August Dear youth ministry partner,

Transcription

1 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B Fort Dodge, IA FAX: August 2018 Dear youth ministry partner, The theme of the 2018 Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering is Delivered. The theme verse is Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. We have been Delivered by God s grace from the enemies of the Devil, the world, and our sinful selves through Holy Baptism! Our focus this year is Holy Baptism. Your Junior Youth Gathering team has been working diligently to form the Gathering around living as Delivered people. As always, we pray that your congregation will send a group of students and adults to participate in this faith-growing, relationship-building gathering organized for the youth of our District. Please share this information with your congregation s sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. The Gathering Team suggests that the information be presented at your confirmation/midweek orientation (or perhaps sooner). Please note the registration deadline. Hotel and other details mandate this deadline. Please feel free to make copies. The materials are also available on the District Website ( and on the District gathering site ( Please publicize the opportunity in your congregation. Congregations with smaller youth groups might consider teaming up with neighboring congregations. Hopefully your congregation can provide some financial assistance for youth and counselors who wish to attend. District assistance is available for financially challenged families (health, unemployment, etc.). Please review the District financial aid application for more information. The Gathering will again be held at Sheraton in West Des Moines (I80/35 & University). It is a convenient and comfortable setting. We hope to see you at Delivered as we celebrate our new life in Christ together as God s Baptized children. Thank you for your partnership in reaching and teaching the younger generation of God s people! Saved by grace, The Junior Youth Gathering Team

2 Dear Pastor and Youth Leader: Welcome to Delivered the 2018 Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering. All youth and their counselors are invited to attend this event to celebrate being Delivered through music, Bible study, hands-on activities, and worship. Our Presenter for the weekend is Reverend Ben Johnson, pastor from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale, Iowa. Enclosed is the registration material for Delivered. In order for the committee to make all preparations for this event, we need to have the forms filled out by the youth and counselors and returned to: Jenn Fuller, DCE Iowa District West, LCMS 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B Fort Dodge, IA All registration material must be postmarked no later than September 25, Registration fee is $150 which includes lodging, three meals, all programming, and t-shirt. An advanced payment of $80 must be included for each person attending the Gathering. The Gathering will start on Saturday, October 27 with registration from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Gathering activities will begin promptly at 11 a.m. More information (schedule, balance due, etc.) will be sent after registrations are received. Your registration packet should include the following items: 1. Registration Information 2. Youth Registration Form with Health Form on back (copy as needed on WHITE paper) 3. Iowa District West Junior Gathering Covenant (copy as needed on WHITE paper) 4. Adult Counselor Registration Form (copy as needed on WHITE paper) 5. Primary Adult Leader (PAL) Form with Group Form on back 6. Adult Leader Expectations (copy as needed) 7. Variety Time Inflatables 8. Activity Participation Agreement (copy as needed on WHITE paper) 9. Financial Aid Form (copy as needed on WHITE paper due September 11) 10. Poster We look forward to a great Gathering weekend. If you need more information about the weekend, please don t hesitate to contact Registrar Jenn Fuller ( or jennfullerdce@gmail.com). Your fellow servants of the Word, The Junior Gathering Committee He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

3 Who may attend the Junior Youth Gathering? Junior Youth Gathering Sheraton West Des Moines, Iowa October 27-28, 2018 Registration Information Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade member of the LCMS Guests are welcome but must be part of a local Family Unit Adult Counselors What is a Family Unit? This Junior Youth Gathering is based on Family Units which require 1 adult counselor and a minimum of 1 youth - maximum of 5 youth. Adult counselors must be 21 years of age or older and ideally, active in church, spiritually mature, and willing to be involved with youth. You are encouraged to have a background check on all adult counselors. (The Synod recommends Protect My Ministry. For information go to If you have additional questions, contact Rhonda Mohr at the District office. What is the COST? Congregations may register as many Family Units as they desire. Total Cost: $150 per person for registrations postmarked by September 24, Advance Payment: $80 per person with registration. Remaining balance due upon arrival. Refunds: No Refunds Forms: Photocopy Youth Registration Form, Adult Counselor Registration Form, IDW Youth Gathering Covenant, and Activity Participation Agreement as needed on WHITE PAPER. Please put the health form on the back of the youth registration form. (save a tree!) Registration opens NOW! Advance Payment, Registration forms, and signed Health and Covenant forms MUST be returned to complete registration! All Registration Materials Must be Postmarked by September 25! Please Note: All rooms at the hotel accommodate 4 people.

