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Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

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Cardia Deo
Recharge
LYO Board Applications
Discipleship Challenge
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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. 
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.
December 20, 2016



My faith is constantly stretched, renewed, and strengthened by the unexpected ways in which young people live out their faith. At the Middle School Gathering in November, youth wrote "text messages" to God. You might expect messages asking for things or wondering "why" about any number of issues in their lives. But by far, the notes shared a version of, "Thank you God for all you do!"
Thank you. An unexpected message, in an unexpected way, from an unexpected group of teenagers. This Christmas, may you be stretched, renewed and strengthened by the unexpected message of love from God...sent in an unexpected way in the baby Jesus...and shared by unexpected messengers starting with shepherds and continuing through you and me. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Blessings,   
Catherine Anderson 
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Cardia Deo  

March 3-5, 2017 Cardia Deo Logo
Big Sandy Camp, McGregor 

Early Registration ends February 1! 
 
We are Called, Gathered, Equipped and Sent to share the Heart of God (Cardia Deo) in the world. This year we focus on what it means to be Called. Bible studies led by the LYO Boad and college interns, service learning, worship, mystery event, camp life and an adult track led by the retreat chaplain all make this event a deeply meaningful, fun and faith-nurturing event.

More information and registration forms can be found at: 

www.nemnsynod.org/CD 
Recharge!  

February 11, 2017
Duluth, MN 

Early Bird   
Registration rates are available until January 15!

RECHARGE is a one-day multi-denominational children's and youth ministry conference that aims to inspire and equip church staff and volunteers in their efforts to share their faith with the next generation. Whether you've a 20 year veteran youth worker, just started volunteering as a 2nd grade Sunday School teacher this year or somewhere in between, Recharge is for YOU! 98% of people say they will attend Recharge again AND recommend it to others. This gathering pulls in a wide range of adults who care about the next generation. For more information, visit:


LYO Board Applications 
LYO The Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board is a leadership team that holds a significant amount of responsibility. The LYO Board is responsible for planning and implementing the Middle School Gathering and Cardia Deo events in our synod. Their commitment includes a week long training camp, 2 meetings outside of events, a January planning retreat, and a Thursday - Sunday commitment on event weekends. These positions are not for everyone! The LYO Board is ideal 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.

If you know youth in your congregation who are ready for this leadership step in their faith journey, encourage them to read through the materials on the website and apply! Applications are due February 15, 2017.

More information and application forms at:
Discipleship Challenge: WONDER


How are you WONDERING together this fall? This year's Discipleship Challenge invites you to WONDER together for at least 10 minutes every time you gather, and we have new resources posted to help you do this! The Practice Discipleship curriculum, Wonder, has been adapted to use as five minute devotions, 10-15 minute discussions, 30-45 minute session, or use the original curriculum for a one hour discussion/study. Webinars from the curriculum can be paused for group discussion as questions are posed. Or use the writer videos to initiate discussion. So many options to WONDER together! Find out more and get these resources at:
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.
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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