“BE” May Youth Weekend May 19-21,2012 $25

Plans are coming into place for the Annual Synod Youth Weekend to be held this year in Zion Presbyterian Church, Charlottetown, May 19-21,2012. Our theme exploration and small group time will look at practical ways that we can open ourselves to experience God. There will be lots of music and recreation too! Theme speaker will be Rev. Dr. Rick Horst, Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Rick has a great passion for youth and will have lots to offer! We are thrilled that David Pandy-Szekeres will be with us too. David is serving with the Reformed Church of Sub-Carpathian Ukraine (RCCU), a church of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine. He will have lots of stories and challenges for us.

Registration Forms will be available in February. Registration Deadline is May 1st.

Canada Youth 2012 “On Fire” July 3-7, 2012

Information for Canada Youth is now available online at www.canadayouth.ca. This is an incredible opportunity for both youth and those who are called to serve them. The three tracks have something for everyone! Please encourage the youth ( and those who love spending time with them) to attend!

Some important information:

· Registration forms are expected to be online the first week of January.

· Cost $500 plus transportation

· I am arranging bussing for our synod participants. Cost is dependent on numbers but you can budget approximately $350

· To be assured of a spot on the bus, names and a $100/person non-refundable deposit must be received by January 15th. Make cheques payable to “The Synod of Atlantic Provinces.” (My address is below) Please indicate youth and adults.

· All youth must be accompanied by an adults ( 1:9 ratio).

· By the end of January, exact bussing prices will be determined and final payment will be needed by April 30, 2012. Schedules and travel permission forms will be sent.

· CY will be offering travel rebate after the event for those who make application. More information will be sent when available.

Some Great News stories of the last month…..

It is great to see and hear about the wonderful youth ministry that is happening around the synod! I would love to hear….and share…. Your stories!

· Calvin Church, Halifax has 15 plus youth meeting weekly for Bible Study! On their request, they will be studying Acts in the winter.

· Youth participated in the service of Dedication for Summerside Presbyterian Church. The church continues to offer KD lunches to the neighbouring school and had record numbers out this month!

· Barney’s River Presbyterian Church has a newly formed eager and talented children’s choir! They will be helping to lead the Christmas Eve service.

· King’s Church, New Minas, has again delivered cookies to students at Acadia University. This is a wonderful tangible outreach!

· Adults and youth, together, provided a wonderful turkey dinner as an outreach for some in the community of Truro.

Share your stories. It may just be the idea or encouragement another congregation needs.

 

A Online Resource for Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Check out www.formingfaith.com. Here you will find a wealth of resources for faith formation, Family Take home pages, personal development and more. From the Lutheran tradition, this site teaches four key components to Family Ministry: Caring conversations; Rituals and traditions; Devotional Practices; Service. For a yearly subscription fee, bulletin inserts are available for families. A sample bulletin is available at http://www.vibrantfaith.org/images/TakingFaithHome_01082012.JPG.