The Connection is a great time to meet with other youth pastors for connection and prayer and to know you're not alone in this wild calling to adolescents and their families. The kick-off is on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 12 to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch and meet us at Bethlehem Covenant (3141 43rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406-2292) www.bethlehemcov.org.

Next month, we're meeting on Oct. 24 due to MEA. We'll be focusing on teenagers who are in abusive relationships and hearing from two experts in this field.

Oct. 26 at Crosstown Covenant, Minneapolis

What do your students know about FAFSA forms and college essays? Some don't have a clue, and their lack of information will cost them a college degree. For students who are the first in their family to go to college, applying to schools can be overwhelming.

VIVE is a college prep event for under-represented students in grades 7 through 12, as well as their parents and youth pastors, senior pastors and other adults who are invested in students. VIVE's mission is to encourage and prepare these young students to choose a college education. Visit www.northpark.edu/vive to learn more and find us on Facebook at VIVE Twin Cities.

VIVE takes place on Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crosstown Covenant, Minneapolis, MN. Participants will be inspired by Steve Fitzhugh (former Denver Bronco), interact with the North Park University worship team and learn practical ways to achieve their college dream. Parents will get useful knowledge about helping their child get to college. And youth workers and pastors will learn about how to advocate for their students when it comes to higher education.

The day is free and a continental breakfast, as well as lunch, will be provided.  

Recharge 2014 

This one-day youth ministry leadership training event will be Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. The general session speaker will be Rich Van Pelt. Rich trains thousands of educators, counselors and youth workers each year in adolescent crisis intervention and teen suicide prevention and response.

Often called on to offer counsel and direction after major teen incidents, like the Columbine shootings, Rich is also the author of "Intensive Care: Helping Teenagers In Crisis" and co-author of "The Youth Workers Guide to Helping Teenagers In Crisis."

For more info on Recharge, visit www.ministryrecharge.com

Evangelical Covenant Youth Worker Connection

Jan. 25-27, 2014, at Hyatt O'Hare, Chicago, IL

Engage in theological dialogue, TED Talks, fitness, spiritual connections, community groups, round tables, peer learning, conference connections, Monday night dinner with Comedy Sportz ... these are just a few of the highlights for Youth Worker Connection 2014. 

This annual gathering of youth workers from across North America is a don't-miss event! More details to come.

MOVE 2014

MOVE (Mission Outreach Venture and Experience) is April 4-5 at First Covenant, Minneapolis. It's two days of learning, serving and experiencing an urban environment for high school students. More details to come.

MUUUCE 2014

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To get the latest updates on events and other youth ministry happenings for the NWC, follow us on Facebook: Northwest Conference Youth Ministry page or on Twitter @nwcym