Michigan State Youth Convention

was held November 23-25, 2018

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dear Leaders,

We’re planning everyone’s favorite time of year ... STATE YOUTH CONVENTION! 2018 is full of many changes and it is going to be amazing! We look forward to seeing you and your group there. Pastor Jim Lyon, our weekend speaker, will bring the Word to us with power and energy. We will be guided in worship and praise by John Tibbs his and friends during the weekend also. As we get closer to the date, there will be more surprises to reveal!

It is very important to read ALL information concerning the convention, hotel registration, parking, and meals because so much is new this year.

Questions? Contact Matt Stone or (616) 232-5520

Sincerely, Youth Convention Task Force

Matt Stone, Tori Eckman, Connie Graham, Jenny Salas, Jessica Staton, Dan Steenbergh, Heidi Steenbergh, Alexandra Weeks, Caleb Weeks, and William Jones

Jim Lyon

Rev. Jim Lyon

Jim Lyon grew up in Seattle, where he served as an Associate and then Senior Pastor of the Fairview Church (1977-1991). In 1991, he moved to Anderson, Indiana, to become Senior Pastor of the Madison Park Church of God. After 22 years at Madison Park, he accepted the invitation to become General Director of Church of God Ministries, providing leadership for the Church of God in the United States and Canada (and networking with the church in 84 other countries).

Lyon studied at Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington Law School, before taking a post in Seattle with Northwest Airlines. Always fascinated by politics and the public interest, he has worked in many civic and church-related fields, including representing northwest Seattle as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives.

But, it is the Christian ministry that ultimately owned his heart. It is the conviction that Jesus is at work in the world, redeeming and transforming us, that has molded his life and vocation more than any other.

Lyon and his wife, Maureen, married in 1978 and have four sons and five grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, jogging, traveling, and Haagen Dazs. He loves politics, current events, and biographies. When asked about his Achilles’ heel, he is certain to reply, “chocolate ice cream.”

John Tibbs

John Tibbs

Growing up in the Midwest, John Tibbs has built his success the old-school way: by playing shows, writing great songs, and truly caring about those he meets along the way.

In 2016, John released his debut full-length, Dead Man Walking, to great critical acclaim. Following the success of this debut record which garnered a Top-20 AC (Christian) single and a Dove Award nomination in the Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year category, John released his follow up, Heartland, to continued great critical acclaim.

In three years, John has toured more than 500 dates all over the U.S. amidst these releases as well as co-penning songs with writers and artists like Dave Barnes, Matt Maher, Michael Farren, and Paul Mabury. Be on the lookout, as he does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

John currently resides in Nashville with his wife, Emily and their dog, Lady. For more information on John Tibbs, with tour dates and social media links, visit John Tibbs Music.

Saturday’s Recreation

3 Mile Project

We will all be leaving the Amway and driving approximately 10 minutes to 3 Mile Project, our recreation site for the afternoon. (1:00-4:00; 3050 Walkent Dr. NW, Grand Rapids). The former warehouse now contains sports courts, theatres, skate park (bring your helmet and pads), ninja warrior course, video games, table games, and a café. We will be eating lunch upon arrival. (This is part of the convention registration). Check out more about 3 Mile Project at 3mp.org

Adult leaders - collect the lanyards and hotel key cards before entering recreation. These can easily be misplaced when playing and difficult to retrieve!

2018 SYC Convention Schedule

Friday - November 23

4:00-7:30 p.m.

Hotel Registration- Main Lobby, Amway Grand Plaza
Convention Registration- West Concourse 2nd. Floor

7:30 p.m.

Counselor Meeting- Pearl Room- West Concourse- 2nd Floor

8:00 p.m.

Session 1- Ambassador Ballroom

11:00 p.m.

Group Devotions- on your own and all in rooms

Saturday - November 24

8:00-9:30 a.m.

Breakfast - on your own

10:30-11:00 a.m.

Session 2- Worship- Ambassador Ballroom

11:00-12:15 p.m.

Adult and Student Break-Outs; Adults and Students with separate leaders

1:00-4:00 p.m.

