January 15, 2016
 
Children & Family Ministry Connection
Thursday, Jan. 21, Noon - 2 p.m.
Salem Covenant Church

Curious about licensing and ordination? Did you know it is possible to be credentialed, even as a bi-vocational and part time ministry leader? Join children and family ministers on Thursday, Jan. 21, as we chat with Cheryl Theilen and Jeff Burton from the Northwest Conference office about credentialing in the Covenant church. Cheryl will help us understand the process and requirements; Jeff will talk us through the ins and outs of the actual interview.
 
Bring a lunch. Hope to see you there!
 
On deck for 2/18: Steve Burger, Director of adult, children, family, and intergenerational ministries, Make and Deepen Disciples (Evangelical Covenant Church)

Workshop with Dr. Mark Yarhouse set for Feb. 27 at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, MN
 
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Salem Covenant Church
2655 5th Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112

As we enter 2016, the Northwest Conference is pleased to provide another opportunity for learning and engagement by sponsoring a workshop led by Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., entitled, "Sexual Identity & the Christian: Positioning the Church to Be Both Faithful and Engaged in a Changing Culture."
Join us for a discussion on how people of faith navigate sexual identity questions in their lives. Sexual identity refers to the labels people use to discuss their sexuality-labels like gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight. In the morning we will discuss two of the most frequently asked questions: "What causes homosexuality and can it change?" and, "What are the experiences and challenges encountered by people of faith who are navigating sexual identity questions in their personal lives?"

Then, in the afternoon we turn our attention to practical ministry tools for helping individuals and families, as well as strategies for positioning faith communities to engage and provide ministry in a dramatically changing culture.

This event will be held at Salem Covenant Church (New Brighton) and is open to pastors, ministry staff members, lay leaders and key influencers in NWC churches and affiliated ministries. This event is free of charge. However, refreshments and a box lunch will be provided for a suggested minimum donation of $10.00/person.

Please RSVP with how many people are planning to attend from your church or ministry by Monday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. to Jessa Anderson at the NWC office by phone (612-721-4893) or by e-mail at jessa@northwestconference.org. We encourage you to make use of this valuable resource. 

Pre-Midwinter Children and Family Ministry Connection
 Jan. 23 - 25, 2016

We're excited for this first children and family ministry connection event offered as a pre-Midwinter option. Seminars will be offered on a variety of topics, including family ministry, children's discipleship, building teams, tackling issues of race and injustice, and special needs ministry. Looking forward to seeing other Northwest Conference leaders there!
 

Red River Valley Connection postponed 

We tried! Our efforts at a Red River Valley Children, Youth & Family Ministry Connection in December were foiled by the weather! Look for information about a rescheduled date sometime this spring.

Save the Date:
NWC Family Go: Serve is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, at First Covenant Church, St. Paul, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
 
Go: Serve is in its third year of providing shared ministry and learning experiences for families with elementary-aged children. We believe even young children can have an impact in their communities, and participating in ministry projects together as a family gives parents tools needed to lead their families in developing a mindset of service and compassion.
 
A new location means new opportunities for ministry and service. Registration information coming in March.
 

Faith and the Modern Family parenting seminar at Crossroads Church, Woodbury,
Feb. 5-6

Join author Craig Jutila for a seminar on being a healthy family in the midst of hectic schedules. $10 per family, childcare provided for a small fee. Register here!

Recharge 2016

There's still time for some of you to sign up! Recharge is a one-day multi-denominational conference aimed to inspire and equip church staff and their volunteers in children, youth and family ministry. Still time to sign up in these cities: 

Duluth, MN 
 January 16
Fargo, ND 
 January 23
Green Bay, WI 
 February 20
Cedar Falls, IA 
 February 27

For more info on Recharge, visit www.ministryrecharge.com or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/ministryrecharge



Common Sense Media

Trying to navigate the onslaught of devices your kids (or your kids' friends) got for Christmas? Make sure you know about Common Sense Media.
 
This is your one-stop shop for resources on kids and technology. Resources include movie, TV show and app ratings, as well as a blog, advice for parents on common parenting concerns and an entire section in Spanish.


Breaking News
 
To get the latest updates on events and other Children & Family Ministry happenings for the NWC, like us on Facebook.
To see the full NWC Calendar, visit northwestconference.org/events/

Jan. 16, 2016
Recharge - Duluth, MN

Jan. 21, 2016
CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
Jan. 23, 2016
Recharge - Fargo, ND

Jan. 23-25, 2016
ECC Children & Family Pre-Midwinter Connection - Chicago

Feb. 18, 2016
CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
Feb. 27, 2016
Dr. Mark Yarhouse Workshop - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
March 17, 2016
CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN

April 21, 2016
CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
April 28-29, 2016
Ministerial Association Annual Meeting - Lakeview Covenant Church, Duluth, MN
 
April 29-30, 2016
Northwest Conference Annual Meeting - Lakeview Covenant Church, Duluth, MN

May 19, 2016
  CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
Northwest Conference, 3106 47th Ave. S.  |  612.721.4893  |  northwestconference.org