April 24-26 2015 - Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church - Islip NY
Confirmation / Youth Ministry
2015 Atlantic District Youth Gathering
April 24-26 2015
Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center
Tuscarora, PA
Dear Parent,
Your young person in our youth ministry has a great opportunity, an opportunity to spend a weekend
with hundreds of people their own age sharing a common faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Friend.
Trinity’s Youth Ministry will be participating in the first ever Atlantic District Youth Gathering at the
Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center, 3300 River Road in Mount Bethel, PA. This event will be run
by Unpaved Ministries.
Unpaved Ministries has been running national and local youth events, such as the National Youth
Gathering and local weekend youth experiences for many years, I can assure you that these are
high quality, relevant, faith-building weekends. Ask any young person or youth leader who has the
opportunity to attend an event like this with us, and they will say that it had a profound effect on the
group of people who attended. The few days we spent together provided a faith-building experience
through Christ-centered and inspiring music, speakers, and breakout sessions. It has helped young
people, pre or post confirmation, to take their faith more personally, and see their church as an
invaluable part of their lives.
Now it is time to get ready for the gathering. The theme of this year’s event is “COLLIDE ”. All of the
celebrations are in the context of the verse Luke 24:32
THEME TEXT:
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They asked each other ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened
the Scriptures to us?’” Luke 24:32 (ESV)
Just like the other events we have attended in the past, there will be concerts, faith-inspiring
speakers, games and so much more. This year’s location is the beautfull Tuscarora Inn &
Conference Center.
Why should I allow/encourage my confirmation/ youth group student to go?
• Relationships with friends and adults of the church strengthened.
• Kids are open and sensitive to learning when they are away. For years these types of
events have impacted our students’ faith in a tremendous way.
• Lifelong memories that have a connection to Jesus Christ will be built for your child. Every
young person that has ever attended these types of trips affirm that it was a tremendously
worthwhile, faith building, and fun event. Your young person will have a great time and lots
of fun!
• The opportunity to meet many other Lutheran youth from Long Island and the rest of the
district - from as close as Sayville, NY to as far as upstate Albany.
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It is also hoped by Pastor Staneck, our youth ministry and confirmation staff that all
students would attend this historic gathering.
As always, Trinity Youth is committed to keeping all its events well supervised with caring,
mature youth workers and parents. All are church members, most have been involved with
us for over two years, and all go through background checks. We collect medical release
forms, perform security checks and keep in close contact in the unlikely event of an
accident or illness.
The Tuscarora Conference Center is excellently staffed and well-equipped to handle large
groups of youth such as this one.
This is the ATLANTIC DISTRICT youth gathering of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
(LCMS). Trinity is part of the Atlantic district. We will celebrate Holy Communion as one
church on Sunday morning at the retreat.
The attached pages will give you all the details of the event. Please read through them carefully and
give me a call (277-1555 ext. 205) or send me an e-mail at [email protected] if you have any
questions. If your son or daughter wishes to participate, please fill out the attached medical form and
fund-raiser sign-up. Return them with the deposit to me or the main office by March 1st . If you are
interested in participating as a chaperone, there is a place to indicate interest on the form.
In the name of Jesus Christ who “collides” with us in Baptism,
DCE Christopher Boccalupo
Minister of Religion - Commissioned
Trinity Lutheran Church, Islip
Chairman – Task Force 5 on Youth Ministry
Atlantic District LCMS
Dear Parent,
I would like to encourage you to support your son or daughter in going on this youth event. It is an
opportunity to take the confirmation class and church lessons and have them enhanced in an
environment of greater understanding. It’s been stated by numerous parents how valuable this
weekend is to their teenage sons and daughters. Parents and kids alike speak of the Christian
growth and fellowship, which is a positive result of the retreat weekend. Rest assured that your son
or daughter will be in very responsible and capable hands on this trip and that this retreat will be a
blessing. Please make every effort to ensure that your child is present, it is that important !!!! Pastor
Michael Staneck
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Candy (Reeses, Hersheys, Kit Kats) Available immediately from the youth office
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Bake Sale – March 29 (after both services)
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Car Wash – April 11
TRIP TIME LINE
Feb 27th – Rock Solid Youth Event with Travis Hartjen (Free!)
