June 30 – July 4, 2023 in Indianapolis

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Youth Program

Learn about the Youth Program at General Synod 34.

Friday, June 30th

Daily Theme:
You Belong Here!

Daily Challenge:
Based on your own comfort level, let 3 people know they belong here! This can be through a short-written note, a social media shoutout, a verbal message or anything you think of.

Question to Ponder:
What are you hoping to learn or have answered while you are here?

Social Media Engagement:
Find your conference or associate conference minister and take a picture with them. Use the synod social media handles.

  • Opening worship by The Many
  • Introductions of key people (leaders, chaplains)
  • Synod overview/what to expect
  • Explanation of scavenger hunt
  • Presence of service animals during the youth program

  • Youth Programming (NEOCH)
    • Intro, Spectrogram, Altar Build (1 hour)
    • Street Speaker Discussion (1 hour)

Saturday, July 1st

Daily Theme:
Finding Your Way

Daily Challenge:
Visit the exhibit hall or attend one of the Engagement Sessions to find a new way to connect with the national ministries of the United Church of Christ.

Question to Ponder:
Who do you turn to when you can’t find your way and why?

Social Media Engagement:
Find a map and post a selfie using the synod hashtags.

  • Worship and Announcements

Group 1

  • NEOCH 1:30-3:30 PM
    • Resource Mapping Challenge (1.5 hours)
    • Spaceship Game (.5 hour)
  • Workshop Overdose & Harm Reduction Ministries (3:30-4:30)
  • Workshop with Mental Health & Disabilities Ministries (4:30-5:30)

Group 2

  • Workshop with Overdose & Harm Reduction Ministries (1:30-2:30)
  • Workshop Mental Health & Disabilities Ministries (2:30-3:30)
  • NEOCH 3:30-5:30 PM
    • Resource Mapping Challenge (1.5 hours)
    • Spaceship Game (.5 hour)

Sunday, July 2nd

Daily Theme:
Building Empathy for Others

Daily Challenge:
Practice a random act of kindness for someone today.

Question to Ponder:
Does your church practice charity or justice (weigh using chocolate chips on a scale)

Social Media Engagement:
Post a justice themed quote on any of your social media profiles and be sure to use the synod hashtag as well.

  • Worship and Announcements

  • Root Cause/Solution Analysis (1 hour)
    • Goal: learn why people find themselves without housing, where they go when they do, how they exit into housing, and what barriers exist.
  • Charity vs. Justice (1 hour)
    • Goal: develop a strategic analysis of solutions to poverty and homelessness.

Monday, July 3rd

Daily Theme:
You in the World

Daily Challenge:
Stop by the Join the Movement booth and tell your story on video.

Question to Ponder:
What social justice initiative is most important to you (illustrate using jars and candy)

Social Media Engagement:
Without posting people, where do you see justice issues being present today (at Synod) or in Indianapolis. Post using the hashtags.

  • Worship and Announcements

  • Take a Stand (1 hour)
  • Reflection and Evaluation (.5 hour)

  • Cornerstone Fund: Youth and Financial Literacy (2:30-3:30)

Tuesday, July 4th

Daily Theme:
Making You New

Daily Challenge:
Be intentional about connecting with some new friend that you would like to stay in contact with moving forward. Exchange numbers, social media handles or some other contact info that you are both comfortable with.

Question to Ponder:
How have you changed during the last few days at General Synod?

Social Media Engagement:
Post a picture of your group in front of a General Synod sign using the hashtags.

Youth Protection Policy

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