Northwest Conference Children

& Family Ministry News

Children & Family Ministry Connection

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

Helping Kids and Families talk about sexuality

Thursday, Feb. 19 / Noon to 2 p.m.

Salem Covenant Church

2655 Fifth Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112

Doug Giese (Bemidji) and Sara Sosa (Plymouth), along with many of you, are doing some innovative things with kids and parents to engage this topic. Bring your best ideas, your questions, and your lunch for a lively conversation!

Internet and Cell Safety for Youth and Children's Workers

Thursday, March 19 / Noon to 2 p.m.

Salem Covenant Church

2655 Fifth Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112

Guest speaker: Alison Feigh from the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center

Children and Youth can find themselves in over their heads with various online concerns from cyberbullying to sexting. This presentation details the risks students are facing online and practical ways that adults can respond.

As a classmate of Jacob Wetterling, Alison learned early on how important it is to protect children and youth from exploitation, and believes strongly in avoiding fear-based approaches when educating young people. The Jacob Wetterling Resource Center is committed to using what they've learned in 25 years of case management of missing and exploited children to empower audiences to walk around smart and not scared.

Alison previously worked as a minister to youth and children at a metro area faith community for six years. She continues to be inspired and re-energized by working directly with children and teenagers at camps, retreats, and theater companies.

This event is open to any staff people or parents who are available and interested in this topic.

Child Protection and Safety Resources

Now available on our website, this page has links to information on child safety, background checks, volunteer training and information on setting up safety policies for your church.

Visit the page

Sabbath Renewal retreat for Children, Youth & Family ministry leaders

When: March 1-3, 2015. Retreat begins with supper at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 and ends after breakfast on Tuesday, March 3.

Cost: $25

Where: Covenant Pines Bible Camp retreat center, McGregor, MN

Details: Meals are provided by camp, linens are not. Bring a sleeping bag or sheets, plus a towel. Private rooms, shared bathroom.

We will gather for meals and guided reflection times led by Judy Swanberg, Associate Director of Pastoral Care & Development, Northwest Conference. Mornings, afternoons and evenings are yours. Rest, hike, read, draw, explore, knit, sleep. Judy will be available for spiritual direction, as well.

To extend your stay, contact Holly Larson at Covenant Pines. holly@covenantpines.org.

Registration: contact Kara Stromberg, Director of Children & Family Ministry by Wednesday, Feb. 25 at kara@northwestconference.org.

Save the Date - Go:Serve 2015!

When: May 2, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Who: Northwest Conference Families with kids in PreK-6th grade

Where: Redeemer Covenant Church, Brooklyn Park, MN

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

Registration information available later in February.

Download the Go:Serve logo for promo use

Download the Go:Serve Save the Date Postcard

FREE Refugee curriculum available for download

What does it mean to flee your home? How does someone become a refugee? What is life like in a refugee camp?

The Kids Helping Kids: Refugees curriculum will explore these questions and provide opportunities for making a significant difference in the lives of refugee children around the world. The twelve-part curriculum is a short (5-10 min) supplement to your regular Christian formation time, and encourages children to:

Serve God and others
Develop a bigger view of God's kingdom
Connect with children around the world through stories
Help to meet some of the basic needs of children living as refugees

The Kids Helping Kids Refugee Curriculum is available for download on the covchurch.org website. Click here to download materials.

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.