# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S66 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) —_ | i 66 these kind of leadership materials through our regular net- works of resources and workshops. It is hoped that in coopera- tion with the Board for Parish Services and Concordia Publish- ing House that we can continue to provide new and effective materials in this important area. Use of Witness/Reporter The BYS congratulates the staff of Witness / Reporter for its excellent coverage of youth ministry events and items. We have appreciated that affirmation and hope that these mater- ials continue to be helpful to parishes and Districts. The BYS has also attempted to surface new ideas and resource people by inviting people from throughout the Synod to author various articles and materials. Youth Ministry and the Great Commission Convocation As part of the “Year of Youth Ministry” emphasis, as well as the need to continue to involve youth in the total ministry of congregations, it is encouraged that the synodical evangelism convocation to be held in 1984 have as one of its many emphases the involvement of youth in all areas of the convoca- tion. It is suggested that young people be asked to participate and that materials, workshops, and other sessions also be geared to the needs of young people. This will continue to affirm the fact that youth and adults continue to bein ministry together. 5 New Servant Events One of the more exciting new programs being developed by the BYS is the servant events. These are “work camps” that are jointly sponsored by the BYS and various Districts. Five such servant events are being held in the summer of 1983. It is projected that these will continue to grow as needs develop. This summer, two are being held in Colorado, one in Southern Illinois, one in the Southeastern District, and one in the Missouri District. One of the events was filled very quickly, and many people had to be turned away. It is projected that these events, which allow young people to volunteer their time to help in specific need areas throughout the country, will con- tinue to develop and increase. We thank the Lord for this new way of providing avenues for youth to share their faith with others. Funding Youth Services The board and staff continue to advocate strongly that the Synod consider increasing the available funds to do youth aministry. During the past years a number of major programs have been added to the BYS list of responsibilities, such as LYF and synodical youth gatherings. These and other programs continue to take much staff time to develop and also need the finances necessary to be effective in the tasks. It has been a constant concern that the youth ministry budget continues to be reduced while additional requests and programs continue to be added. The Synod’s interest in youth ministry, especially through this “Year of Youth Ministry,” also needs to show in budget allocations for these tasks. It is hoped that the Synod can continue to sense the strong need to make resources available for youth ministry in order for it to continue to grow _and be more effective in its outreach. The BYS staff continues to seek additional ways outside of the synodical budget to fund some of our various programs so that the best use of current resources is followed. Year of Youth Ministry Emphasis Many exciting activities and plans are being made for the “Year of Youth Ministry” in Synod, 1983—84. With the begin- ning of this “Him We Proclaim” convention, the BYS will be providing various opportunities for Districts and parishes to observe this emphasis. 1. New youth ministry film. A new youth ministry film has been developed with funds from AAL. This film is available to Districts and parishes to use in various settings. It provides a look at how youth and adults can work together in the parish as well as affirming the fact that youth are gifts to those people around them. PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES 2. 1983 youth gathering in San Antoniois also an excellent way to begin a “Year of Youth Ministry” emphasis. It is strongly hoped that this five-day event will have lasting effect on the family units who participate and then who return to their parishes, refreshed and excited about their ministry in that place. 3. Anew Advo-Kit. Thanks again to AAL for providing the development of an Advo-Kit, a parish kit that will be made available in early 1984. This resource for parishes will help parishes to evaluate their present youth minis- try program and give guidance and helps towards developing future directions. 4. Synodical convention. At this synodical convention, it is hoped that youth will have a great visibility and owner- ship in their church’s convention. Various presentations, a massive youth rally, involvement of District youth representatives, a large youth ministry resource center, and other avenues are being planned to make youth and youth ministry a visible and positive aspect of the convention as well as the Synod in general. Him We Will Proclaim! Through the blessings and guidance of the Lord, the BYS stands ready and willing to effectively serve the LCMS parish- es and its youth and adults. The board and staff stand firmly and confidently on the power and blessings of almighty God as He allows us to proclaim His Word in truth and purity. We continue to live in forgiveness and in the joy of knowing that the Spirit is truly present among us. We continue to boldly state that only through His Spirit’s power can anything significant and meaningful happen with young people. The Board for Youth Service’s 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: Jesus Christ, who 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! And so we move boldly into the future, confident that the Lord provides avenues and settings for us to continue to loudly proclaim His word of grace and mercy to youth and adults! We stand committed to continue the relationship between youth and adults in order that all of God’s people can shout loudly and clearly ‘Him We Proclaim”! Recommendations The Board for Youth Services, therefore, boldly proposes the following recommendations: Peer Ministry WHEREAS, The young people of the Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod experience their share of life’s traumas, uncertainties, struggles, and temptations as they mature emotionally, physically, and spiritually; and WHEREAS, Young people often have a deep need to talk with someone who cares during such difficult times; and WHEREAS, Young people can be very helpful to their peers during times of crisis and special needs; and WHEREAS, There is an ongoing interest and desire of young people to be trained in significant helping skills; and WHEREAS, The Board for Youth Services has developed the Peer Ministry program, which is designed to help young people to be more alert, caring Christian helpers in their various worlds; and WHEREAS, Twenty-three Districts of the Synod have already had an individual trained in the Peer Ministry Program; therefore be it Resolved, That each District of the Synod be encouraged to identify an individual to be trained in the Peer Ministry program; and be it further Resolved, That each District of the Synod be encouraged to expand its endeavors to provide opportunities for its young