Recreation at- 3 Mile Project with lunch provided

Free Time - Dinner on Your Own

8:00 p.m.

Session 3; Communion - Ambassador Ballroom

11:00 p.m.

All in rooms

Sunday - November 25

Breakfast - on your own

Hotel Checkout

10:00 a.m.

Session 4 - Ambassador Ballroom

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many adult leaders do we need to bring?

A: Please have approximately one adult for every five youth of the same sex.

Q: What if we need information during the convention?

A: At check- in you will be given the cell number of your Hotel floor host, a SYC Task Force Member, who will be able to help and can be also identified by their unique staff shirts!

Q: Will our youth need extra spending money for the weekend?

A: Food money for meals will be pre-determined by churches. There are pop machines available and there will be optional artist merchandise for sale.

Q: What if I have more students or adults to add after our initial registration?

A: You may register more through November 9. Rates vary according to the date that you are registering and can be done by going to the state church website – www.micog@micog.org and registering additional persons by pay pal or check. Questions can be referred to Connie Graham at 989 835-9262 or cmyersgraham@chartermi.net. Final rooming lists must be received by the hotel on or before the cut-off date of November 9, 2018 in order to be eligible for the group rate. Any reservations received after this date will be accepted on a space available basis and may be subject to regular hotel rates. (MUCH higher!)

Q: Do I need Medical Permission Forms?

A: Yes, you are responsible for securing medical forms for your youth and keeping them with you for the weekend.  We will supply directions to the nearest hospital in case of emergencies.

Hotel Etiquette

Please discuss proper hotel behavior with students prior to attending- especially for a venue such as the Amway. Using the elevators correctly is a must! Also, shoes MUST be worn in the hallways and to the pool, as well as a cover-up.

Safety Issues

Chaperones must be with youth at all times on Saturday during the free time and are responsible for supervision. NO youth should walk alone around Grand Rapids without adults! Adults, you are responsible for the discipline of your own group! Everyone must be in his or her own rooms by 11:00 P.M. Counselors are responsible for quiet time being respected each night. The hotel will be housing guests other than those with the SYC.

Dress Code

Many youth have difficulty with dressing modestly. Please provide Biblical truths behind these suggestions. Everyone: No gang/drug/alcohol memorabilia displayed anywhere. Girls: Shorts must be as long or longer than fingertips when holding arms at side. Shirts should bear no back, belly, or cleavage. No spaghetti strap tank tops- must be two fingers width. Guys: Keep pants where they belong. No Sagging! Remind students and adults to bring appropriate clothing for the recreational activities We are depending on each Youth Ministry to enforce this policy for their individual group!

The Youth Convention Task Force Also Asks:

  1. Keep the facilities in great condition-this provides a positive Christian witness to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and their employees.
  2. Devote time to discuss behavior, expectations, and guidelines with your group prior to arriving.
  3. Be alert to youth who are responding to service messages. Be ready to talk and pray with them during the weekend. Most of all have fun with your group and others! Get to know and appreciate our wonderful students and leaders from Michigan.

Convention Meals

  1. Groups will need to eat prior to the Friday night service. There will be NO pizza party this year due to a late night event. Groups are welcome to bring their own snacks to have in their rooms or share during group devotion time.
  2. Saturday & Sunday breakfasts- these can be eaten at area restaurants. But, a great suggestion is for groups to bring food items for continental breakfasts together in the rooms. Kids love fruit, pop tarts, donuts, bagels, etc. Please note- there are NO refrigerators in the rooms.
  3. Saturday Noon-a pizza lunch with other items will be provided when we arrive at 3 Mile Project. This is part of everyone’s registration cost.
  4. Saturday evening dinner- Groups will budget for this meal and choose a location. Restaurant options and address will be made available for Grand Rapids-near the Amway, and also near 3 Mile Project.

Near by Food SYC 2018

General Assembly of the Church of God in Michigan
4212 Alpha Street,
Lansing, Michigan 48910-0711
517-393-7020
800-369-5890 micog@micog.org

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