SAN ANTONIO OR BUST!!!
One of the many goals this year is for the Sr. youth to attend the 2009 Higher Things gathering in San Antonio, TX from July 7-10, 2009! This gathering is a fantastic effort by many to establish a more confessional and liturgical retreat for our youth. While there will be plenty of time for sightseeing, the main objective of Higher Things is to immerse the youth in the nourishing Word of God by upholding to the time-tested and true liturgy of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (after all, their motto is "Dare to be Lutheran")! Ample time is devoted to various Bible studies and lectures, as well as traditional worship services.
On November 1st, 2008, 13 individuals (9 youth members and 4 adults) were registered from St. John's to attend the San Antonio gathering. Along with our Sr. youth group, the youth groups from Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, and The Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center will be attending with us. The total attending from these churches is currently 33, with more to register soon; our hope is to charter a bus to take down to Texas.
The cost of the gathering is an initial registration fee of $100/person due at the time of registration, plus a conference fee of $330/person due no later than January 15th, 2009, after which the price increases to $335, and then finally to $350 if the total is not paid by March 2nd, 2009.
As we continue preparations for this awesome event, please take time out of your busy schedule to attend and participate in the various fundraisers. Some of the fundraisers are things we have done in the past, such as the Super Bowl Sales and the Easter Breakfast. Other fundraisers, such as the Christmas Greenery Sales and the "Texas" Chili Cook-off are new this year.
We ask that everyone keep the youth in your prays as we begin counting down the months and days until San Antonio. We are very excited about this trip, and are anxious to participate in everything Higher Things: San Antonio has to offer!