Who?!? DAC stands for "Definitely-Abled Advisory Committee" and it's a committee of the national Board of Lutheran Youth Organization BLYO). The ministry of DAC is to help the BLYO to be "more inclusive of youth with physical or cognitive disabilities....", as well as to "voice the concerns and needs of youth with disabilities."

Last year I met DAC's dynamic chair, Tim. Tim is young man whose physical challenges don't keep him from being an amazing disciple of Jesus Christ, minister in the best sense of the word, and leader in the church. He recently wrote asking for help identifying youth in the Upstate New York Synod who have disabilities. Tim and DAC represent disabled youth; they want to be in touch with youth, their congregations, and the agencies who nurture them.

Tim wrote in an e-mail, "I hope we can stay in touch and work together to lead the youth with disabilities to do great things in the church of the present and the future." If you are, or know of, a young disciple who brings the gift of being definitely-abled to the church, please contact me.  We'll get you connected with DAC.

Pastor Laurie Carson-Nelson
Church Phone: 716.542.2880
e-mail: pastorlcn1@verizon.net
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While not the largest CONVO ever, you wouldn't know it among the 32 youth and staff at this year's CONVO gathering in Rochester!  Every person at CONVO became connected with their faith, some amazing friends (both peers and those a "little older") and some amazing ministry that is happening in our church.  From family groups, to being up front at Synod Assembly, to service and even composing an original song...CONVO participants will always remember this year's CONVO!  Check out pictures from this year's CONVO at the Pictures page at www.nfclyo.org!  CONVO made a food castle (pictured) of donations brought to the Assembly.  Food donations were given to the Rochester Food Bank.

From the Tuesday edition of The Daily Call (click here for the pdf version)

by The Rev. Mark Frickey

“If you were a secret agent, what would your code name be?” A great question to ask a bishop. And the youth involved in this year’s CONVO were able to ask just
this question to Bishop Marie Jerge!

Along with quizzing the bishop, the participants of CONVO have been busy getting to know each other, greeting voting members as they arrived for the Synod
Assembly, strengthening their faith through Bible study and conversation, and serving as the always-helpful pages during the assembly’s plenary sessions, handing
out ballots and counting votes.

One way these young people have gotten to know each other is though Christkins mailboxes. They each have a daily opportunity to leave anonymous messages for one another in these mailboxes, seeking to support and encourage their fellow CONVO participants.

What’s it like to be involved in CONVO? Ben, who is attending CONVO for the first time, remarked that his experience has been “awesome.” Jillian, in her fourth year of CONVO, enjoys the break from the stress of school work and connecting with other youth from around the Synod.

Important to the CONVO experience is the leadership from Rick “Myrtle” Mollenkopf-Grill and the Rev. Laurie Carson-Nelson. It appears that these adult leaders are having just as much fun as the youth.

Thanks to the participants and leaders of CONVO for enriching our Synod Assembly experience! And a standing “O” to you for asking the Bishop a meaningful and illuminating question. We can only wonder what her answer was to you...

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The Daily Call is the newspaper of the Upstate New York Synod Assembly. Join us in giving thanks to the wonderful work this year's staff has done.

Newspaper Production Staff
Editor: The Rev. Katie Yahns

Reporters: The Rev. Mark Frickey
The Rev. Greg Huth
The Rev. Amber Malone
The Rev. Rebecca Mentzer

Photography and Production:
The Rev. Jeff L. Kane

Distribution: Ms. Denise Ballou