ELCA Youth Worker Extravaganza!

(Posted by Ed Kay, Synod Coordinator of Youth & Family Ministry)

For anyone who has children in their homes or is associated with a school or university, now is about that time that you're starting to look forward to winter break or perhaps even next summer! It seems like those vacation days at the beach are far behind us, even if they were just a couple of weeks ago... The busyness of homework and soccer practice, studying for SAT's and spelling tests, or just the daily routine of getting up to make the bus before sunrise is the norm now. We find ourselves longing for that opportunity to be refreshed.

And the same is true in the life of the church. Our Rally Day has come and gone... Confirmation and Sunday school are back in motion after the summer hiatus... The struggle to find enough teachers and volunteers is an never-ending quest - just when you think you have all the spots filled, another one opens up. We also find ourselves looking for that place of refreshment.

Well, for anyone who works with youth and families in their church, that opportunity of refreshment is coming soon! Offered by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, the 2008 Extravaganza is a time for refreshment and renewal along with other youth & family ministry professionals from around the country. This year's event will be held from February 8-11, 2008 in Anaheim, California - a perfect location to get out of that winter weather and into the sun and mid-70's temps!

There are a number of people from our Synod who are now making travel arrangements to attend this gathering. If you're planning on going, we'd like to travel with you! We might also be able to make some roommate arrangements to cut down on your hotel costs. Please e-mail me if you're interested in hearing more about the Extravaganza or would like to be included in our plans!

And if you're not able to make the Extravaganza this year, consider the Gathering in the East - a regional training event being held April 4-6, 2008!