4 Youth Registration Form (COPY ON WHITE PAPER AS NEEDED, PUT HEALTH FORM ON THE BACK) IOWA DISTRICT WEST JUNIOR YOUTH GATHERING October 27-28, 2018 Sheraton West Des Moines, IA Name: (Please print) Last First Middle Initial Address: City: M F Zip: Phone: ( ) Birthdate: Grade Level: T-shirt size (adult sizes): S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL (extra small NOT available) Do you have special dietary needs: Yes / No Please explain: ************************************************************************************* Make check payable to your local congregation. Give this form (both sides), Covenant, and payment to your pastor or youth leader. Event Cost: $150 $80 deposit required with registration form I agree to participate and cooperate in every way at the District Junior Youth Gathering. SIGNATURE OF YOUTH I give my permission for my son/daughter to participate in the 2018 Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering and I have completed and signed the Health Form on the BACK SIDE of this registration. I understand that photographs and/or video/audio recordings made during this Junior Youth Gathering may include my child, and I authorize use of such photographs or recordings at the discretion of the IDW Junior Youth Gathering Committee and/or the IDW Youth Council. SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN ************************************************************************************* I have reviewed BOTH SIDES of this form and the Gathering Covenant and certify that they are complete. SIGNATURE OF ADULT COUNSELOR

5 Health Form (Please print) Participant s Name: Date of Birth: Parent(s) Name(s): Home Phone: ( ) Alternate Phone: ( ) Family member/friend who can be responsible for student if you cannot be reached: Name: Phone: ( ) Relationship: Medications: Allergies: Special health conditions? No Yes Explain: Insurance Provider Name: Phone: ( ) Address: Policy Holder s Name: Policy Number: Group Number: Title XIX: I verify that the above medical and insurance information on my child is complete and accurate. I understand that reasonable measures will be taken to safeguard the health and safety of my child, and that I will be notified as soon as possible in case of an emergency. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby authorize the calling of an ambulance and/or physician at my expense to provide whatever emergency medical or surgical treatment is necessary. I authorize release to the above insurance company any information needed to process a claim. I understand that I am financially responsible for all charges incurred. SIGNATURE OF PARENT Date

6 Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering Covenant In our baptism the sinful self died and was buried with Christ, and the new self has risen with Him. God continues to call, gather, and enlighten us by the power of the Holy Spirit to live the new life of discipleship. At the Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering we celebrate our new life in Christ and we live as the family of faith. In response to God s love for us, we love one another. This Gathering Covenant guides us to live in love while we celebrate and learn at this year s event. 1. I promise to participate in all Gathering activities as scheduled. 2. I will treat others with love, building each other up. 3. I will offer my respect to the leaders and to other youth. I will be respectful of the feelings of others. 4. I will give everyone and everything a fair chance, approaching each situation with a positive attitude. 5. I will be helpful to other participants and to gathering staff. Sometimes our most helpful response is to simply listen to others. 6. I will use our group leaders to help us resolve problems that may arise between another youth and me. 7. I will ensure one another s privacy by not entering rooms when not invited. I agree that NO COUPLES ARE TO BE ALONE IN ROOMS AT ANY TIME and I will obey that rule. 8. As a Christian citizen I will obey rules that are set by our group leaders, the Gathering staff, or other governing authorities for our health and safety. Among those rules are: *No illegal drugs *No alcohol *No tobacco *Lights out and quiet time after 12 midnight 9. I will treat the property of the hotel with care. I understand that any damage caused may be billed to those responsible for the damage. 10. I agree that anyone who violates this covenant will be counseled and disciplined appropriately. A major violation may result in a youth being sent home with a parent. In response to God s grace given in our Baptism, I promise to live by this Covenant at the Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering at the Sheraton in West Des Moines, Iowa, October 27-28, SIGNATURE OF YOUTH I support the Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering covenant and I have discussed it with my child. In case of a major disciplinary issue during the Gathering (October 27-28, 2018), I understand that I may be asked to come and take my child home. I can be reached at: Telephone number SIGNATURE OF PARENT Return with Registration Form and signed Health Form.

