Five petals in the Luther Rose --> five items about Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Virginia Synod!

It seemed like the obvious thing to do. Feedback, questions, un-subscriptions, and subscription corrections go to delaney@vasynod.org.

5PF VOLUME ONE ISSUE EIGHT makes its way through cyperspace on Nov. 13! Okay - it's a legitimate question - "do I need to hit subscribe every time, as your instructions imply?" Answer: no, and the 5PF editorial staff will take responsibility for that unclear message. *One* "subscribe me" click at the bottom of the email will make you a permanent recipient, until the day comes when you've had all you can stand and then you must request to be removed from the e-mailing list.

Results from Issue 1:6 Random Debate: "Why would you buy trick-or-treat candy 3 months before Halloween (which is when it appears)?" MORE THAN HALF of readers claim that they would have the resolve not to eat it all in advance (we do not believe them - eds.), another third didn't want to wait until the last minute, and about 15% just love giving out stale candy.

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM DEBATE:

Which Reformation doctrine is the most important (to you, the church, your dog, etc.)?

Justification by grace through faith alone

The priesthood of all believers

Reading the Bible in the language of the people

The 5 Petals for Vol. 1 Issue 7 of 5PF...

MEET AARON SHOPPA! Aaron is the brand new Director of Youth Ministry for the ELCA as of Oct. 2, 2023. His background is in congregational youth ministry and campus ministry. His office is at the churchwide office at Higgins Rd. in Chicago, but he mostly works out of his home in Milwaukee. He has hit the ground running as we prepare for the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Nov. 1-4! Your prayers for Aaron's ministry are invited!

Announcements & Reminders

--> Information and forms for adults who will be leaders at Youth Events:

-Opportunities for Small Group Leaders in 2023-2024

-2023-2024 Small Group Leader Information Sheet

-Permission to Conduct a Background Check

-What it means to be a (Young) Adult at a Synod Youth Event

--> REGISTRATION FOR THE ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY EXTRAVAGANZA (aka,"THE E", aka, the annual gathering of adults who work with youth for fellowship, inspiration, and education) - Jan. 18-21, 2024 - IS OPEN! ... and the early bird discount deadline is THIS SUNDAY, Oct. 15! All the necessary information and links for registration are available here. ProTip: If you're planning to take a group to the 2024 Youth Gathering (see below ... like right below), the "E" will give you a chance to become familiar with New Orleans, and you can even sign up for a tour of Gathering sites!

-->WINTER CELEBRATION is our faith-sharing event for 9th-12th graders and the adults who come with them (Feb. 2-4, 2024 at Eagle Eyrie Lynchburg). REGISTRATION is open! Go to this link for all the info and registration instructions or go to www.vasynod.org and click on the Youth Ministry drop down menu.

-->Registration is open for The ELCA triennial Youth Gathering (for youth who have completed grades 8-12 and their adult leaders by next July) in New Orleans, July 16-20, 2024. All the information and materials your congregation needs to register as a group, plus lots of other Gathering info, can be found at elca.org/gathering. Questions can be directed to our "Synod Gathering Champion" Pastor Bob Vogl (RevBobStTim@gmail.com)

REGISTRATION FOR "LOST AND FOUND 2023" IS STILL OPEN! at the regular registration rate for 7th and 8th graders and their adult advisors. AFTER NOV. 3, 2023, you'll need to contact Director Dave Delaney before registering to make sure we have room and supplies! To get all the info and sign up for this event, go to this link or the Virginia Synod website (vasynod.org) and click on the Youth Ministry tab.

CAROLINE FURNACE LUTHERAN CAMP

Now hiring for the 2024 Season!

We are thrilled to announce that we are now hiring for our 2024 summer season here at Caroline Furnace Camp and Retreat. If you have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy being surrounded by nature, while also imparting valuable knowledge about God and his creation to children, then this opportunity is perfect for you. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, and keen to make a positive impact on young minds. If this resonates with you, please do not hesitate to contact Monica at Monica@carolinefurnace.org. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially having you join our team or visit our website for more information click here

Ministry for the Exceptional

For those who are facebook users, there is

a new group, led by a Lutheran young adult, Abigail Offhaus, who has a passion for engaging youth and young adults with special needs of all types in ministry. Congregations and other church entities who do not invite such young people into ministry are missing out on the joy of welcoming those whose abundant gifts may be obscured by some disability.

Here's the facebook link to that new group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/711721447072554/

November Resource: ELCA Good Gifts for Advent and Christmas

Okay - brace yourself - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT is just five weeks away, and Christmas is just two months away! Time to start thinking and planning, and the Good Gifts resources are a *great* way to involve youth in the Advent ministries of the congregation!

The ELCA Good Gifts catalog is a wonderful and faithful option for congregations and members to replace (or add to!) traditional holiday gift-giving with something that extends the spirit of giving well beyond family and friends to those in deep need around the world. Each gift in honor of a loved one supports the lifesaving ministries of our church and the people we serve — one goat, fruit-tree seedling or school uniform at a time. Whether you organize a special event or simply promote the program with your members, everything you do to help share ELCA Good Gifts with your congregation is deeply appreciated. (click the blue text for the link!)

Keep up with all things VA Synod Youth and Young Adult Ministry by following us on Instagram and liking our Facebook page! Snapshots of each edition of 5PF will be posted there on publication day!

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To provide feedback ... ask questions ... obtain more info on any of this ... contact Dave Delaney, Virginia Synod Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries: delaney@vasynod.org