ELCA Song Photo
Youth and Family Ministry E-Newsletter April 2011  












Quick Links


SW MN Synod Website

SW MN Synod Website Youth Ministry Page

Events

The Timothy Project

Area Youth Minister Support/Network Meetings

LYO Board

ELCA Youth Gathering

Synod Resource Center

ELCA Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministries

ELCA Youth Ministry Network

Bible Camps

"Journeys" Servant and Adventure Programs for Youth and Adults

ELCA Youth Ministry Help Sheets


Teen Suicide Prevention Resources from Hazelden Treatment Center


Hazelden has some information online about what you can do to recognize suicidal behavior. 
ELCA Song Photo

Greetings!

 

Christ is Risen! 

He is Risen Indeed!

 

Jesus' sacrifice, death and resurrection are for us - all of us. 

Some of us are joyful and some of us are suffering.  

As we celebrate this incredible gift we are also aware that in the past month there have been many people in our communities who have been hurting so much that they have taken their own lives.  

We remember Romans 8:38-39:

 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

We trust in God's promises and cling to hope in Jesus.

 

Following are some events and resources that may be helpful to you as you reflect Christ's love in your communities. 


In Christ,
Sarah Hausken, SW MN Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator

Suicide Awareness Event

 

We hope that you will join us Wednesday, May 11th, 7-8:30pm at Vinje Church in Willmar as we gather to learn, share, and be encouraged by Tiger McLuen.

 

This event is for students, parents, teachers, coaches, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. For anyone who wants to bring hope to future generations.

 

Tiger is gifted in encouraging and equipping young people and those who love young people. 

 

A free-will offering will be taken at the door to assist in the cost of this event.

Join us at 6pm for supper: 2 slices of pizza, soda, and chips for $5

 

If you have any questions: youth@vinejchurch.com, 320.235.1441

 

Poster to aide in the publicity for this event.

 

Resources in the Resource Center 

 

There are many resources in the Synod Resource Center, including videos and books.  They are available to for you to borrow.  Please contact Sara Johnson 507-637-3904 to request materials.

 

Here's a link to the online catalog.  Try searching "suicide."

Woodland Centers

 Woodland Centers Logo

Woodland Centers is a non profit mental health center serving west central Minnesota. They have some great programs for youth and adults who are suffering from depression.  

Have  a Friend

I've been listening to the band Lost and Found a lot lately.  I was listening to them the morning suicide affected a family close to my brother.  I thought the song "Have a Friend" could comfort both people in pain and contemplating suicide, or friends and family of someone who has gone through with it.  

 

The words are printed below. 

It's on the album, This.

You can also buy the individual song on itunes for $0.99

 

Do ya have a friend who loves you  Even in your darkest day

Do have a friend who loves you Even when your own loves gone away 
Do ya have a friend who will wait for you anytime of the day or night
well i got this friend name Jesus and he wants to get into your life

  

When you think of who your best friend is It's someone you can trust
Well Jesus is the kinda friend with the kind of love that won't rust
Do ya have a friend who loves you even if your not right
well i've got this friend names Jesus and he wants to get into your life 

Do ya have a friend who's felt every woe that you can feel
and that will never be a sickness that this friend's love couldn't heal
Do ya have a friend who loves you even when your not sure
And there's nothing in all creation this friend's love cannot endure
it's a love that knows no limits and each day it seems like more
i've got this friend named Jesus  pounding on your door

 

Do you have a friend who knows your every need
do ya have a friend who's love has already been guaranteed
Do have a friend who'll hold your deepest secrets you can't tell
Do ya have a friend who loves you enough to take your place in Hell

 

When the world comes crashing down on you the struggle is too much
Do ya have a friend who'll get under you and hold you like a crutch
When the doubts that can defeat you cut your soul like the shapest knife
do ya have a friend who'll feed you not with plain food but with life

 

And when being alive itself 
is too much of a chore
You've got this friend named Jesus
now and ever more

And when being alive itself 
is too much of a chore
You've got this friend named Jesus
now and ever more


"Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ.  Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus."
The Message Ephesians 6:23-24
 
Sarah Hausken
SW MN Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator
507-430-2273
sarah.hausken@swmnelca.org