Northwest Conference Children

& Family Ministry News

2014/15 Children & Family
Ministry Connections

To connect and encourage CFM ministry leaders through sharing stories, professional development, and spiritual growth as we develop ourselves as leaders.

Third Thursday of each month

Noon to 3 p.m. Bring a lunch.

Northwest Conference Office, 3106 47th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406 / 612-721-4893

Calendar for 2014-2015

Sept. 18
Oct. 23 (moved back one week due to MEA)
Nov. 20
No meeting in December
Jan. 15
Feb. 19
March 26
April 16 - meet at Salem Covenant, New Brighton for the NWC Annual meeting
May 21 - something fun! To be determined...

Imagine

A day of encouragement for children and family ministry volunteers

Nov. 8, 2014

10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

FREE for your ministry team, lunch included

Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN

We are excited to have speaker Jim Wideman - children's pastor, author, speaker and ministry coach - join us. Practical, encouraging training from someone who has been doing this for a long time. And it's FREE!

TOPIC: 5 Things every volunteer needs to Know + organization for those who aren't born that way.

RSVP as a church group by Friday, Nov. 1 to 612-721-4893 or kara@northwestconference.org

Tina Wallace, Crossroads Church: "When I began my leadership role in Children's Ministry, one of the first books that I read was Jim's book 'Children's Ministry Leadership, the you-can-do-it-guide' which helped me immensely as a new ministry leader.

Since that time, I have 'Kidmin leadership' and my teams have read 'The Eric Trap' and 'Stretch' together. I now use his book 'Connect with your kids' as a resource to new parents - it is filled with tons of great tips on faithfully raising your children.

This is a man that has been involved in Children & Family Ministry for a long time, and I am eager to hear him share his wisdom with us!"

'Sticky Faith: Practical & Tested Ideas to Build Family Faith,' with Dr. Kara Powell

An evening for parents and grandparents

Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Minnehaha Academy, upper campus chapel

Cost: FREE

Together with Minnehaha Academy, the Northwest Conference is excited to host Dr. Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute as she leads a seminar for parents and grandparents.

Parents and grandparents do all they can to help kids develop a faith that lasts. Yet approximately 40-50% of graduating seniors pick up their diplomas and ditch their faith. Come and learn all sorts of new research-based, practical tips from the Fuller Youth Institute that families can apply immediately to help kids of all ages develop a faith that sticks.

This event is free and open to parents and grandparents from NWC churches. Questions? Contact Kara Stromberg, Director of Children & Family Ministry.

Interested in making a weekend of it?

There are two more training events happening this same weekend that may be of interest to you:

The Orange Tour

The Orange Tour is a shorter, simpler version of the Orange conference, held on Friday, Sept. 12, at Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, MN. This is for children, youth and family ministry teams. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration information here:

http://www.orangetour.org/dates-and-locations

Refuel

The University of Northwestern, St. Paul, offers a training event on Saturday, Sept. 13, for youth workers. Information here:

https://www.unwsp.edu/web/church-relations/refuel

Need stuff?

Minnehaha Academy Arena Sale

Sept. 12-13

Looking for clothing, books, sports equipment or costumes for your children's ministry? Or do you just love a good bargain? Add one more thing to your weekend with the Minnehaha Academy Arena sale - Sept. 12-13. The south campus ice arena will be filled with treasures, and all proceeds go toward the ministry of Minnehaha Academy. Stop by if you're in town for the Sticky Faith seminar.

http://www.minnehahaacademy.net/giving/arenasale/index.php

NWC Family Go: Serve

Save the date - May 2, 2015, at Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN. A service and learning event for families with kids in elementary school.

More training for you and your team...

Charge

Aug. 23, 2014

Prince of Peace, Brooklyn Park MN

A morning event for children, youth and family ministry teams to help start the year off right.

http://www.chargeyourministry.org

Recharge

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2015

Grace Fellowship, Brooklyn Park MN

A mid-year training event for children, youth and family ministry teams. Mainstage speaker, powerful breakout sessions, and time to connect with your team over lunch.

http://www.ministryrecharge.com

The Gunderson National Child Protection Training Center

The Gunderson National Child Protection Training Center offers training throughout the year, much of it online. The next webinar is "Because the Bible Tells Me So: Working with Parents Using Scripture to Justify Violence"

Aug. 21, 2014, 2-4p.m. CST | $30 per registrant. Register, download a 2014 catalog, or sign up for their mailing list:

http://www.gundersenhealth.org/ncptc/trainings/webinars

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.