7 Adult Counselor Registration Form (COPY ON WHITE PAPER AS NEEDED) IOWA DISTRICT WEST JUNIOR YOUTH GATHERING October 27-28, 2018 Sheraton West Des Moines, IA Name: (Please print) Last First Middle Initial M F Address: City: Zip: Phone: ( ) T-shirt size (adult sizes): S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL Special Needs? Please explain: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Make check payable to your local congregation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Give or send this form and payment to your pastor or youth leader. Gathering Cost: $150 $80 deposit required with registration form I agree to participate and cooperate in every way at the District Junior Youth Gathering and serve as a responsible Adult Counselor for a family unit for the Gathering. SIGNATURE OF ADULT COUNSELOR * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NOTE: See your Primary Adult Leader for your family unit assignment.

8 Primary Adult Leader (PAL) Form IOWA DISTRICT WEST JUNIOR YOUTH GATHERING The Primary Adult Leader (PAL) receives ALL correspondence, and snail mail from IDW regarding the JYG. October 27-28, 2018 Sheraton West Des Moines, IA Name: (Please print) Last First Middle Initial M F Address: City: Zip: Phone: ( ) T-shirt size (adult sizes): S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL Special Needs? Please explain: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Make church check payable to Iowa District West JYG * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Participant Gathering Cost: $150 $80 DEPOSIT REQUIRED FOR EACH PARTICIPANT I agree to participate and cooperate in every way at the District Junior Youth Gathering and serve as the Primary Adult Leader for our congregation. SIGNATURE OF PRIMARY ADULT LEADER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Complete GROUP FORM. MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 (No cash, please issue one church check for the group, payable to Iowa District West JYG) MAIL REGISTRATION FORMS, SIGNED HEALTH AND COVENANT FORMS, COMPLETED GROUP FORM, AND ONE CHURCH CHECK TO: Jenn Fuller, DCE Iowa District West, LCMS 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B Fort Dodge, IA 50501

9 Group Form Congregation Name: City: Address: Participant s Name Youth Adult Male Female T Shirt size First and Last (youth and adult) 1 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 2 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 3 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 4 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 6 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 7 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 8 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 9 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 10 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 11 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 12 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 13 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 14 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 15 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 16 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 17 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 18 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 19 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 20 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 21 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 22 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 23 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 24 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 25 S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL Total Participants Total T-shirts Male Adults S = Female Adults M = Male Youth L = Female Youth XL = 2XL = 3XL = 4XL = For Office use only: Check number Amount Balance due Questions? Please contact Jenn Fuller at or jennfullerdce@gmail.com.

10 Adult Leader Expectations 2018 Junior Youth Gathering But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15). For many adults this Junior Youth Gathering will be their first experience taking youth to a large Gathering. It is work to be an effective Adult Leader. But, there are great rewards in your own personal growth and the relationships you build with your youth! Research shows that adult leaders who are prepared for youth gatherings will increase the spiritual growth of the youth attending the gathering. The main purpose of gatherings is the spiritual growth of our youth. Below is a list of adult leader expectations. Please take a few minutes to read through the list. 1. Pray for the youth and leaders who will be attending the gathering. 2. Make necessary travel arrangements. Give the hotel phone number to all the parents of youth attending (Sheraton, West Des Moines, ). 3. Use the opportunity to be a Christian witness reflecting Christ s love in your words and actions. 4. The Gathering expects you to be responsible for the participants who have registered under your name. Your congregation and the parents are expecting the same! 5. The Gathering expects you to attend all Gathering events and participate with youth. 6. The Gathering expects you and your registered youth to follow the Youth Gathering Covenant. 7. The Gathering expects you to encourage the youth to be good stewards by treating all property with respect. 8. Volunteers may serve one hour Hall Monitor Duty between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7 a.m.

