June 2, 2017, Update:
The LCMS Children and Youth Ministry Conference scheduled for July 9-12 in Milwaukee has been cancelled. Read a statement from LCMS School and Youth Ministry about the cancellation.
If you have specific questions about this event or a registration, please contact Renee Lorenz of LCMS Youth Ministry at renee.lorenz@lcms.org.
Following is the original Reporter Online story posted April 27, 2017.
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Registration is open for the 2017 LCMS Children and Youth Ministry Conference — set for July 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee. LCMS School Ministry and LCMS Youth Ministry are partnering to host this conference in the Synod as a time of learning, discussion and encouragement. Its theme is “Transitions: Walking in the Truth.”
“The Children and Youth Ministry Conference provides a unique opportunity for professional and lay church workers to be inspired and equipped with new ideas and resources that will enhance their service in their congregations,” said Terry Schmidt, director of LCMS School Ministry.
“The goal is to bring children’s- and youth-ministry workers together to work to strengthen the support of young people and their families, especially during critical times of transition,” added LCMS Youth Ministry Director Rev. Mark Kiessling.
The conference program will consist of plenary sessions that include keynote speakers and time for discussion and planning with ministry practitioners. Workshops throughout the days will focus on topics spanning transitions from Baptism through high school. Throughout the event, participants are expected to gain and share insight from challenges and opportunities in ministry to young people.
Scheduled plenary speakers include Jake Mulder of Fuller Youth Institute in Pasadena, Calif.; Dr. Bernard Bull of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon; and Cynthia Brown, author of Concordia Publishing House’s Energizing Your Children’s Ministry. Experienced children’s- and youth-ministry practitioners from across the Synod are set to lead sessions across nine breakout opportunities.
Workshops will focus on the prenatal to preschool years, elementary school, confirmation and middle school, and youth ministry. Attendees will be able to focus on one of these age segments throughout the conference, or attend sessions from across the provided selections.
“The conference is intended for pastors, teachers, professional and lay children’s- and youth-ministry workers, and anyone interested in learning more about raising up our young people in the faith,” Kiessling said.
A registration fee of $250 per person covers conference costs, including one meal. A discounted rate of $200 is available for groups of three or more and students.
The Hyatt Regency is offering a nightly rate of $129 per person for conference attendees.
“Milwaukee provides a fabulous venue for this conference,” notes Schmidt.
To register for the conference or for more information, visit lcms.org/children-and-youth-ministry-conference or lcms.org/youth.
Email questions about registration to youth.ministry@lcms.org.
For more information about LCMS School Ministry, visit lcms.org/schoolministry.
For more about LCMS Youth Ministry, visit lcms.org/youth.
Posted April 27, 2017 / Updated June 2, 2017
