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Lutheran Youth Organization

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

LYO Winter Gathering

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.

Winter Gathering web page

If you have any questions, please contact Pr. Eric Carlson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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: Anna Eliza Chelf from Bethany; Burlington

Vice President: Lindsey Mack from Trinity; Burlington

Secretary: Ashley Hester from Trinity; Burlington

Registrar: Malissa Schoof from Bethany; Burlington

Male At-Large: Zak Fortune from St. Paul; Anamosa

Female At-Large: Chelsea Wendling from Ascension; Marion

Multicultural Male At-Large: Kyle Simpson from St. John's; Des Moines

Conf 1: Open

Conf 2: Nathan Jordt from Trinity; Walford

Conf 3: D.J. Lubben from Ascension; Marion

Conf 4: Open

Conf 5: Open

Conf 7: Anthony TouVelle from St. James; Bettendorf

Conf 8: Alix Hanger from Messiah; Burlington

Conf 9: Open

Conf 10: Haley Toresdahl from Windsor Heights; Windsore Heights

Conf 11: Britany Thorpe from Good Shepherd; Des Moines

Adult Advisors

Megan Clausen from St. John’s; Des Moines

 Pr. Stacy Grau from Zion Lutheran;Clinton

Kelly Schoof from Messiah; Burlington

Jacob Smith
Paul Ster from Ascension, Marion

Synod Liaison

Pastor Eric Carlson, Assistant to the Bishop, Southeastern Iowa Synod ELCA

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.