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March 29 – Bake Sale (after both services)
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March 1 Deposits due (Early rate)
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April 11 – Car Wash (rain date 4/18)
April 19th -Pre-trip meeting for students during confirmation class
-Parent Meeting at 7:40 pm
April 24th - Meet at Trinity afterschool, exact time TBA
April 26th - Trip Return approx. 4 pm
Supervision: We will look to have one adult for each five youths. If you have an interest in helping out, let
Chris know. Students are always under adult supervision during the trip.
This trip is one of the most affordable trips we have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Typical weekend trips
cost approximately $360 and up, but the Atlantic District in an effort to make this trip affordable for people from
all areas of the district, has worked hard to keep the price down.
The costs for the trip are estimated as follows: (some minor adjustments may be made)
Registration Fee (includes program
Fee, 2 nights+5 meals, snacks & more)
(bring bagged dinner Friday)
Transportation
Volunteer fee
Total estimated costs
$125 ($ 75 deposit due March 1st )
$ 50 (coach bus)
$ 40
$215 ($240 after March 1st) (Sign up deadline March 31)
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We raise money with some matching funds applied to significantly reduce the cost of the trip. We
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have fundraising candy available now, we will have a bake sale on March 29 after both services) and we will
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have a car wash on April 11 (rain date April18th). So the good news is that there are several fundraising
opportunities. Additionally, the matching funds that will bring the cost down per person, depending on how
many youth attend – and we already have that money. We are committed to youth attending this trip. In the
past we have given scholarships to families who requested it. Please speak to me if this is an issue.
Fundraising candy is available now from the Youth office. Some youth have already raised money
through the Pancake Breakfast.
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A deposit of $75 is required for each student who wishes to attend. This deposit is to be paid by March 1 .
The medical release form enclosed with this letter must be completed and handed in. The deposits go toward
the balance and help to secure low registration.
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Youth attending this trip will be required to attend a pre-trip meeting on April 19 . We require that full
payment for the trip be received at this time.
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At the April 19 parent meeting you will receive a letter indicating the amount of fundraising and donated
money that is allocated towards your child. The balance will have to be paid in full then. The parent meeting
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is Sunday April 19 at (7:40 pm).
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There are no refunds on deposits; therefore we cannot refund deposits after due dates.
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Parents will be notified when we arrive in Tuscarora on Friday, and when we are close to home on Sunday.
Other calls will only be made if situations arise that require your attention.
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Students on Past trips say…
…it was fun to listen and learn about God with all my friends and meet new people from different churches. – Nicole
Morehouse.
… I got to meet new people who I could talk about my faith with and understand more about the Word of God. – Kate Keough
“It enhances our learning in Christ while we have so much fun at the same time!” Danny Moore
“I got to meet other people from other churches who have the same faith” - Cameron Albert
“ ….was really the greatest! It strengthened my faith. It’s a few days that will impact the rest of my life” – Olivia Albert
“It was really fun and helped open my eyes to God. – Matt Raitz
“ Something I liked about the 2014 trip was meeting new churches and Christian groups me and my friends had such a great
time and one of our favorite parts was meeting Swen and Dean :)” (musicians). Courtney Feil
What happens at the Atlantic District Youth Gathering?
The Gathering is a weekend Christian retreat at the retreat center for youth groups and their adult leaders. This Event
begins on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and ends around 1pm. on Sunday. This weekend is full of great music, motivational
speakers, spiritual growth, lessons on life and exciting interaction between youth groups. A more detailed description of
these activities is listed below. Everything including family style meals happens on the Tuscarora grounds.
Main Frame - These are large group gatherings where all of the youth groups come together to participate in dynamic
worship with gifted musicians, as well as learn more about how the Gospel is real in your life from Christ-focused national
speakers. Include prayer, Christian videos, and fun, and you have the ultimate celebration of God's youth giving glory to
the Lord. These Celebrations happen four times throughout the weekend.
