NFCLYO's 40th Anniversary

1971: the year that saw the Buffalo Sabres complete their first season, Super Bowl VI played without the Bills, who finished at 1-13 (thought 2010 was bad?!), the United States in an unpopular war in Vietnam and going bang for bang with the Soviet Union testing nuclear weapons, Apollo moon missions still being taken, 18 year olds voting for the first time, the Rolling Stones and John Lennon rocking the place, and products with names such as UNO, Intel and Apple just in their infancy.

  Also in 1971: the youth ministry program now known as the NFCLYO began connecting youth from across Western New York to their faith, others, and more!

In 2011, we celebrated 40 years of amazing ministry, lives changed, the legacy and future of the Niagara Frontier Conference Lutheran Youth Organization.  Check out some pictures from the past 40 years, along with reflection pieces from past and current directors:

40th Anniversary Pictures

We've assembled some neat pictures from the past 40 years of the NFCLYO!  From the early days at Parkside Lutheran Church, to the Niagara Falls Youth Gatherings, to some random pictures at LCLC, to the current day of the CORE team and overnight events, we've got them here!

Click here for the 40th Anniversary Retro picture gallery!

Click here for pictures from the 40th Anniversary Celebration Coffeehouse on September 23, 2011!

DYP Reflections

The Niagara Frontier Conference Lutheran Youth Organization has been guided by a servant position known as the Director of Youth Programming (DYP).  They serve much as a camp director would:  DYP's are the CEO's of the NFCLYO.  They design quality youth ministry programs and handle the "behind-the-scenes" official work and office duties.  They ensure they are planned and led, making sure youth are an integral part of it.  They are shepherds, servants, counselors, and so much more.

There have been at least 8 DYP's that have served in the leadership role of the NFCLYO in its first 40 years, from 1971-2011.
We give thanks to God for their service and legacy to and with the youth of their times.

In celebration, some past and current directors offered a reflection on their service.  Some are historical in nature, others thematic...whatever each felt called to share.  Enjoy this blast from the past!  Click on each link for their reflection...

Pastor Charlie Greene (1971-1989)
Scott LaBounty (Assistant, 1975-1976)
Pastor Greg Hager (1989-1992)
(Pastor) Steve Biegner (1992-1993)
Rhonda Renee Koch (1993-1998)
Jason Carrier (1999-2002)
Jessica Anderson (Holmgren) (2002-2005)
Kristen Arends (Kleinfelder) (2005-2006)
Rick Mollenkopf-Grill (2006-present)
Chris George (Specialist, 2009-2012)

Questions?  Comments?  Email the web servant.

© 2012 Niagara Frontier Conference Lutheran Youth Organization
A ministry supported by Lutheran Charities of WNY & the St. John's Lutheran Home for Children