conversations from the couch

A ton of youth workers have been asking for the entire conference schedule (including complete track session & workshop details) in print format! (this should make it much easier to present to get budget approval!) Here you go… download the new 2009 NYMC 8-page brochure (it’s so new it’s not even back from the printer until Tuesday!) Look for it in the mail and inserted in the upcoming issue of Group Magazine, and if you need extra copies for your team or other youth workers who might be interested, simply shoot me an email at kgilmour@group.com and I’ll send you what you need this week!

Don’t forget to register for the extra discounts by tomorrow! Remember–the team sizes have been made more accessible–now there are great group rates for teams of 4+ and 8+! If you don’t know who is going to attend from your team–that’s ok! Just register additional attendees with the word “unknown at this time” and you can lock in the great rates by this early bird deadline and go back into your registration and add the names later on! ALUMNI–register with your alumni code for the extra $40 per person off! (yes–includes anyone on your team, even spouses or new fo;lks who haven’t attended in the past) If you need your code, email me at kgilmour@group.com!

Six months ago we gathered in Cincinnati for 3 days of incredible conversations at the Group /SYM National Youth Ministry Conference. My prayer is that you returned to your church equipped and refreshed by the experience. More importantly, I hope what impacted you at NYMC is still evident in your life. I know how easy it is to leave on a conference high… but what matters most is if something (or someone) at the National Youth Ministry Conference made a lasting difference.

I’d love to hear how you’re doing today…

Would you please take a minute to share your story. It would mean a lot to me. So many people thanked me during the conference and told me great stories and I wish I would have written them all down.

What should you write? Well, maybe an idea impacted your ministry, or you’re still in touch with a friend from an affinity group, or you quit youth ministry to work at Wal-Mart. We really want to know how you’re doing now, because our ministry isn’t about time at a conference, it’s about you. Hearing your voice helps us serve you better this next year.

Doug

Cloud of WitnessesThis is a cool shot from an activity in Doug Fields’ message on Saturday night. Everyone wrote a “faith blocker” and tossed it into the air. People were asked to pick up one of the papers that landed near them and pray for that person and their faith blocker. It was a cool, interactive community experience.

Hey all-thanks for tons of great evaluations! We’ll be drawing for the IPOD soon, and might even through in a free conference registration for 2009 for the best comments received! I’ll keep ya’ll updated on the comments and trends we’re hearing. I’m loving the big dreamers out there–suggestions for Bono and Obama as keynote speakers. Hey–maybe Bono will cut us a break and speak AND bring in a little U2 concert. We’re in the brainstorming phase…right? (I can’t imagine the technical riders on some of these suggestions, that’s enough to send me to a padded room!)

You can’t have a conference with 100 Sack Chairs and not catch some air. Ken Compton and his buddy sent me these…I’m waiting for the video!

still on a high from the most amazing time at the conference. Awesome speakers, unbelievable affinity groups, and most of all–the best group of dedicated, loving, committed youth workers on the face of the earth. It is an honor, and a humbling privilege to have walked alongside you for those 4 days. You are heroes.

Between the pace of the conference, and a sketchy Internet connection in my room, I win the lame blog award!!!

 But–Josh Griffin, and a whole bunch of other bloggers have been on it–check out Josh’s blog, More Than Dodgeball for all of the videos, photos, and links to other conference blogs!

We got a call from a company called Sack Chairs that makes those HUGE bean bags. It’s a Christian family owned company, and they stumbled onto our website after hoping to connect with youth workers with their awesome sacks, and saw the couch…and thought we looked like fun furniture people. We are…it’s all about kicking back for some renewing conversations! Anyway–this company is now stocking up the conference with over 100 huge sacks for massive sack chair lounge areas.

Kind of overshadows the whole red couch thing–but hey–we can’t turn away comfort! We’ll be doing some fun contests with giveaways of some of the sack chairs–and the red couch, of course! Clear out your youth room…new furniture may be headed your way!

Devastating to hear about these terrible storms, that are likely affecting thousands of your church members. We’re holding you close in prayer.