Campfire - On Saturday Night a real campfire using Tuscarora’s fire pit will happen to close the day out with devotional
thoughts.
Interest Centers- These are smaller group sessions zthat are designed to give youth the opportunity to choose topics
and issues they want to learn more about. There are three Treks on Saturday. Depending on the size of the gathering,
youth groups will have 4 or more to choose from each session.
• Scripture and youth culture / Christian Dating /men of God/ Women of God / Dealing with Peer Pressure / The
Relationship between Youth and Parents / God's Love in Today's Music / How to Share My Faith / etc.
Free Time - Free time can be taken each morning before the first activity, during extended meal breaks, and during late
night activities. Tuscorora has a full gym, outdoor basketball courts, a beach volleyball court and a snack/ gift shop.
WORSHIP/Global Offering –The gathering will look to support a local Christian ministry through our Sunday Morning
worship. A unique opportunity at this gathering, we will share in the Celebration of Holy Communion with all the retreat
participants. We normally do not do this, but since this is an all Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod gathering, it will be
proper and right to do so!
Late Night Activities – games/ fire pit , snack shop and more!
Main Speakers:
Jeffery Meinz:Jeffrey grew up in Farmington, MO., graduated from Concordia University (Seward, NE.) in 1996 and
served a 10 year call to Walcamp Outdoor Ministries in Kingston, IL. He now serves as the Director of Youth and Family
Ministry at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Jeffrey is married to Amy and they have four
children. Jeffrey enjoys metal-detecting in local parks (translation: spending to hours digging in the first for the sake of
finding one silly dime).
Sarah Salzberg: Sarah (Trinklein) Salzberg graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and currently serves
as an Old Testament teacher at Lutheran high School of Orange County in Orange, California. She’s more of a newbie in
ministry with this being her third full year in teaching, but everyday she is thrilled to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to use His
Word to fuel the faith of her students. She and her husband, Josh, live in Los Angeles, CA, which may sound fancy,
however, it probably just means she spends for time in traffic than everyone else. The traffic doesn’t bother her too much,
but her favorite seasons are winter and fall which are non-existent in a “70 degrees and always sunny” state.
Skits / Presentations/ Music:
Leon Jameson and Micah Steiner are the THESE GUYS. THESE GUYS bring comedy and insight to
the day-to-day experiences of students. They’ve been teaching God’s Word using comedy, drama, wigs,
and fake mustaches for over five years. Laugh along, don’t take them too seriously and perhaps see just
a bit of yourself in their sketches.
Blake Flately is a musician and theologian. Over the past seven years Blake has served as the director of music for
multiple congregations and currently serves as the Director of Worship and Arts at Our Savior, New York. Blake has
been part of six musical releases with his bands The Orange Effect and Graffiti Cathedral, written for the Armchair
Project, spike at and served on the planning committees for the FiveTwo Wiki Conference, and the WALi Summit, ans
currently serves on the leadership team of Winter is on My Head. Bleack currently lives with his wife, Tara, daughter
Amelia and their dog Opie in Queens, New York.
I AM A FUND-RAISER…. CANDY SALES/ Car Wash
You do not have to participate in the fundraising to attend the gathering… You can pay the full fee and join us. You don’t
have to participate in the gathering to help with fundraising… But we invite you to help us raise money to help lower the
fee. The Youth Board keeps track of each youth’s level of involvement in fundraising and assigns raised funds to them
accordingly. Many youth on trips with us have not paid much more than the deposit after fundraising credit has been
applied.
Considering the cost of this trip, fundraising may help to put a serious dent in the cost. The Pancake breakfast was
already held toward this end.
For each Box of 30 pieces sold at $1 a bar, you get 46 percent profit ($14) off for every box you sell! Candy may be
obtained immediately from the Youth Ministry office. Once candy is taken it may not be returned. You do not have to pay
to take candy. Sell all in the box and return $30.
Youth: check one: I intend to sell candy to reduce my costs ( )
( ) I intend to be at the Car Wash!
