"Youth Event Dates: July 23-26, 2024

Virginia Beach Convention Center

Registration is open at soc-ucc.org

Text: Hebrews 12:2

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV).

NEW ITEM... Service/Outreach project: Youth will visit the Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation with 179 residents. This facility is a rehab and assisted living facility. It is one of the lower rated facilities, which is one of the reasons why our youth presence will be valued. Part of the visit will involve delivering a care package to all 179 residents, with the following items. All items should be travel size/ small, i.e. 4-6 oz for easy packing. If you can secure some of these items, contact Patrice Smallwood or Rossiland Westmoreland via their e-mail linked names.

Lotion / Deodorant / Wash cloth wipes (disposable) / Hair brush / Hair Comb / Bottled Sanitizer or sanitizing cloths 4-6 oz / Vaseline / Chap stick / Toothbrush (normal size) / toothpaste / Body wash / Tissue packs (Individually wrapped) / Word puzzle books / Large Throw-Blanket ( Standard size, 50x60)

Registration: Youth Event -- Lock In "It's gonna be Fire" – Registration opened March 28th. Link is on the soc-ucc.org website on the front page.

• The registration price will be $150/person for those who meet the early registration deadline by May 15th and will increase thereafter. We will also be providing a scholarship application soon.

• Please look at the registration instructions on the website before starting.

• You can register unlimited youth as long as there is a chaperone for each 5 youth.

• Before starting be sure to have the workshops youth want to attend, their email address, grade, address and phone #. Each person must have a separate email address.

• The additional forms that have to be filled out can be done after registration but must be received by Belinda by June 1st for your registration to be validated.

• If you don't meet any of the drop down registration categories, select "clergy/other."

Adults: Events for Youth Leaders/Chaperones/Parents have just been added, including workshops along with a closing event. Leaders will be charged $75 for registration.

Bus Transportation: The Southern Conference is planning to provide a charter bus with several pickups throughout the Conference, depending upon the need at a minimum price; TBD.

Lodging: Find the hotel list of choices for the youth event with the link HERE. Each person/group is responsible for making their own reservations; there are lots to choose from. Do note that in order to receive the price listed, your reservation must be made by the deadline.

Workshop Presenters: We are still in search of those who would like to be considered to be a workshop presenter. We are looking for those who can cater their workshop to youth, be energetic and can leave the youth with meaningful take-a-ways. Email your response or inquiries to bsledge@soc-ucc.org. Put in the memo "Workshop Presenter Consideration." Download workshop descriptions  

Prayer scarves: We want to take a page from General Synod book and have prayer scarves available for our youth. Rev. Barbara Rathbun, Former Southern Conference President, has agreed to help. Read more on expanded description of event.

Youth written notes of encouragement: We are asking those youth not attending the conference to write a brief note of encouragement on an index card to be included in those care packages. We are certain that the positive words from our youth will be a breath of light to all who receive them. We invite youth to be creative with their notes, infusing art, color, and personality. The encouragement notes should be given to your church's youth leader/POC and mailed by July 1, 2024 to New Macedonia Christian UCC, 1426 Marshall Ave. Norfolk, VA 23404

Feel free to reach out to Rev. Belinda Sledge at bsledge@soc-ucc.org or 336-558-4901 with any additional questions.

Download above information with more detail

Download and share event flyer: Lock In "It's gonna be Fire"