# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S287 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) PARISH SERVICES 287 Minority Group Ministry The BYM has attempted to continue to be sensitive to the entire makeup of our church. Through our materials and resources, the BYM tries to use photographs and approaches that can be effective for all groups. Writers from various cultures are also sought. Meetings with the Black Ministry Commission, as well as cooperation with Hispanic ministries, continue. We will work together in a supportive role with the youth gathering being planned by the Black Ministry Commission in August 1982. Workshops are also being made available to special-interest groups. There is a need to continue to develop leaders among our different cultures while at the same time developing close relationships among all members of the Synod—young and old, rural and suburban, black and white. Requests for Services Mail and telephone requests from parishes and Districts for BYM materials have doubled in the last two years. Almost 200 such requests come in monthly to the BYM office. Youth Ministry —Forward in Remembrance And so Youth Ministry moves forward into the 1980s, remembering the blessings and lessons of the past, affirming the presence of the Lord in the present, and hopefully anticipat- ing His guidance for the future. Many great plans are under way to respond to the needs of youth and adults involved in youth ministry and to lead them on to bigger and greater challenges. 1983 Youth Gatherings The Synod’s next youth gathering is set for the summer of 1983, anticipating 8,000—10,000 participants. Plans are under way for this endeavor. Lutheran Youth Fellowship _ _Itis our hope and prayer that all LCMS congregations will join LYF in the coming years. LYF provides a voice and an identity, as well as materials, for all of our parish youth groups. Peer Ministry A new concept being developed is Peer Ministry Training, which will provide materials and training opportunities to better enable youth to be in one-to-one ministry relationships with their peers. LSV Workcamps New year (1982) is the year to begin Lutheran Service Volunteer Camps for our young people. Through Districts and synodical schools, it is hoped that young people will volunteer their time and talents during the summer months to be in specific ministry areas of need. Year of Youth Ministry The 1979 synodical convention voted that the 1983 synod- ical convention have as its focus “youth ministry” and that materials and programs be developed to emphasize this part of ministry throughout the Synod. This will hopefully be re- affirmed at this convention. Youth at Future Conventions It is also hoped that more young people, through LYF and other District structures, will have the opportunity to be present and have a voice in future synodical conventions. Use of Witness/Reporter The BYM continues to use the pages of the Lutheran Witness and Reporter as much as possible to keep youth ministry a vital and visible part of the Synod’s ministry and to also share ideas and resources. Development of Youth Materials Plans call for working closely with the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) to develop issue- oriented materials especially for young people that would help youth better understand the theological nature of such issues. These materials would be geared to high school youth and would give them helps and study guides to share and study together. Draft Registration The BYM continues to work with other synodical depart- ments on this issue. Materials have been developed in this area, and others may also be forthcoming, as the need and situation dictates. Forward in Youth Ministry The board and staff stand firmly and confidently on the power and blessings of Almighty God as He reveals His love and forgiveness to youth and adults alike. We continue to boldly state that only through His Spirit’s power can anything significant and meaningful happen with young people. The new Board of Youth Ministry logo is indicative of the emphasis of youth ministry in the Synod. The butterfly symbol stresses the power of the Resurrection in our lives. The cross in the middle of the butterfly points out the focal point of faith— that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world and redeemed us for eternal life. The images of people, youth and adults, within the butterfly wings point out the fact that ministry is a daily relationship with those around us. The colors of the butterfly stress the celebration and joy we have as God’s people, ready, through the power of the Spirit, to share Christ with others! Recommendations The Board of Youth Ministry, therefore, boldly proposes the following recommendations: Year of Youth Ministry: In order for the Synod to fully recognize and affirm the youth of the church, the board is requesting that the Synod reaffirm 1979 Res. 7-12 which designates youth ministry as the emphasis of the next synod- ical convention: WHEREAS, Youth ministry in the Synod is continuing to grow and develop positively through the Spirit’s guidance; and WHEREAS, Lutheran Youth Fellowship is becoming a strong youth organization in the Synod; and WHEREAS, Another synodical youth gathering is being planned for 1983; therefore be it Resolved, That Synod reaffirm 1979 Res. 7-12, which desig nates youth ministry as the major emphasis at the next synodical convention; and be it further Resolved, That special materials be developed to involve our parishes in youth ministry emphases during that year. Parish Youth Ministry: WHEREAS, An increasing number of young people are becoming involved in the total ministry of their parish; and WHEREAS, Young people are living out their lives as members of the church now, as they proclaim and serve their Lord; and WHEREAS, Effective youth ministry needs to happen in the parish on a day-to-day basis; therefore be it Resolved, That all congregations be strongly encouraged to join Lutheran Youth Fellowship; and be it further Resolved, That all congregations be encouraged to develop a youth ministry committee or board; and be it further Resolved, That all congregations continue to train their adult workers with youth by using materials available from the Board of Youth Ministry office; and be it finally Resolved, That all congregations thank the Lord for the effective ministry that is happening as youth and adults work together in the ministry of the congregation. 1983 Youth Gathering: WHEREAS, The 1980 youth gathering was a highly successful and blessed event; and WHEREAS, There is a strong need to continue to provide a synodical gathering for young people to come together in praise and study; and WHEREAS, Not everyone who wished to attend the 1980