Northwest Conference Children

& Family Ministry News

Children & Family Ministry Sabbath retreat

Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Friday, Feb. 28, 2014

Covenant Pines Bible Camp

Suggested donation: $20

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Mark 6:31

Sound familiar? You are invited to Covenant Pines for a spiritual rest and renewal retreat for children, youth and family ministers Feb. 26-28. You get a room to yourself, opportunities for spiritual direction with Judy Swanberg, Associate Director of Pastoral Care & Development, and guided reflection time led by Steve Burger. Hope you can join us! RSVP to the Conference office by Sunday, Feb. 23, at 612-721-4893 or kara@northwestconference.org.

Monthly Children & Family
Ministry Connection

Working with Students on the Autism Spectrum, led by Lynn Jackson from Connected Families

Thursday, March 20

Noon-3 p.m. Bring a lunch.

Lynn is an occupational therapist who works with children with sensory and behavior challenges, specifically including ADHD, autism, OCD, ODD. We hope you can join us for an enlightening conversation on how these behavioral challenges impact your ministry.

Note location change: Northwest Conference office. 3106 47th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55406. 612-721-4893.

Looking ahead:

Thursday, May 15

Leading Up: How to lead well from the second chair, led by Tiger McLuen from Youth Leadership www.youthleadership.org.

Noon-3 p.m. Bring a lunch. Northwest Conference office.

Leading well when you are not always given a seat at the decision-making table can present challenges. As an associate, part timer or volunteer, how can you be an advocate and strong voice for children and family ministry? What are some practical ways you can influence those you work with to get stuff done, implement changes, and work with teams so ministry can go forward?

Do you wish you had a better understanding of Scripture?

Youth Leadership is offering a 2-day crash course called Intro to Bible, taught by Jennifer Scott, pastor at Emmanuel Covenant in Shoreview, and Hans Wiersma, Associate professor at Augsburg college. Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4, 2014 in Shoreview, MN.

Gain a better understanding of the Bible - the story, themes and flow of scripture so you can build confidence as you use the Bible in ministry leadership and teaching. Scholarships available for under-resourced ministries. Just ask!

http://youthleadership.publishpath.com/2day-intro-to-the-bible

Family Ministry Toolkit conference: Providing tools to build faith in and through the family

March 15, 2014, 9-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Registration: http://tinyurl.com/2014Toolkit

Conference site: Trinity Evangelical Free Church, Lakeville, MN Phone: (952-435-5548)

Co-hosted by Next Step Resources and Trinity Evangelical Free Church

Keynote speaker, Mark Gold, is a veteran youth and family ministry worker, national conference speaker and global mission visionary. He is passionate about the family as a change agent for the kingdom. Twelve breakout session options to choose from offer practical insights for ministry leaders.

Interested in connecting with others but can't do midweek?

On Saturday, March 29, Steve Burger will be meeting with children, youth and family ministry leaders and parents at Linwood Covenant from 10 to Noon.

Topic: Parents as Spiritual Mentors

Linwood Covenant is located at 6565 Viking Boulevard NE, Wyoming, MN 55092. 651-462-3780. Please RSVP to Kari Jacott - youthgirl@juno.com.

Save the date:

Go: Serve

Who: NWC Families

April 26, 2014

Redeemer Covenant Church, Brooklyn Park

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hopefully, you received the Go: Serve materials that were mailed to each church in late January. Information can also be downloaded at northwestconference.org/children-youth-family/goserve

GO: Serve is an opportunity for families to learn and grow together, in a family-friendly, yet stretching, environment suitable for younger children. Families can expect to have their worldview expanded, to be inspired by God's kingdom workforce in the world, and to have opportunity to extend the hope and love of Christ with those experiencing unmet needs.

A closing thought ...

Check out this newsletter called "Children Matter." In the words of Amy Long from Redeemer, "This one comes from the UK and often has helpful articles that I actually click through to read." Well said!
http://eepurl.com/OhEmz

Social Media

To get the latest updates on events and other Children & Family Ministry happenings for the NWC, like us on Facebook:

NWC Children & Family Ministry Facebook Page

Did you know there is also an ECC Children's Ministry Facebook page? This is a closed group, so if you are interested in joining (all are welcome!), send an email to kara@northwestconference.org and you will receive an invitation. This is a great way to collaborate on a national level.

February 14, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Children & Family Ministry Sabbath retreat

Children & Family Ministry Connection

Youth Leadership course

C&FM on Facebook