11 Variety Time Inflatables & Laser Tag Thanks to funds from LCEF, we are excited to offer inflatables during Variety Time. The gathering meeting area will be converted into a huge play experience with interactive inflatables. Youth will love this! Adrenaline Rush II Obstacle Course Entanglement Bungee Run Mini Golf

12 Activity Participation Agreement Activity Information Name of sponsoring organization: Iowa District West-LCMS Address: 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA Telephone: Name of sponsor s coordinator: Rhonda Mohr Telephone: Description of activity: Inflatable games Date(s) and location of activity: October 27-28, 2018 Sheraton-West Des Moines Participant Information (To be completed by participant or authorized guardian) Name of participant: Name of parents/guardians: Address: Telephone: Name of emergency contact: Telephone (Day): Telephone (evening): List allergies or medical conditions: Is sponsor authorized to approve medical treatment? Yes No Is participant covered by personal/family medical insurance? Yes No If yes, name of insurer: Policy or group number: Participation Agreement I acknowledge that participation in the activity described above involves risk to the Participant (and to Participant s parents or guardians, if Participant is a minor), and may result in various types of injury including, but not limited to, the following: sickness, bodily injury, death, emotional injury, personal injury, property damage and financial damage. In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the activity described above (the Activity ), the Participant (or parent/guardian if Participant is a minor) acknowledges and accepts the risks of injury associated with participation in and transportation to and from the Activity. The Participant (or parent/guardian) accepts personal financial responsibility for any injury or other loss sustained during the Activity or during transportation to and from the activity, as well as for any medical treatment rendered to the Participant that is authorized by the Sponsor or its agents, employees, volunteers, or any other representatives (collectively referred to hereinafter as the Activity Sponsor ). Further, the Participant (or parent/guardian) releases and promises to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Activity Sponsor for any injury arising directly or indirectly out of the described Activity or transportation to and from the Activity, whether such injury arises out of the negligence of the Activity Sponsor, the Participant, or otherwise. If a dispute over this agreement or any claim for damages arises, the Participant (or parent/guardian) agrees to resolve the matter through a mutually acceptable alternative dispute resolution process. If the Participant (or parent/guardian) and the Activity Sponsor cannot agree upon such a process, the dispute will be submitted to a three-member arbitration panel for resolution pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Signature: Signature: Signature: (Participant and/or ALL parent/guardians if participant is a minor) Date: Date: Date:

13 Important Information: Application for Financial Assistance Iowa District West Youth Events * This application is to be completed by the pastor or church professional of the youth attending. Use a separate application for each youth. * The applicant must be a member of an Iowa District West, LCMS, congregation. * In the space provided (#3), explain the reason this youth is in need of financial assistance and any special circumstances that pertain to that need. This section must be completed. * The policy of the Iowa District West Youth Services Committee is to award a maximum of 50% of the registration fee. Please apply only for the assistance genuinely needed. * Families and congregations are to have primary financial responsibility. Please indicate the amount the congregation is able to contribute. District assistance is intended to supplement the family s and local support. * Send the completed application by the event registration deadline to: Mail: Youth Department Iowa District West, LCMS 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B Fort Dodge, Iowa Applicant Information (please print or type) Date of Application Name of Youth Parent(s)/Guardian sue@iowadistrictwest.org Home Congregation Town Financial Need (fill out completely) 1) Check the event the applicant will attend: 2) Cost of the event: $ Cub Week Jr. High Week Youth Week Jr. Youth Gathering Amount the congregation is able to provide: $ Amount of assistance requested: $ Youth Gathering 3) Explanation of the need/special circumstances: 4) Signature of pastor/church professional: * * * * * * * * * * * * District Use * * * * * * * * * * * * Signature of District Executive: Amount Awarded $

14 Join Junior High Youth from across Iowa District West for a weekend of faith, fellowship and fun! When: October 27-28, 2018 Where: Sheraton, th St, West Des Moines, IA Cost: $150/person Presenter Pastor Ben Johnson, Gloria Dei-Urbandale MC DCE Tim Kightlinger, Gloria Dei-Urbandale Sectionals will include: Noah s Flood and Baptism What is the connection? Delivered to Socialize Meals from the Heartland Trivia Game Variety Time activities will include: Adrenaline Rush II, Mini Golf, Bungee Run Entanglement, and many other fun options! Music provided by Swen and Dean! Registration materials are due no later than September 25 and can be found at: after August 1. Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the details -