Thank You! Thank you for registering your youth for The Gate Annual Youth Conference! We believe God has many awesome things in store for your youth at this conference. To make sure you have all the information you need ahead of time, please look through this packet and contact us with any questions, concerns or thoughts you may have.

*Note: All members of the Gate Staff have had criminal background checks. Absolutely no one will be permitted into the Gate Worship space unless they have been previously screened. (With the exception of those who are registered for the Gate and are wearing appropriate name tags)

Youth Responsibility Any time that youth gather together there is going to be some…creative behavior! Please note that your youth is expected to behave exceptionally throughout the Conference. Please note the following suggestions that we feel would be helpful to your youth.

• The Gate Annual Youth Conference expects the youth at this conference to be witnesses in areas of Christian living. This would include no consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, explosive devices, etc.

• We ask parents to enforce the curfew for the hotels during the conference, which is 11:00 pm. Any youth outside of their rooms past this time need to be in the company of an adult.

• The adult responsible for the youth at the conference should have a copy of the youth’s insurance information in case of an emergency. The Gate Conference does NOT need a copy of this information!

• Please ask your youth to participate in all sessions, including Equipping Sessions. We will have designated staff members posted at the exit doors during each Main Session. Bathrooms are located outside the main session room. No one will be permitted to exit the main session without the company of an adult.

• We ask for adherence to the Conference dress code which states the following: Clothing with beer slogans or inappropriate language shall not be worn and underclothing shall not be seen. No bare midriffs. One piece bathing suits are appropriate…oh and no Speedo’s for the guys!

Parent's OrientationThere will be a Parent’s orientation on Thursday evening at 5:30 pm, located in Elkhorn B - outside of the Gate Main Entrance (Heritage Lobby). At this meeting we will briefly discuss the week and answer any questions you may have regarding the conference and activites. Please make attending this meeting a priority.

Registration PacketUpon registration on-site, you will receive a packet including several items: name tags for each youth, Gate Journals, and more.

Not attending with your youth? Don’t worry, you can watch the main sessions live via Free Webcasting (Thursday Night thru Saturday Night) GateConference.org/live

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ThemeThe theme for the Gate 2013 is “The Story.” This theme’s vision recognizes that the Story of God is the story of us. It is a story that is ALIVE. A story that is not over, but which continues; a story in which we each have a role to play. Each session will uncover different facets of the story, focusing on Jesus - the main character – the author and finisher of our faith.

Keynote Speakersadam cannonAdam Cannon, former baritone of HisSong, and his wife Samantha, a former solo artist, were married in 2008. After a year of marriage they welcomed the blessing of a little boy named Noah. By taking the job of senior youth pastors at their home church, Samantha and Adam answered the call to ministry as a couple. God has impressed upon them to go out and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of that church. Adam is an ordained minister and often brings the word of God in a message through song. He serves as associate minister, which includes being the youth pastor, worship leader and web designer, at First United Methodist of Apalachicola, FL. Sessions: Unabridged, Unfiltered

lorin PedigoLorin Pedigo is a creative and passionate proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus Christ. From the age of 14 when he preached his first sermon, Lorin has sought to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus. Fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, Lorin faithfully reaches out to the lost and challenges the Church to passionately pursue a more intimate relationship with the Lord. His fire-setting ministry frees the captives, brings healing to the broken and wounded, and offers a refreshing drink from the rivers of Living waters that flow out of his heart by the Holy Spirit. Lorin and his wife of 11 years, Leslee, reside in McMinnville, TN with their four children, where he serves as Lead Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church. In his free time Lorin enjoys spending quality time with his wife, and cooking. Sessions: Unapologetic, Undeniable

Kourtney BrownlowKourtney Brownlow has been in youth ministry for over 10 years, and has served in numerous roles in various churches and organizations over that time. She has a passion for young people to become truly dedicated to their faith, seeking God’s guidance in all areas of their lives. Kourtney currently serves as the director of The Gate Annual Youth Conference and lives with her husband Daniel in Murfreesboro, TN. They have 2 dogs (Toby, Wrigley) a Crested Gecko (Petrie), a bearded dragon (Ember), and oh yeah… a daughter (Rajya) who was born in September 2012. Session: Uncompromising

Free Webcasting (Thursday Night thru Saturday Night) GateConference.org/live

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Housing

Meals Meals are not included in the cost of the event. A map of local restaurants is available on the Gate website (GateConference.org/maps).

Gate BookstoreGate T-Shirts, books, and other merchandise will be available for purchase inside of the Martin Methodist College Zone of Madness and Mayhem.

Registration Pre-Conference Registration Wednesday July 10th from 2 PM to 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Conference Registration Thursday July 11th from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 PM

Registration is located on the 3rd floor of the Lexington Convention Center in the Bluegrass main lobby. Registration for the Aldersgate adult conference is in the same area so be sure to come to the Gate Registration booth to check-in your youth. Your youth does not need to be present to register the group on-site.

There will be a brief Parent’s orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday Night in Elkhorn B - located outside of the Gate Main Entrance (Heritage Lobby). We suggest that you register your youth no later than 5:00 PM in order to make it to this meeting.

.Name TagsThere will be a name tag for each youth registered for your group. The name tag will have a place for “First Name” with the Conference schedule located on the back. Please make sure your child’s name is written legibly and is their “real” name. Every youth must have a name tag that should be worn around the neck at all times. These name tags will provide entry to each session. A lost nametag may be replaced for $1.00 at the Gate Book Store.

MMC Fun ZoneJoin the fun of The Gate 2013 in the MMC Fun Zone sponsored by: Martin Methodist College Zone of Madness and Mayhem!! We will have inflatables, organized games/activities, basketball, 4-square, the Gate Book Store and more. Come just to hang out or to get a little wild!! The Fun Zone is a great chance to meet some new friends and have a rockin’ good time! KEEP an EYE out for posted FUN ZONE HOURS!!!

