Registration opens Nov. 1 for three Higher Things youth conferences next summer — July 5-8 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; July 12-15 at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal; and July 19-22 at Emory University, Atlanta.
Under the theme of “Coram Deo” (“before God” in Latin), all three conferences wit
h nearly identical programs are being planned for high-school students, although any confirmed young person may attend. College students also may register and apply to serve as “Christ on Campus Volunteers” to help conference staff during a conference.
An LCMS Recognized Service Organization, Higher Things holds annual youth conferences and “assists parents, congregations and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth,” according to a news release about the 2011 conferences. Running Tuesday through Friday afternoons, all three conference programs will include multiple worship services, teaching sessions and leisure activities.
“Our all-inclusive conferences are very reasonably priced for groups to attend annually, and they provide a great opportunity for youth to learn more about what Christ’s death on the cross means for them while meeting other Lutherans their age from all over the United States and beyond,” said Higher Things Conference Coordinator Sandra Ostapowich.
Rev. William Cwirla of Hacienda Heights, Calif., one of two plenary teachers for the 2011 conferences, explained the “Coram Deo” theme. “Under the law, life before God is terrifying,” Cwirla said. “But under the Gospel, life before God is beautiful, a restoration of what God intended when He made man in the beginning.”
Rev. Brent Kuhlman of Murdock, Neb., the other 2011 conference plenary teacher, said those attending will “learn how a sinner destined to die can stand before a righteous and holy God.”
About 1,800 young people and their chaperones attended Higher Things’ 2010 youth conferences in Logan, Utah, and Nashville, Tenn.
“We’re excited to be having not just one or two conferences next summer – but three fabulous opportunities for youth to hear the Gospel at a Higher Things conference in 2011,” said Rev. George Borghardt, conference executive for the organization. “Pastors Cwirla and Kuhlman … are engaging speakers who will definitely challenge our youth to dare to be Lutheran.”
For registration and other conference information, visit http://coramdeo2011.org or e-mail conferences@higherthings.org.
Posted Oct. 13, 2010
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