Name____________________________________________
Please complete and return this form with medical form and deposit to Chris Boccalupo or the Church Office
Don’t forget to log onto www.youthencounter.org to
find out more about youth encounter.
I AM GOING!!!! Check one YES ( )
Parents
( ) I would like to attend as a chaperone.
______________________________________________________________________
Parent Consent Form and Medical Release
Student Name
Date of Birth
Parent’s Full Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Family Physician’s Name
Last Tetanus Shot: month/year
Allergies
Medicines currently taking
Medical – Physical problems/Limitations
Medical Insurance Carrier: ___________________________________________________________________
Group Number: ___________________________________ ID Number: _______________________________
Insurance Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Consent
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I give permission for my son or daughter to participate in the Atlantic District Youth Gathering
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on April 24
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through April 26 , 2015 at Tuscarora Camp, Mount Bethel PA. I further authorize
the Group Leaders of Trinity Lutheran Church, Islip NY and the Atlantic District LCMS, in the
event of an emergency in which I cannot be reached, to consent to any emergency medical
treatment necessary for my son or daughter while attending or traveling to the Youth
Gathering. I declare that my child is covered by primary insurance and assume all
responsibility and liability for injury to my child.
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I give permission for any pictures or videos taken during the Youth Gathering to be used at the
discretion of The Atlantic District LCMS.
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I give permission for my son or daughter to travel with Trinity Lutheran Church , Islip to and
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from Tuscarora retreat center in Bethel PA, April 24
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through 26 , 2015.
I understand that I may be contacted at any time during the event for either medical or
behavioral problems. I understand that if an incident occurs which requires sending my child
home, I might have to go to Bethel PA, to pick up my son/daughter at my own expense.
Parent or Guardian signature
Trinity Lutheran Church – Islip-NY Rev. Michael Staneck, Pastor
date
DCE Christopher Boccalupo , Commissioned Minister
Tentative Schedule for the Atlantic District Youth Gathering
Retreat Center
INFORMATION
Tuscarora Inn &
Conference Center
3300 River Road
Mt. Bethel, PA 18343
Phone: (570) 897-6000
Fax: (570) 897-5883
http://www.tuscarora.org
Trinity Youth Ministry
111 Nassau Ave
Islip NY 11751
277-1555 ex 205
[email protected]
Internet: click “Trinity Youth
Ministry” @
www.trinityislip.org
Chris Cell Phone: (631) 848-4863
Taskforce 5 Atlantic District:
Dcs. Janine Bolling
Rev. Matthew Gonzalez
Mr. Erik Graybosch
Rev. David Gruenwald
Ms Carol Mittlestaedt
Rev. Matthew Popovits
Dcs. Raquel Rojas
Rev. Dr. Dien Taylor
Rev. Steven Williamson-Link
DCE Christopher Boccalupo
(Chairman)
Friday
3:15 pm
3:30
7PM–9PM
9:15PM—9:30PM
Youth Gathering
9.30PM–11PM
11PM –Midnight
Main Frame One
Devotions and Bed
Saturday
8:30AM–9:30AM
9:45AM—11:15AM
11:15AM—12:15PM
12:30PM–1:30PM
1:45PM—2:45PM
3PM—4:30PM
4:30PM—5:15PM
5:30PM—6:30PM
6:45PM—8:15PM
8:30PM—9:30PM
10PM—11PM
11PM—Midnight
Breakfast
Main Frame Two
Interest Centers 1
Lunch
Games/Outside Time
Main Frame Three
Interest Centers 2 / Treks
Dinner
Main Frame Four
Late Night Activities
Camp fire, other games
Devotions and Bed
Sunday
8:30AM – 9:30AM
9:45AM—10:45AM
11:00AM—12:15PM
12:30PM—1:30 pm
1:30PM
4:30 pm
Breakfast
Worship
Games in Gym or outside
Lunch
Departure
Arrive in Islip
Meet at Trinity for Bus
Depart/ Bag dinner for the road
Registration
Introduction to Atlantic District, LCMS; National
Things to Bring :You need to bring your own towels and bedding
(sleeping bag) and tolitries.