News from the Northwest Conference

Dave Cairns Hired as Executive Director of Covenant Pines Ministries

The Board of Directors of the Covenant Pines Ministries is pleased to announce the hiring of David Cairns as Executive Director. His overall responsibilities will include Adventurous Christians Ministry, Covenant Pines Bible Camp Ministry, Day Camp Ministry, and Silver Beach Ministry.

Dave comes to us with a wide breadth of relevant knowledge and experience. This includes terms as Executive Director of Pilgrim Pines Conference Center of Swanzey, NH and Associate Director of Covenant Pines Bible Camp of McGregor, MN. Dave is a graduate of North Park Theological Seminary and is an ordained Covenant Minister. He and his wife Becky have three children: Drew-16, Trent-14, Annis-11.

Dave will assume his duties as Executive Director of Covenant Pines Ministries at the conclusion of the summer.

New Discipleship Curriculum Released!

SHIFT: The Curriculum is a 6 week, all-church, discipleship initiative that challenges each individual to 'shift' their lives to be more like Jesus. The idea was birthed out of the movement of CHIC 2015, but make no mistake - this is an all-church adventure.

Check it out at shiftcurriculum.org

Calling all NWC CHIC Leaders!

On Tuesday evening, June 16, we're hosting a CHIC conference call for NWC leaders, especially new ones. On the agenda from 7-8 p.m.: what a day at CHIC looks like, plus an opportunity to ask questions and get some great leadership advice on how to navigate CHIC. Marti Burger and Tim Ciccone will be joining the NWC staff on the call. More details will be coming.

Minnehaha Academy names new Upper School Principal

By Donna Harris, President, Minnehaha Academy

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jason Wenschlag as MA's Upper School Principal. I am thankful for the input I received from staff, faculty and members of the Board of Trustees as I moved through a diligent and prayerful process. I believe that Jason is an excellent fit for MA at this time in the life of our school. He brings a wealth of experience in and passion for education, strategic vision, strong interpersonal skills and a humble and gentle spirit.

Jason's strong Christian faith and commitment to Christ's leading his life is evident in his personal narrative. In a recent communication Jason expressed, "The most important thing I can do is continue living by grace and striving to reflect God's character. I place an incredible amount of importance on integrating my personal and professional life, and being in a position where I am growing, and I cannot imagine a better fit at this point in my career and life. God has certainly been at work in recent months and all the glory goes to him!" One of Jason's references stated that MA is the right place for him (Jason) because he thrives in an environment that allows him to exercise servant leadership and faith within a caring community.

Jason brings 13 years of public school administration in his roles as Dean of Students, Assistant High School Principal, and Elementary and Upper School Principal. His most recent position is principal of Richfield High School where he has served for the past three years. Jason will be on campus June 11 and 12 for a "meet and greet" for those who will be on campus to spend time with Nancy Johnson and Mike DiNardo. His first official day is July 1 when Jason will reach out directly to Upper School faculty as part of his onboarding. Jason is looking forward to scheduling time to start getting to know members of the Board of Trustees as well.

Jason is married to Amy Lynn and has lived in the same South Minneapolis community all his life. He and Amy are very active members in their church River Valley, located in Eden Prairie.

Thank you in advance for your continued prayers as Jason transitions to MA!

http://www.minnehahaacademy.net

New NWC Mini-Retreat for pastors and ministry staff who are 55+

Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2015 // $30 per participant // Covenant Pines Bible Camp

LEADER: Jeff Burton (Director of Pastoral Care & Development, Northwest Conference) and Hollis Kim (Pastor, Good Shepherd Covenant Church, Blaine, MN)

TITLE: Transition Curves: Successfully Navigating New Directions

DESCRIPTION: One of the characteristics of new or redesigned roads is the presence of transition curves. Such curves are used to navigate gradual changes of direction instead of abrupt right angle turns. Transition curves allow for the continuation of momentum (slight speed reduction) while changing direction. By definition such curves are complex; the radius always changing. Come away with sisters and brothers in your age group who are facing such curves.

PARTICIPANTS: Covenant pastors and ministry staff who are 55 plus

REGISTRATION: Minimum 10, maximum 20 / Confirm your reservation with Jeff Burton by August 15 - jeff@northwestconference.org

FEE: $30 per participant - includes 3 meals, coffee breaks, and 1 overnight

More Mini-Retreats coming ...

This is the first of several mini-retreats that will be offered each year by the NWC Department of Pastoral Care and Development. Each retreat will be formatted and focused on assisting you in your personal and professional development. For those of you credentialed by the Covenant these retreats can become part of honoring your commitment to four vocational growth experiences each year.

MUUUCE 2015

Aug. 6-8, Crossroads Church, Woodbury, MN

Registration is open! This amazing three-day event is for middle schoolers and jr. highers and is being designed by the incredible MUUUCE team at Crossroads Church (Woodbury).

For registration information, visit the MUUUCE 2015 page. While you're there, check out the rest of the new Northwest Conference website.

First class graduates from Solid Rock School of Discipleship

On May 16, the Solid Rock School of Discipleship at Lake Beauty Bible Camp celebrated its first ever graduation. The ceremony included nine students who shared about their experience of learning and deep spiritual growth over the past year. Excited family members, friends, Board Members, professors and camp staff joined in as the students led music and spoke on their accomplishments and future plans.

Keynote speaker Keith Robinson, professor in the program and Senior Pastor of Riverwood Covenant Church, addressed the graduating class with encouraging words of remembrance and opportunity. The ceremony ended with a time of prayer and the celebratory ringing of the chapel bell by the entire class.

Congratulation Solid Rock Class of 2015! Read the full story on our website.

June 5, 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Dave Cairns Hired as Executive Director of Covenant Pines Ministries

New Discipleship Curriculum Released!

Calling all NWC CHIC Leaders!

Minnehaha Academy names new Upper School Principal

New NWC Mini-Retreat for pastors and ministry staff who are 55+

MUUUCE 2015

First class graduates from Solid Rock School of Discipleship

NWC cal icon tan

June 20-27

Adventures in Leadership - Adventurous Christians, Grand Marais, MN

July 12-17

CHIC - University of Tennessee

August 6-8

MUUUCE - Crossroads Church, Woodbury, MN

September 9-11

CRIM Retreat - Covenant Pines Bible Camp, McGregor, MN

October 5-7

Ministerial Association Retreat - Chase on the Lake, Walker, MN

October 20-21

Faith Community Nurse Retreat - Covenant Pines Bible Camp, McGregor, MN

October 26-27

Spiritual Directors Retreat - St John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN

NWC Job Postings Page

Pastors and ministry leaders, if you have people in your congregation who are exploring ministry, on a part- or full-time basis, please refer them to our job postings page.