The LYO

LYO stands for Lutheran Youth Organization, and is the high school youth leadership program for the Delaware-Maryland Synod.

Youth are organized into one of five teams to live into their God-given gifts and sharpen their skills for service in the Synod, their own congregation, and the surrounding community. Each team is mentored by at least two gifted adults, and led by one primary young person selected by each team at the beginning of each year.

Teams of the LYO:

Worship Team – engages in learning about different worship experiences and practices, and then translates this learning into leading young people and advisors in worship and praise during the Synod Youth Events. The team also provides leadership for developing a prayerful and spiritual life of young people in the LYO and Synod. Young people for this team might be interested/gifted in visual arts, graphic design, drama, and public speaking, among other areas.

Music Team – engages in preparing for and leading the Assembly in song through a variety of musical styles and methods at the Synod Youth Events. Using a variety of vocal and instrumental methods, the team works to excel in their musical presentation as it connects to the wider worship and large group experience. Young people for this team might be interested/gifted in singing, playing instruments, composing music, and sound engineering/mixing, among other areas.

Service & Outreach Team – engages in learning and participating in different service and outreach opportunities, and then brings some of these same opportunities to the Synod Youth Events for practice and engagement. Young people for this team might be interested/gifted in paying attention to the immediate needs and root causes of suffering and injustice in the world, among other areas.

Fellowship & Hospitality Team – engages in learning and practicing methods of fellowship and hospitality in the Church and community, and then brings these practices to the young people of the Synod through music, games, food, and conversation. Young people for this team might be interested/gifted in building relationships and community, helping others feel welcome, and looking out for those on the fringes of the group, among other areas.

Small Group Team – engages in training to effectively lead small groups of their peers in Biblical and topical discussions during the Synod Youth Events. Young people on this team also engage in the curriculum-development process for the programming of events and retreats. Young people for this team might be interested/gifted in helping facilitate discussion with their peers, teaching, and writing, among other areas.

How to Apply

The application process includes a youth application and an adult reference form – the application is not complete without both of these pieces. They can be filled out either online or by downloading the form and mailing them in. Applications are now being accepted, and are due postmarked by July 1, 2012.