Two youth ministers discuss the possibility of bringing their groups to Youth 2011. To watch the video in full screen, share it or get the embed code for your website/blog, go here: http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6802993
1. If history repeats itself: Many youth and youth leaders have shared stories with us about the impact past YOUTH events have had on them and their youth ministries. Many have discovered or confirmed a call to ministry, through their experience at the YOUTH event. Others have told us that through the connections made at the YOUTH event, their youth ministry has made lasting relationships with other congregations and become more involved in conference youth ministry.
2. Connection with other UM Churches. This is the only place to connect with hundreds of other UMC churches from around the country. We will worship and learn alongside our United Methodist brothers and sisters. There will be many opportunities for attendees to connect with the leaders of the church and learn how to be a vibrant and active servant leader for Christ through the UMC connection.
3. Empowering young people (and youth pastors): The YOUTH event is more than just an opportunity to have a great four days and go home unchanged. Youth 2011 will be intentional about giving young people and their leaders the tools they need to grow in their faith and in leadership once they return back to their home churches.
4. A Rare Opportunity: Unlike many events and trips, the YOUTH event takes place only once every four years. The next opportunity to attend a YOUTH event will not be until 2015.
5. An event for youth, by youth. Youth have been involved in the planning of this event from the very beginning and have helped plan every aspect of this event. Youth will also be serving in various roles of leadership from volunteering to serving as speakers and worship leaders.
6. Something for everyone. The Youth 2011 schedule is packed with many different options including: small groups, training and workshops, mission projects, corporate worship, late night fun, concerts, and more. Although no one will connect with everything, each person will find something that is meaningful and exciting.
7. Quality and Diverse Leadership: Many youth and youth pastors have been involved in helping to select the right bands, speakers, and other leadership to make this a great event that will appeal to a diverse group of youth and youth workers.
• Check out the Missions page to see information on the on-site mission opportunities that will be offered at Youth 2011 and get your group prepared to serve.
• The Purdue and Sacramento info pages have been moved to the About page.
• Registration is up! Secure your group’s spot with a deposit that covers two registration fees.
• The Speakers & Artists page is online now with announcements of six awesome people coming to both event sites. More announcements coming soon, including keynote speakers, our worship leader, bands and other talent!
• Download a detailed schedule and activities description now on the About page.
• Check out the Sponsors & Exhibitors page to see all info on exhibiting, advertising at or sponsoring part of the event, and to see who will be there.
• New information including early registration costs on the Purdue and Sacramento pages.
• Registration and some artist/speaker announcements coming very soon!
Start Early and Have A Plan.
Are you thinking that the proceeds from the youth group’s annual bake sale are not going to be enough to get them to Youth 2011? There is good news: you still have a year to raise the money! Plan a summer car wash, a Christmastime gift wrapping/babysitting service for parents and a spring talent show. Starting now gives you time to be creative.
Get Serious.
Involve your whole congregation in sending the youth as “representatives” of the church; don’t just focus on the fun stuff. As representatives of the congregation, the youth will be involved in passionate worship, inspiring breakout workshops and rewarding missions, growing and learning more about Christ while impacting the communities around them. Let the congregation know that they will share in the benefits the youth reap from the event, since their youth will be returning as “more than” they were before the event.
Think BIG – don’t nickel and dime.
Have a Silent Auction. Silent auctions can bring about big rewards, as they are generally low cost to put on and items are donated with all profit going to the youth. Try to get some local businesses to donate some gift cards or big ticket items, or get that wealthy couple in your church to give away a weekend in their summer home in the mountains or condo at the beach. Items like that can raise hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars. With nothing but a big room full of tables, youth groups can raise the funds they need in one fun night.
Silent Auction not your style? How about a Shareholder’s Banquet? Have members of your congregation buy shares of your trip, and when you get back from Youth 2011, hold a banquet for all the shareholders to thank them. Show videos of what the group did at Youth 2011, and share testimonies about your trip to let the shareholders know what their investment did for your youth spiritually.