Youth E-Chat
Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Don't Miss!
In This Issue
LYO Board Applications
Cardia Deo
Peace Not Walls
Eco Faith Youth Camp
Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry
Discipleship Challenge
Youth Ministry Positions
Continuing Ed Events
ELCA
Outdoor Ministries
in and around
NE MN Synod
Quick Links
Join our list
Get Networked!

Youth ministry is hard work. We are strengthened 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 Sarah Marshall for more info.
Cert Schools

Vibrant Faith Training School 
This unique training experience changes lives, equips leaders, and transforms congregations in effective and creative faith formation, culminating in creating a ministry plan that will guide your efforts with children, youth, and families. Learn more.

Sponsored by

Youth Leadership 
This program is a unique, holistic leadership development program that covers the key areas of ministry. We come alongside you as you grow as a leader in your particular context, sharpen your vision and encourage your calling. Learn more. 
February 2, 2016


There is perhaps no greater tool for faith formation we have in our ministry box than a week at one of our camps. I recently came across this video that speaks to the value of camp from the perspective of campers, parents, youth directors, pastors and staff. The video is produced by Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry, but you could easily insert Camp Onomia, LutherCrest Bible Camp, Camp Amnicon or any of the other ELCA Outdoor Ministry sites as the location where this kind of faith formation happens:

Take time this week to specifically invite young people in your congregation to camp! Your encouragement makes a difference, and might be the tipping point to get a young person to camp and transform their lives.

I also challenge our pastors and youth directors to take it a step deeper. Set aside a week - or at least a couple of days - to join your young people at camp. The relationships you develop as you sing together, play together, wonder about God together, eat together could be the most important hours you spend in ministry with young people this year!

We have some of the best outdoor ministry staff and locations right in our back yard. Make sure your young people and their families are taking advantage of this incredible faith formation tool this summer!
 
Together in Christ,  
Catherine Anderson 
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
LYO Board Applications 
Open to youth currently in grades 9-11 LYO
Applications Due February 15, 2016
 
The LYO Board is a leadership development opportunity for youth and adults who are already leaders in their congregations, and are ready for that next step of leading on a larger and deeper level with more responsibility and opportunities to share their faith. The LYO Board has HIGH expectations of its members, and requires full participation in its training camp, meetings and events. Why? The synod relies on the LYO to provide quality, faith-filled events for 1,000 middle school youth and 200 high school youth each year - it's a big responsibility!
 
For job descriptions and expectations, meeting dates, and application forms, visit www.nemnsynod.org/LYO.
Applications and recommendation forms are due February 15, 2016!
Cardia Deo 
March 4-6, 2016Cardia Deo Logo
Big Sandy Camp, McGregor

Cardia Deo is a retreat for high school youth in grades 9-12 and their adult leaders. The early registration deadline has passed, but there is still time to register! For more information and registration forms: www.nemnsynod.org/CD 
Peace Not Walls  
NE MN Synod Young Adults Justice Pilgrimage
to the Holy Land

July 7-17th, 2016

Young adults (ages 18-30ish) in the NE MN Synod are encouraged to participate in this unique opportunity to be engaged in the pursuit of peace and justice in the Holy Land. This justice-oriented trip will be led by Bjorn and Laura Anderson, who have received training to lead this trip through the ELCA's Peace Not Walls Campaign & ELCA Young Adults program. For more information, click on the links below. Questions may be directed to Laura or Bjorn Anderson at [email protected]

EcoFaith Youth Camp   
June 26-30, 2016
Duluth, MN

Are you interested in exploring the intersection between environmental, economic, and racial justice in a faith context? The NE MN Synod, in partnership with the NE MN Synod Creation Care Task Force and Peace United Church of Christ,  invites you to be part of a new opportunity this summer -The EcoFaith Youth Camp. This week long day camp will begin on Sunday, June 26 and will end on Thursday, June 30. Our week will be spent exploring our role as God's people and  understanding our call to care for all of God's creation and people. Throughout the week we will be in conversations with local indigenous communities and local farmers, learn the history and story of the St. Louis River, and explore the complexities of our food systems. Our week will also involve one night of camping, a morning of canoeing, and time to learn, play, and grow together!
 
More information can be found at www.nemnsynod.org/Ecofaith.
Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry:
All Things New 
April 26-29, 2016
Princeton, NJ

Youth ministers were born to dream! The headlines may paint a grim picture for the future of the Church, 
but youth ministry has long been a place for innovation, entrepreneurship, and vision. It's time to imagine 
new ways of being church-to dream big and be open to the work of the Spirit. Where do we go from here? 
What's working? What's not? Where do we find the abundant life of Christ in our lives and communities? 

Visit http://iymforum.com/ for more information and to register. 
Discipleship Challenge: Story   
Featured Study Guide: 
Story of Adolescence 
The story of adolescence is complex. Youth are developing cognitively, emotionally, and socially in ways that impact how they hear, interpret, and live out God's story. Youth have abundant gifts, energy and passions. The presence of caring and faith-filled adults is vital in helping youth explore and live out their unique God storyduring this time of transition and growth.
 
How well do leaders in your congregation understand adolescents? The Discipleship Challenge Study Guide, "Story of Adolescence" would be a helpful resource for leading conversations on this topic with various leaders and groups.

More Study Guides and resources can be found at:
Youth Ministry Positions
 
Director of Youth and Family Ministry 
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa 
Lutheran Church of the Cross (LCC) in Nisswa, MN, is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Family Ministry to revitalize the ministry to youth in grades 7-12 and their families. We seek someone who has the skills for relational ministry to both youth and their parents. This person will also be part of a team that works on an integrated birth-to-graduation children's and youth ministry structure at LCC. Our congregational mission centering on the six  marks of discipleship (prayer, scripture reading, worship, service in Christ's name, stewardship and hospitality will be a central part of all youth and family ministry programming. Most importantly, a love and passion for Christ and youth ministry is essential. The person in this position will work closely with the Director of Children and Family Ministry and Associate Pastor.
For more information or questions, please contact Pastor Andy Smith at 218-963-2564. Resumes can be sent to: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Attn:  Pastor Andy Smith, PO Box 29, Nisswa, MN  56468.  
NE MN Synod Facebook Group - Join Today!
 
The NE MN Synod is on Facebook! Join today for synod updates and to share your questions and ministries! Search for "Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA" or click here to join.
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.

________________________________________________ 


Peer Ministry / Marilyn Sharpe Ministries

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

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