominations to the synod office, 7241 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA 19119 or via email or via fax to 267.323.3777.
Molly Beck Dean
Assistant to the Bishop - Youth Ministry Specialist
Mrs. Dean works with Synodical youth programs and congregational youth leaders and helps strengthen congregational ministry to and with young people. Molly is the wife of Brent, the mother of Clara and the owner of two dogs, Kota and Dharma. She is a lover of scrapbooking, traveling, movies and animals.
Contact: 267.323.3762 |
Jessica McAlister
Youth Ministry Assistant
Contact: 267.323.3757 |
Youth Ministry Committee
The Youth Ministry Committee serves adults who work with youth and children by helping to provide them with their needs of training, faith development, fellowship with other youth workers, and support including resources and networking.
Members of the SEPA Synod Youth Ministry Committee are:
Cindy Hane, St. James, Limerick
Rozella Poston, Mediator, Philadelphia
Marie Kinzler, St. John, NE Philadelphia
Elise Seyfried, Christ's, Oreland
Jerry Faust, Immanuel, Norwood
Lynette Chapman, Emmanuel, Pottstown
Ray Hopkins, Upper Dublin, Ambler
Marty Schmidt, St. Paul, Exton
Molly Beck Dean, Synod Staff
Jessica McAlister, Synod Staff
Upcoming Youth Events
Check out these important resources for youth, youth workers and congregations
Networking
- SEPA Youth Ministry Date Book
- Youth Ministry Directory 2009
- 2009-10 Dates for Youth Workers
- 2009-10 Dates for Youth
Safety
- Safety Policies
- Preferred Service Providers
Staffing
- Staffing your Youth Ministry Program
- Calling and Providing for YM Staff
- Sample Position Descriptions
- SEPA YM Salary Survey
Often congregations need to do some visioning and goal setting before they are ready to bring in a staff person. Our Youth Ministry Specialist, Molly Beck Dean, is available to help your congregation through this process. Contact Molly at or 610.278.7345
General Resources
- SEPA YM Scholarship Application
- Peer Ministry
- Service Learning
- Communication and Publicity Ideas
- Confirmation - More than Business as Usual
- Developing a Healthy Jr. High Ministry
- Fundraisers
- Helping Young People Give Globally
- Ministering to Young Adults
- Teach, Reach Youth about HIV & AIDS
- Youth and Anxiety
Youth News
Bear Creek Camp seeks environmental counselors
Do you know someone who loves the outdoors and working with youth? Do you know someone who is passionate about the environment? Do you know someone who sees God in all things around them? Bear Creek Camp is still looking for 3 young adults to fill Environmental Education Counselor positions for this summer season as we explore the theme of, “Keeping the Earth.”
'Be the change' concert fights human trafficking
Christian musician Rachel Kurtz will perform a benefit concert on June 6, 5:30 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Devon. Proceeds from a free will offering will benefit the Be the Change Foundation's work to end human trafficking. Spare change will be collected to help child slaves in Haiti.
Youth lend helping hands April 24
Helping Hands Day is Saturday, April 24th. This is an amazing event where young people and their adult leaders will worship, share, laugh, eat, work, sing, learn and serve God & our neighbors. Hundreds of Lutheran volunteers will join hands that day to do God's work in over 20 organizations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Save June 4 for Lutheran night at the Phillies
Attention all phans of the phighting Phils! Lutheran night at the Phillies is scheduled for Friday night, June 4, at 7:05 when the two-time NL champs take the field against San Diego. Read on to download the order form. Hurry...Deadline is May 4.
Box city raises awareness of homelessness
About 70 teenagers and several adults slept out as part of the 6th Annual Box City held Friday, Dec. 4 outside on the lawn of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Lower Makefield Township. The youth raised awareness of the issue of homelessness and raised over $6,000 for the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter.
Synod News
Join the LDR ReadyChurch initiative
With the hurricane season in full swing and ongoing disaster responses in more than half of the U.S., there is no better time than now to think about how prepared (or not) we are for natural disasters. Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for everyone to prepare ourselves for the possibility that a disaster could affect you.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.