Hilton Lexington1-800-445-8667369 West Vine Street Lexington, KY 40507Room Rate: $105.00 + 13.4% tax ($119.07/per night)Group Code: Aldersgate 2013

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Schedule

SaturdayThe Gate Annual Youth Conference

9:15 AM Doors Open9:30 AM – 11:30 AM The Gate Session IV11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Free Time & Lunch1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Equipping Sessions 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM Free Time & Dinner6:15 PM – 7:15 PM MMC Fun Zone7:15 PM Doors Open7:30 PM – 9:30 PM The Gate Session V11:00 PM Hotel Curfew

SundayClosing Worship Celebration9:30 AM – 11:00 AM We personally invite you to make plans to join the whole Aldersgate family (Gate kids, Gate Youth Conference and adults) to worship and celebrate how God has transformed us in a short period of time. This is a highlight of many students - don’t miss it!

WednesdayPre-Conference

6:40 PM Doors Open7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Pre-Con Session I11:00 PM Hotel Curfew

ThursdayPre-Conference/Conference

9:10 AM Doors Open9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Pre-Con Session II11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Free Time & Lunch1:10 PM Doors Open1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Pre-Con Session III3:30 PM – 6:15 PM Free Time & Dinner5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Parent’s Orientation 6:15 PM MMC Fun Zone7:15 PM Doors Open7:30 PM – 9:30 PM The Gate Session I11:00 PM Hotel Curfew

FridayThe Gate Annual Youth Conference

9:15 AM Doors Open9:30 AM – 11:30 AM The Gate Session II11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM Mission & Outreach 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM Free Time & Dinner6:15 PM – 6:45 PM MMC Fun Zone6:45 PM Doors Open7:00 PM – 7:15 PM Bryan Drake Pre-Show7:30 PM – 9:00 PM The Gate Session III9:00 PM – 9:30 PM Break/Ice Cream9:30 PM – 10:30 PM Bryan Drake Show11:00 PM Hotel Curfew

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These Equipping Sessions are broken down into TRACKS. These Tracks are geared toward different areas of the Christian life and will appeal to each person depending on where you are along your spiritual journey. Please be prayerful of which TRACK you choose. You will remain in the same location for each of the 3-sessions included in your track. The speakers will change with breaks in between.

Track #1: An Introduction

Christianity 101This session will explore the importance of personal worship, prayer, and reading the Bible in order to grow stronger and deeper in your faith.

Spiritual Gifts: Every believer has access to spiritual gifts. God has given each of us talents – but he has also given us gifts. This session will introduce you to the different gifts and their role in your life and the life of the church.

Sharing Your StoryPart of being a Christian is being a witness. This session is hands on, focusing on what it means to have a testimony and offering creative ways to share it with your friends and family.

Track #2: A Deeper Walk Sharing Your StoryPart of being a Christian is being a witness. This session is hands-on, detailing what it means to live your life as a witness, using your story to lead other people into a new or deeper relationship with God.

Praying for OthersGod has called us to bear one another’s burdens. It’s one thing to tell someone you’re “praying for them;” it’s another thing to actually do it. This session combines teaching you how to pray for others with a hands-on approach of actually praying for someone else.

A Light in the DarknessAs teenagers one of the things we look forward to most is graduating high school. As time grows closer we begin to realize that calling ourselves Christians is automatically setting us apart from the rest of the world. Sometimes, however, from the outside looking in, people may not notice many differences. This session covers how to be “in” the world but not “of” the world – and being relevant examples for Christ in our everyday lives.

Track #3: Learning to Lead From Reading to StudyingIt’s one thing to read the Bible – it’s another to study the Scriptures. This session discusses what that means and gives you practical ways to take your Bible reading to the next level.

From Prayer to IntercessionThis session takes prayer to a deeper level than ever before. Intercession is more about others than ourselves and is more than just saying a few prayers. Intercession is about learning to be in the presence of God and becoming a person of prayer.

From Following to LeadingWe are all followers of Jesus - however, God is in need of some leaders in this generation. This is a session on Godly leadership and how God is calling us to raise up leaders for His Kingdom.

Senior High Equipping Sessions

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When: Saturday 1:30 pm-4:30pm | Where: Ground Floor Convention Center | Who: 9th-12th graders

Youth Leader/Volunteer Roundtable Discussions

When: Saturday 2:30pm – 4:00pmWhere: Meet at the entrance to the MMC fun zone.

Is there something in your youth ministry that is really on your mind? An area of ministry that you could really use insight and prayer from other leaders? Join other leaders/youth volunteers for this moderated roundtable discussion. Youth Ministry is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging jobs in the world – let this be a reminder you are not alone.

Oh… and there will also be caffeine and snacks involved.

A Journey Through the Parables

When: Saturday 1:30pm – 4:30pmWhere: Gate Main Session HallWho: 6th – 8th graders

Join us for an incredible journey through the Parables of Jesus as we continue to dive deeply into The Story of God!

We will open with a large group session at 1:30 in the main session hall and then break into our small groups. As small groups you will journey to different locations for some interactive and creative learning sessions about the parables. You can expect snacks, games, Bible study, and a few other surprises. We will dismiss from our small groups at 4:30. You don’t want to miss it!

junior High Equipping Sessions

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When: Saturday 1:30 pm-4:30pm | Where: Ground Floor Convention Center | Who: 9th-12th graders

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Kourtney Brownlow, Director A Ministry of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries121 East Avenue, Goodlettsville, TN 37072615.851.9192 kbrownlow@aldersgaterenewal.org