Hope in the Real World - OK District Youth Ministry Event

Name: Hope in the Real World - OK District Youth Ministry Event
Start: 2026-05-01T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-02T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church

Schedule

Fri, 01 May, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Sat, 02 May, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Immanuel Lutheran Church | Broken Arrow, OK

Youth and youth leaders, this event is for you! Come as you are and discover how God meets us in the mess, offering rest, renewal, and a deeper sense of connection—to Him, to ourselves, and to one another.
Join therapist and author Heidi Goehmann, poet and author Tanner Olson, and singer-songwriter Matt Doering for a powerful 90-minute event centered around honest conversations, creative expression, and healing practices that bring light into the darkest spaces on Friday evening.
Through a blend of poetry, music, storytelling, and practical tools, this evening will invite attendees to explore how faith and mental health are not in opposition—but rather, can work hand in hand. With warmth and authenticity, our presenters will address real struggles like anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and shame, while lifting up hope that is grounded in the promises of God.
On Saturday, they will lead sessions on “How do relationships actually work? A short Guide to Friendship and Family Life”, “Creativity and Hope”, and “Vocation and Trusting God.” In addition, we will have an opportunity to serve together in the local community.
Let this be a mini-retreat where stigma gives way to support, silence gives way to song, and despair gives way to hope.
Groups will have the option to stay at a local hotel we are partnering with or at Immanuel (free to stay at the church but only have 2 showers and you bring your own cots/air mattresses). Either option requires you to register as a church and bring your own chaperones.
This event will include Lunch on Saturday as well as a T-shirt. We are asking groups to bring a snack to share and provide transportation on Saturday for a local service project.
Service Project
We will be serving in Tulsa through the BEHEARD Movement in various ways at their Saturday outreach event. Each participant must register and create an account by the April 17 deadline; those under 18 must also have a physical waiver (signed by a parent or guardian) that you will bring the day of:
Register: https://i.serve.love/ttPw9b
We encourage you to get your congregations involved and host a donation drive in advance!
Items needed:
Hygiene items (travel size) - shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash/soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, lotion, small brush/comb, NO razors please
Men/womens underwear - all sizes
Snacks - chips, granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, etc.
Socks
Register using the ticket link below, or visit the District Youth webpage for more information!