Lutheran Youth Organization

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Purpose Statement
The LYO of the Southeastern Iowa Synod is a ministry of, for, by, and among youth. It exists to support congregational youth ministries and to provide opportunities for youth to gather to be encouraged in their faith and build relationships with each other and God. As a result, the youth are able to have a voice that is heard, recognized, and valued by the entire Church while being inspired and equipped to witness and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.

Events of the Southeastern Iowa Synod LYO

Registering for Events

Registration materials for all events are mailed to each of the 152 congregations in the Southeastern Iowa Synod at least twice prior to an event. Starting with the 2003 LYO Assembly, registration and other information that goes out in the mailings will also be available here. You can then print off these documents and mail them in. Watch for this feature!

LYO Winter Gathering

Winter Gathering 2008
January 4-6, 2008, Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel, Cedar Rapids
Speaker: Kris Meyer
Band: Smallfish

Winter Gathering 2007
January 5-7, 2007, Cedar Rapids Marriot, Cedar Rapids
Speaker: Pastor David Vasquez
Band: Fuller Still

Winter Gathering 2006
January 6-8, 2006, Cedar Rapids Marriot, Cedar Rapids
Speaker: Dan Scharnhorst
Band: Lost and Found

Winter Gathering is a fun weekend for senior high youth grades 9-12. We have workshops to grow in our faith, games and live music for fellowship, devotions and worship time for our God, and much more. Winter Gathering is sponsored, planned, and run by the Southeastern Iowa Synod and ELCA Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). The LYO board is made up of youth and adults from southeastern Iowa. Our main purpose is to help youth and their directors.

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Neptun at 319-462-4841 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

LYO Assembly

Assembly 2008

June 7, Grand View College, Des Moines
Theme: Follow the Leader
Verse: Psalm 32:8
Registration Fee: $10

Assembly 2008 Letter
Assembly Registration Form
Assembly Individual Registration
LYO Open Board Positions
LYO Board Job Descriptions

The LYO Assembly is the main business meeting of the LYO. We gather to grow in faith, to elect new LYO Board members and officers, and to discuss and take action on issues affecting ourselves and the LYO. Each of the 152 congregations in the Southeastern Iowa Synod is entitled to send two voting delegates to this assembly. Other students are always welcome to attend with the understanding that they cannot vote and that we will be focusing on business during our time together.

During the LYO Assembly, we hear reports from the LYO Board Representatives, Officers, and Committees. We also spend time in conversation around issues of importance to youth and the LYO. At some point, we spend time with the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly. We also spend some time being fed by a band and/or a gifted speaker. This event is held concurrently with the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly.

To view photos from the 2006 Assembly, click here.
To view photos from the 2005 Assembly, click here.
To view photos from the 2004 Assembly, click here.

LYO Adult Training Event

The purpose statement of the Southeastern Iowa Synod LYO states that the, "(LYO) exists to support congregational youth ministries�". To that end the LYO sponsors a training event on either the first or second Saturday in August for adults working with youth. The event runs from 10-2 and is held in either Iowa City or Cedar Rapids. So far, the event has been held for free.
This event features an opportunity for youth workers, paid and volunteer, clergy and lay, to gather together to hear speakers and attend workshops designed to enhance their ministry. This event is also designed to allow for networking between these youth workers. Past speakers and workshop leaders have included: Staff from Wartburg Seminary, a former Assistant to the Bishop, and many successful congregational youth workers.

The LYO is currently exploring sharing this ministry with the Learning Ministries Team. We strongly encourage you and your ministry team to attend this training event.

The LYO Board

According to the LYO constitution, "There shall be a Lutheran Youth Organization Board which shall consist of the officers of this organization (president, vice president, secretary, and registrar), one youth from each conference, one definitely abled youth, two multicultural at-large representatives (one male and one female) and at least four adult advisory members. Also the office of the bishop or the bishop's representative shall serve ex officio in addition to the youth serving on the synod council." The current LYO Board is listed below.

Current Board Members
President: Dione Miller from Burlington
Vice President: Brianna Hopp from Burlington
Secretary: Alicia Shaffer
Registrar: Vivian Bernau from Altoona

Conference Representatives
Conference 1: Open
Conference 2: Open
Conference 3: Nikki Taylor from Cedar Rapids
Conference 4: Jessica McWilliams from Anamosa
Conference 5: Open
Conference 6: Annie Kuttler from Davenport
Conference 7: Sven Hovland
Conference 8: Connor Sheagren
Conference 9: Open
Conference 10: Open
Conference 11: Open

Adult Advisor Chair
Angie Neptun from Anamosa

Adult Advisors
Angie Neptun from Anamosa, Kay Kinkel from Des Moines, Kelly Schoof from Burlington, Peter Sickels from Princeton, Chris Taylor

Pastor Representative
Pr. Peter Sickels from Princeton

Synod Representative
Kay Kinkel Southeastern Iowa Synod

Multi-cultural male at-large
Sean Atwater

Multi-cultural female at-large
Open

Male at-large
Eric Johnson from Bettendorf

Female at-large
Open

You can contact Angie Neptun at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.

4:24 Prayer Movement

"When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God."
- Acts 4:24

Daily conversation with God is important. Based on Acts 4:24, the 4:24 prayer campaign is designed to provide youth and others with a time of intentional prayer and reflection. Whether it is lifting the concerns of our own hearts or joining together in a unified word, we encourage each other to pray. Thus, at 4:24 pm everyday, no matter what time zone, you are invited to stop and pray.

Youth Ministry Links
http://www.elcaymnet.org The ELCA Youth Ministry Network is dedicated to supporting and training youth workers in the ELCA, both lay and clergy, volunteer and paid.
http://www.elca.org The website of the ELCA. There is a great page, including resources, for youth and youth workers.
http://www.egadideas.com A great resource for free ideas, programs, games, and mixers.
http://www.youthspecialities.com A respected interdenominational source of programs and ideas.
http://www.oldlutheran.com Order a bobble-head Luther (No kidding!) or get some great resources.