If someone gets their eyes examined and it is said that they have “20/20 Vision,” in human terms they have “perfect” vision. When we consider our Christian lives and our attempt to follow God’s Word and plans, it often seems difficult to see things clearly. God’s Word serves as a lens to correct our faulty vision. Hebrews 12:2 says, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Join us at the 2022 Michigan District Jr. High Youth Gathering to explore the meaning of “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
A note regarding masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has provided mask guidance that flexes based on three key COVID-19 phases (response, recovery, and readiness). The Michigan District will follow any mask mandates by the MDHHS, local health departments, or venues that are in place at the time of an event or conference. Masks are generally available at the registration desk. If you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of COVID prior to arrival, please stay home.
When & Where
Frankenmuth
June 3, 2022 - June 5, 2022
Bavarian Inn Lodge1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI, 48734
Presenters
Keynote Speaker / Sectional Leader
Heather Ruesch
Heather Ruesch is a well-respected life issues educator and author of Sexuality Mentality, Creating a Culture of Biblical Integrity (CPH). She is passionate about youth and being a voice of God’s truth in their lives. She speaks nationally at conferences, youth gatherings, high schools, women’s events and more. Heather lives in Kingsford, Mich. with her husband Matt and their 3 children.
Chaplain
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
President Maier attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. After his Ordination on August 15, 1982, he served as Mission Pastor of Our Savior in Marlette, Mich. as well as Youth Pastor and interim Head Pastor at St. Peter in Arlington Heights, Ill. In 1989, he was called to Our Savior, Lansing as Administrative/Senior Pastor where he served until he was elected President of the Michigan District, LCMS in June of 2009. In addition to serving as Michigan District President, he also serves as Chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents.
Chaplain
Rev. Jason Bauer
Rev. Jason Bauer began his ministry to youth and adults as a DCE at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Minn. In 2004, he and his wife Laura moved to Traverse City, Mich. where he has served for 12 years as a DCE and pastor to the youth and families of Redeemer, Interlochen. Pastor Bauer enjoys preaching and working with the adults of the congregation, but he has always had a heart for working with young people and helping to introduce them to Christ. In 2015, Pastor Bauer spent a year working as the program director at Camp Arcadia. Pastor Bauer and his wife Laura have 4 children, and the family loves to spend time outdoors hiking, swimming, biking, and camping together.
Sectional Leader
Pat Maier
A pastor’s wife and former Lutheran educator, Pat believes that the creative use of language and art—when connected with God’s Word—can touch the heart, promote understanding, and bring about joy and connection. She finds great joy in art and Bible journaling, nature, gardening, and time spent with family. She lives with her husband David near Ann Arbor, where he serves as President of the Michigan District, LCMS. They have four children and four grandchildren (so far!).
Sectional Leader
Kyle DeWees
Sinner. Husband. Father (x3). Son. Brother (x3). Step-brother (x2). Brother-in-law (x4). Friend. Fundraiser (Saginaw Valley Lutheran High School). Coach. Soccer player. Traveler. Cook. Landscape engineer. Hiker. Shower singer. Forgiven. Redeemed. Saved. *Kyle welcomes anyone to ask about the above titles*
Music
Swen & Dean
Swen and Dean are brothers originally from Northfield, Minn. They love to sing, hang out, and have fun. During the past 14 years they have traveled the country performing for thousands of people, sharing their unique gifts at events that range from large-scale youth events to family night concerts. With their songs and stories, Swen and Dean blend spiritual depth with spirited fun. “We do what we do because of what God has done for us. Singing and sharing are ways of giving thanks. To God be the glory.”
Music
IMPACT
Impact is a worship team made up of students from Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw. This worship team was founded by students and has been under the direction of Paul Eschmann since it began. The focus of IMPACT is to lead others in worship by responding to God’s grace and His great love for us. Students in IMPACT lead worship on a regular basis in chapels at the high school and area grade schools. They also lead worship on Sunday mornings when asked by area churches.
Registration
Pre-registration is now closed. ALL Completed Attendee Forms are Due!!
Pre-registration Deadline is April 1, 2022 BUT please note all Completed Attendee Forms are also Due April 1, 2022. So please pre-register as soon as possible to receive the attendee forms via your confirmation email.
Pre-registration Deposit Fee: $250 per church
Program fee per person: $75 (includes t-shirt)
Cost per room at Bavarian Inn Lodge: $90 ($95 if not tax exempt)* per night *4 people to a room
All payments are due in full by May 1, 2022.
Media Kit
20/20 Vision Logo – Black & Blue – png file
20/20 Vision Logo – White & Blue – png file
Announcement Slide for Powerpoints/Screen Projection – Standard Size (4:3)
Announcement Slide for Powerpoints/Screen Projection – Wide Screen (16:9)
Youth Leader – Overview Guide for Registration
Promo Video – YouTube
Additional Information
Housing Information
Participants will be staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. Please note: there is a program fee and a housing fee based on the number of rooms reserved. Rooms will be $90 per room per night ($95 if not tax exempt).
Participants
A youth participant is any current 6th – 8th grade students. (those entering 7-9 grade in the Fall of 2022) All participants must register through an LCMS church.
Adult leaders must be age 21 or older and affiliated with an LCMS congregation. Pastoral verification is required of all adult leaders.
There is no minimum or maximum for the size of a church’s group, though it is suggested that there be one adult leader for every 6 youth. If a group is to have both male and female youth participants, there must also be at least one male and one female adult leader who will remain with the group the entire gathering.