Conference Events
As United Methodists, we are a connectional church. St. Luke is part of a district (the Sanford District), which is part of an annual conference (The North Carolina Annual Conference), which is ultimately part of the global United Methodist Church. Connectionalism such as this plays a vital role in the ministries of individual churches.
One of the ways that we reinforce our connections, specifically for youth, is through Conference youth events. These events held at various times of the year provide opportunities for worship, spiritual development, "holy conferencing" and fellowship with youth from across the Conference.
Conference youth events are open to all youth in 6th through 12th grades. Some events are open to middle school youth or senior high youth only, while others are for all youth. Also, all events with the exception of Pilgrimage and Conference Youth Rally Day, are individual registration events. The others are events attended by churches as a group.
Below is a summary of Conference youth events, in school-year order. For more information, visit the website for North Carolina Conference Youth Ministry (link in sidebar):
- Pilgrimage (November) - Large gathering held in Fayetteville at the Crown Coliseum. Average attendance is between 5500 - 6000 youth and adults. Friday through Sunday, with four worship services.
- Bishop's Confirmation Celebration (Spring) - Event specifically for confirmation classes. Confirmands hear from the Bishop as well as older youth. Confirmation classes provide leadership for the event, including worship and service projects
- Global Vision (Spring) - Trip for older senior high youth (10th grade and above) Focused on social justice issues and current events, with stops at Methodist offices in Washington D.C. and New York City as well as the United Nations.
- Kaleidoscope (Spring) - Weekend event for middle school youth at Camp Don Lee. Centered around the four holy habits of worship, prayer, Bible study and service. Youth participate in each holy habit over the weekend.
- Conference Youth Rally Day (Spring) - Gathering event for all youth at NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount. A day of fun and fellowship spent in God's creation. All leadership is provided by UMYF groups.
- Appalachian Trail Hike (Early Summer) - 6-day event for senior high youth. Hikers travel a section of the Appalachian Trail.
- Breakaway (Summer) - Weeklong (Monday - Saturday) event for all youth held at Louisburg College. Daily worship services, special activities for each day, movie groups and growth groups combine for an exciting week.
- ACS (Annual Conference Session for Youth - Summer) - Weeklong (Monday - Saturday) event for senior high youth that serves as the legislative meeting for Conference youth. In addition to daily worship services and growth groups, youth convene daily legislative affairs sessions in which resolutions are presented and debated. They also elect Conference youth officers and fill other committees as well.