Youth E-Chat
Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
______________________________________________
Don't Miss!
Upcoming deadlines and events to watch for:

 Spring Info Meetings for the Synod Journey and 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering start THIS SUNDAY!

April 27: Duluth
April 29: Online
May 2: Brainerd

Register Now! 
In This Issue
LYO Applications
Theological Convocation
Discipleship Challenge
VLM Events
Continuing Ed Events - More New Events!
ELCA
Outdoor Ministries
in and around
NE MN Synod
 
Encourage your young people and families to go to camp next summer!

Camp Amnicon

Camp Onomia

Luther Crest Bible Camp

Luther Park Bible Camp

Voyaguers Lutheran Ministries

Wilderness Canoe Base

Journeys(Listing and links for all ELCA Outdoor Ministries) 
Quick Links
 
Join our list
Join Our Mailing List
Get Networked!

Youth ministry is hard work.  We are strengthed personally and professionally when we get together regularly to share our stories, swap ideas, learn from each other and lean on each other.  Make time this month to join in on one of these network opportunities, or have coffee with a youth worker near you!

Duluth Area Network Meetings:
Second Thursday of Every Month, 10:00am
Beaner's in West Duluth
Contact Deb Westerberg for more info.

Brainerd Area Network Meetings:
Second Thursday of Every Month, 10:00am
Caribou Coffee on Hwy 371
Contact Stacy Johnson for more info.

Cert Schools
Sponsored by
Vibrant Faith Ministries and Wartburg Seminary

 
This week-long training experience is supplemented by five weeks of online training. For dates and more information please contact Jim LaDoux at 877-239-2492 or click here.


Sponsored by
Youth Leadership 

This two year program covers the key areas of youth ministry leadership with a personal component that will help you grow as a leader in your particular context.

For more information, click here
April 24, 2014
Greetings!

I met two of my lifelong friends at camp.  Our paths have gone slightly different ways, but when we see each other, we can still just be together. We share those years at camp - the fun, the late night talks, the adventures. But most of all we share the bond of Christ, and that bond will never break us apart.

Camp set me on a trajectory that made faith real, and made my faith journey mine. If I could wave my magic ministry wand, it would send every young person to camp at least once in their lives. For the friendships, the fun, the adventures - yes. But first and foremost to give them an opportunity to make faith real in a new and exciting way.

YOU make a difference in getting your kids to camp. One word is all it takes. Sometimes it takes making camp a confirmation camp requirement to put young people in a place they would never go on their own. Talk to members who will financially support young people to go to camp.

We are blessed in our synod to have easy access to several ELCA camps within a short drive:
Camp Amnicon
Camp Onomia
Luther Crest Bible Camp
Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry
And if you're looking for an adventure beyond our borders, check out the Journeys for Youth catalog (personally I'd check out Surf Camp in California!!)

Together in Christ, 

Catherine Anderson 

Coordinator of Youth Ministry
The Synod Journey to the
2015 ELCA Youth Gathering
Information Meetings! 
The spring information/training meetings will help you prepare for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering and the Synod Journey. These meetings include up to date information on the both events, registration details, timelines, expectations, and youth ministry training to equip adults to journey with their young people. Whether this is your first time bringing a group to the Gathering or you tenth, these info meetings are a must!

April 27: Elim Lutheran Church, Duluth
April 29: Online Webinar (You MUST register to participate!)
May 2: Bethelehem Lutheran Church, Brainerd

Please help with planning by registering here.
All info/training meetings are FREE!



Synod Journey Registration Packets! 
Registration information for the Synod Journey was sent to congregations April 3. You can also download an electronic copy here.

More Information! 
ELCA Youth Gathering Website (the official website)
Gathering Leaks Website (the interactive website)
Synod Journey Website
Synod Journey Facebook Page
Synod Journey on Twitte
Region 3 Practice Discipleship Retreat

Save the Date!

Aug. 24-26, 2014

Luther Crest Bible Camp 

Alexandria, MN   

EVERYONE Invited!  

Join volunteer and professional youth ministry leaders from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for a retreat filled with learning around the 2014 Practice Discipleship theme, "Frame" - along with networking, worship, food, fun...and rumors of massages!

 

More info to come! 

Discipleship Challenge: Love Like Jesus!

 
The Discipleship Challenge is about deepening our faith practices and developing leaders, as we strive to follow and love like Jesus on a daily basis.

The faith practice focus for April is 
ENCOURAGE! 
   
Encourage 2014
 
 
Encourage Teaser Video
Bishop Tom's "Encourage" Video Challenge
 Adult Discussion Guide
 Children' Discussion Guide
Family Discussion Guide
 
Visit the Discipleship Challenge website for more information, and join the Discipleship Challenge Facebook Group for updates and to learn from others! 
Voyaguers Lutheran Ministry Events

Family Overnight and Work Day

Friday, April 25-26 at Camp Hiawatha

Friday, May 16-17 at Camp Vermilion

Spend time at camp and help us get ready for the summer.  Come Friday night for dinner at 6:30, followed by games, campfire and fellowship throughout the evening. After breakfast on Saturday, explore the camps on your own or join in on our annual Work Day. This is open to everyone - families, youth, adults! The event is free if you help with Work Day; $50 per family if you don't stay for Work Day.  Please RSVP by April 22 if you plan to join us -

[email protected] or 800-331-5148.

 

Children, Youth and Family Director Gathering

Thursday, May 1 at Camp Hiawatha

10am - 2pm

Join other CYF workers from around the synod for conversation and idea sharing. This day is a chance to network with others, share best practices, ask those tough questions, and remember why we do what we do. Lunch is included. There is no charge to participants. Contact Gretchen at [email protected] or 218-780-4116 if you plan to attend. 

Continuing Education Events Beyond Our Synod
Our synod is located just hours away from some of the top youth ministry training in the nation! Click on the organizations below for a complete listing of training opportunities!
  
Youth Leadership

Offers 3 hour, one day, intensive and certificate programs.

________________________________________________ 


EveryDay / Peer Ministry / Marilyn Sharpe Ministries

Living Room Summit, Peer Ministry Leadership Camps and trainings, Coaching.

Peer Ministry Leadership Training for Adults and Youth
April 26-27, 2014: Excelsior, MN

April 29 - May 1, 2014: Living Room Summit
Minneapolis, MN

Peer Ministry Leadership Camps
Luther Park Bible Camp in Danbury, WI:
High School Camp: August 1-4, 2014
Early Teen Camp: August 4-7, 2014
________________________________________________

Vibrant Faith Ministries
Online learning, coaching. Tons of free resources on the Faith Formation Learning Exchange!

21st Century Faith Formation Training Event

May 13-15, 2014: Minneapolis
Learn how to develop Christian faith formation for all ages and generations in a digital, connected world.
 
You are welcome to copy and use any of the information or writings above for use in your newsletters and other communications.

If you have any questions regarding any of these events, please contact me at the number and addresses listed below.

Catherine Anderson
Coordinator of Youth Ministry

 

Phone: 218.724.4424, ext. 124
Fax: 218.724.4393