This summer all roads lead to Charlotte, NC and the 2010 COGIC AIM Convention. Youth, mission workers, evangelists, musicians, singers and saints from all over the world will converge on the Queen City for a week of music, instruction, praise and worship.

The place to be this year is the Gathering Place, hosted by the International Youth Department, in the Westin Hotel; Tuesday, June 6^th through Friday, June 9^th, 10 PM nightly.

A mainstay of the youth AIM experience for several years, the Gathering Place has been revamped, reenergized and given back to the youth of the Church of God in Christ.

The Gathering Place presents the opportunity for COGIC youth to present their gifts in ministry on a national stage. Singers, musicians, praise dancers, poets, dramatic actors, ministers of God’s word and so many more will share what God has given them with their peers at the Gathering Place. It is a place of fun and fellowship in a Christian environment.

This year The Gathering Place will feature special guest appearances from Gospel artists Isaac Carree (Men of Standard,) Leslie Pace (The Anointed Pace Sisters,) Maurice Griffin (BET’s Sunday’ Best) and many more.

Young people can take part in several special events scheduled throughout the week, including the Make it Happen Musicians’ Shed, the AIM for the Stars Vocal Competition, Bible Improv and the Dueling Scripture Competition for a chance to win prizes as well as special giveaways from the IYD Store!

Get to Charlotte and get to the Gathering Place. It’s your summer source of inspiration, rejuvenation, opportunity and spirit-filled excitement.

The Gathering Place is sponsored by the Spiritual Empowerment Commission, under the leadership of Elder Derrick Hutchins II and is coordinated by Elder Marcel Fears as part of the International Youth Department; Pastor Linwood Dillard, President and Evangelist Joyce Rodgers, Chairlady.

June 5, 2010

Youth Leaders
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Dear Youth Leaders:

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that you and your family are enjoying good health and soul prosperity as you walk in the favor of God.

I am grateful to God for His blessings, favor, and the great opportunity we have been afforded to touch the lives of our youth through effective, relevant ministries that will empower and edify them to walk in their God given destiny and purpose. I am ecstatic about our imminent and awesome leader, Presiding Bishop Charles Blake. Without question, his vision, leadership and generosity significantly impacts and involves ministries and concepts that produces success for this generation spiritually, culturally, educationally, financially, and physically. Thank God for such a concerned, relevant and daring leader.

Well, the Church of God in Christ International AIM Convention 2K10 is right upon us and we are excited about going to Charlotte , NC . I know you have made your reservations and secured your travel for this year’s convention. On behalf of our International Youth Chairlady Joyce Rodgers, and the entire IYD team, we are prepared and excited about the grand opportunity to see you July 5-9. The International youth Department planned and prepared many, many events, activities, and sessions for our young people and the youth leaders.

Here is some of what you can expect at this year’s convention:

• Training & Development for Youth Leaders
• Empowerment Workshops for youth and young adults
• Explosive Worship Celebrations
• Presidents & Chairladies Orientation & Training
• International Basketball Competition
• Young Women of Excellence Pageant
• Young Men of Valor Beau-tillion
• International “Music & Youth” Fire of Pentecost Prayer
• Young Adult Meet & Greet
• Wives of Presidents Fellowship
• Youth Ministries Fair
• Parade of Champions
• Can You Hear Me Now? ~ Young Women’s Symposium
• The Locker Room ~ Young Men’s Symposium
• International Shedding Competition
• Young Preachers Forum
• Youth Pastors Network Forum
• Judah Jamboree ( Praise Rally & Regional Roll Call)
• Just Kickin’ It (International Youth Aerobics Session)
• The International Gathering Place (Late Night Hang out Spot)

I have included a schedule of events and other pertinent information. I am sure this information will be useful in your final planning an development of your itinerary for the convention this year.

Also, I would like to encourage all jurisdictional presidents and chairladies and departmental workers to remember the importance of supporting the work of the department with your IYD financial Reports. Please find the enclosed report schedule. Your support will enable us to meet all of our obligations as a department. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, participation and willingness to assist in the advancement of our work.

I look forward to seeing and sharing with you in Charlotte , NC July 5-9, 2010. Keep your eyes on our website for any updates (http://cogic.net/cogiccms/cogic-youth-department/).

If you have an questions, cares or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 901.754.4614 or ldillard@cogic.org.

See you in Charlotte !

Because of the youth,

I remain,

Linwood Dillard, Jr.