Wedding season is in full swing and it seems as if every weekend of our summer has at least one celebration to attend.

There are countless wedding traditions; some make sense while others are mysterious.

From the breaking of a glass, “Mazel tov!” to the jumping of a broom. Wedding traditions are part of what make the ceremony fun and meaningful to the parties involved.

Here’s a little wedding rhyme you may recognize:

The bride is to wear… “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

Why?

Because it rhymes, that’s why.

The rhyme actually continues to include, “and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” But nobody knows what that is so who cares.

Here’s the point. Over my 10 years in youth ministry I’ve led our students to summer camp for… wait for it… 10 years.

In year 11 it’s time to shake it up a bit. There’s nothing wrong with traditional summer camp at all. We really enjoy it frankly.

Some of my fondest youth ministry memories have happened at summer camps both as a student and leader.

This August our youth ministry, Live Youth Church, is attempting something brand new for us. With the support of our church, NWLife, we are going to be hosting our first ever youth conference.

Instead taking our students to a destination to experience God and all he has for them we’re bringing all the fun, excitement, and energy of camp to our own building.

For three days, August 14-16 camp comes to us in the form of Live Youth Conference 2013 or #LYCONF for short.

This being our first year and all I thought it’d be appropriate to use the wedding rhyme as well.

Something Old – Me. The 32 year old youth pastor (that’s ancient in my line of work).

Something New – A brand new concept for us, Conference.

Something Borrowed – Trust me when I write there will be plenty of “borrowed” items at our conference. From lighting to great speakers to all the volunteers who make this possible, we’ll be borrowing from all who are willing to share.

Something Blue – The logo has some blue in it. Our conference merchandise will most definitely have blue on it. Plus, blue is exactly how you’ll be feeling if you miss #LYCONF this summer. Make plans to attend.

Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

Wednesday the 14^th:

• Registration – 5 pm
• General Session #1 – 7 pm
• After Party – 9 pm
• Doors Close – 10 pm

 

Thursday/Friday 15/16^th:

• Breakfast – 9:30 am
• General Session – 10:30 am
• Excursions – 12:30 pm
• Dinner – 5 pm
• General Session – 7 pm
• After Party – 9 pm
• Doors Close – 10 pm

 

We are bringing in some of my favorite speakers and leaders to encourage us during #LYCONF as well.

Chad Veach, Elijah Waters, and Tyler Sollie will be here and you will be inspired and challenged to grow in your faith this summer.

We’d love to have join us on our maiden voyage this August. To register and get more information about #LYCONF click here.

See you August 14^th!

LYCONF from Live Youth Church on Vimeo.