In just a few months, well over 30,000 youth and adults will gather in NRG Park in Houston, Texas, for the 2018 Youth Gathering. We are so excited that the Florida-Bahamas Synod are sending just under 500 students, an exciting increase 2015. It has been exciting to hear groups talk about their preparations for travel, for service projects on the way there and the way back and their fundraising efforts. What has been even more exciting to witness is the way in which the Synod is supporting each other in the effort to get there. Here are just a few examples:
- Congregations without youth the right age to attend are offering financial assistance to neighboring congregations
- Conferences are pooling resources and sharing costs to make it as affordable as they can for groups attending
- Congregations and other groups are making donations to the Synod for scholarships for youth and/or congregations who are struggling with the cost of the Gathering.
How can you help? If your congregation or conference is able, please reach out and help a neighboring congregation send youth or consider making a donation to the Florida-Bahamas Synod Gathering Scholarship Fund. The cost for one youth to attend the Gathering, including registration, housing, transportation and food, ranges from $1,000-$1,200. Any amount is eagerly accepted.
We want to share your stories. Are you partnering with another congregation to help get youth to the Gathering? Has your congregation or organization designated funds for the Synod Scholarship Fund? Please email Sue Mendenhall (suem@fbsynod.org) so that we can share your story. Pictures too!
Does your congregation have youth that need some assistance to attend? Please contact Sue Mendenhall, Director for Youth, Young Adult & Outdoor Ministries, at suem@fbsynod.org or 727-415-9887, to find out how to apply for funds.
