In late April, nearly 40 teens from three Memphis-area Lutheran churches gathered for a first-ever event in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 
The event was called “Team Up for St. Jude” and included an on-line fundraising campaign and lock-in with youth from Immanuel Lutheran (Memphis), Faith Lutheran (Collierville) and Christ the King Lutheran (Memphis). The gathering was part of a new effort by St. Jude to invite faith-based youth groups to connect with the hospital’s mission. St. Jude has worked with young people on college campuses and through civic organizations for many years, but the recent Lutheran youth event was brand new.
The “Team Up for St. Jude” gathering also placed youth in charge, with Brittany Fryman of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Jacob Riordan of Christ the King Lutheran Church taking the lead on coordinating much of the event. The teens engaged in a variety of activities during their overnight stay at Immanuel, but the most memorable moments were those spent with a St. Jude patient and his family who kicked off the event by sharing their personal story. When the long night of fun drew to a close, $3,000 had been raised for St. Jude and the fight against childhood cancer – and many new friends had been made. The event was a definite success and resulted in some great feedback for leaders at St. Jude to help grow the faith-based program and connect with teens through technology.
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