Welcome to Higher Things!

Higher Things is pleased to announce that it has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. As an RSO, Higher Things is officially recognized as an organization whose mission, ministry and programs are consistent with the confessional standards of the LCMS and in harmony with the programs of the Synod while retaining its independence and self-governance. We believe that RSO status will enhance Higher Things' ability to serve the youth of our Synod with the fullness of our liturgical and confessional heritage.

We would like to thank the Synod's Board for District and Congregational Services and its chairman David Bruns for their hard work and support. We are also greatly appreciative to Rev. Herbert C. Mueller for his sponsorship and support.

We look forward to yet greater opportunities to assist parents, congregations and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth through conferences, retreats, publications and the internet. Dare to be Lutheran!

For the last 10 years, Higher Things has provided youth ministry resources to confessional Lutheran pastors, parents, and congregations. To kick off the celebration of our 10th anniversary year in 2010, we thought it'd be a good idea to give our logo a fresh look.

And who better to design that 10 Year Anniversary logo than those who have supported and attended conferences and retreats, subscribed to the magazine, joined Christ on Campus congregations, and made use of our vast online resources!? The designer of the winning logo will receive $100 off of a GIVEN conference registration for themselves or a person of their choosing.

Submit your ideas to 10Years@higherthings.org in jpg or pdf format by NOON on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2009. Ideas do not have to be in the final format, and Higher Things reserves the right to reject or modify any design as we see fit. "Higher Things" and "Dare to be Lutheran" are registered trademarks of Higher Things, Inc.

Rejoice, rejoice, believers! Higher Things is pleased to announce the 2009 Advent Reflections have arrived. This booklet prepares the way for the Coming of our Lord Jesus with reflections upon the readings of the Advent Season. They carry us through the birth of our Savior on Christmas and into the first days of the Epiphany Season. To download the Advent Reflections in a printable booklet format, click here.

Hey Hey!  Guess what?  Exciting things are happening inside of Higher Things!  Yes, Registration is open for GIVEN in Utah and Tennessee!  Get your groups registered now!

But, theres more! In the past, HT Retreats have given youth from all over the United States the opportunity to worship and rejoice in the crucified and risen Jesus in their own community.  They have been a great way to supplement the learning and fun of Higher Things and are also a great way to introduce youth that have not previously attended a summer conference to Higher Things and our mission of supporting parents, congregations, pastors, and teachers in encouraging our youth in their Lutheran heritage.

So that we can better serve the needs of the youth around the country, Higher Things is reorganizing how we do our regional retreats.  Retreats are now going to be a part of Higher Things Conferences.

Whats changing?  Nothing on the outside - same great worship and teaching that youd expect from Higher Things!

But, in order to serve you better, Higher Things has merged the areas of Retreats and Conferences.  I have been given the task of overseeing Higher Things Conferences and Retreats! Wow!

Mrs. Gina Pruis, who coordinated our Sola Conferences, will be coordinating our regional retreats.  Were very excited to have Gina working on this&

Registration for this summer's Higher Things Lutheran Youth Conference is now open! Head on over to the Given 2010 website to begin your group's registration for either Given in Logan, UT or Given in Memphis, TN. More information on the registration process as well as downloadable copies of this year's registration forms can be found here.