April 15, 2016
 
Children & Family Ministry Connection
Thursday, April 21, Noon - 2 p.m.
Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN

Our Twin Cities Children & Family Ministry Connection will be low key this month: just people who care about children and families gathering together for prayer and encouragement. Come if you need prayer and encouragement, of if you have some to offer others. Bring your lunch and come for good conversation about life and ministry, and your ideas for how we can support each other in ministry.

 

Final Connection for this school year:
TUESDAY, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salem Covenant 

"Mastering the Craft of Story Illustrations" with special guest, Bob Stromberg. For this celebratory event, we will join with the youth pastors, church planters and vitality connections. Bob is a local comedian, storyteller, author and actor.
 
"...gifted comedian, delightful storyteller, and superb communicator. I have seen few individuals who are able to move an audience like Bob Stromberg." Pastor, Modesto, CA

Less than 3 weeks to register for NWC Family Go:Serve!
Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
First Covenant Church, St. Paul 

Register Now  |  Go:Serve Event Page  |  Go:Serve Promo Video

Do your families know about Go: Serve? For $10/family, families with elementary-aged kids will minister together in family-friendly, safe, but stretching environment. Serve and learn together as a family, spark discussion and inspire kids to make a difference in their communities.
 
New ministry sites in East St. Paul this year! All families will participate in all ministry sites.
 
Register online as a family by May 2. Hope to see you there!

Go Serve UP NORTH
Any interest? I've heard from some who are interested in exploring a family service event in your neck of the woods. Is that you? Let's talk! Send an email to kara@northwestconference.org or call 612-721-4893. 


Online Children's Ministry Certification Program:
 
Youth Leadership is offering a brand-new children's ministry certification program. $1,500 for 9 online classes and 2 retreats. This cohort-based model is unlike anything else out there, and the first cohort starts May 1. Click here for more information.


Chaplains for Children training in Duluth
Campus of St Scholastica, Duluth, MN

May 24-26, 2016. Click here to learn more about the training.
 
This training is to help faith communities recognize the signs of child maltreatment, prevent maltreatment from happening within faith communities, and to recognize the spiritual harm done to children experiencing such abuse. The training is not simply for "chaplains," but for ordained and non-ordained faith community leaders of any denomination who assist in all aspects of creating a safe community for its members, from the pastor all the way through to the custodian.
 
Alison Feigh from the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center is one of the presenters. You may remember her from her presentation at our children and youth Connection last year on keeping kids safe. Outstanding training by a great organization.
Science Mike is coming to Minnesota 
 
Are you a Liturgists podcast fan? Science Mike is coming to Minnesota, and you are invited to hear him speak Wednesday, April 20, 6 p.m., at First Covenant, St. Paul, or Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. at Woodland Hills in Maplewood, MN

Mike McHargue (better known as Science Mike) is an author, podcaster, and speaker focused on the science behind spiritual experiences.

Mike lost his faith via atheism as an adult, but rediscovered God in cosmology and neuroscience-a journey that lead to his life's mission: helping people reconcile their faith with modern science.
 
Mike hosts a weekly questions-and-answer podcast called Ask Science Mike with over 250,000 monthly downloads. Ask Science Mike is a safe space for people to share questions they've always been afraid to ask about science, faith, and life. 

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/

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 7, 2016
Go: Serve - First Covenant Church, St. Paul, MN

May 24, 2016
  CFM Connection - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
Northwest Conference, 3106 47th Ave. S.  |  612.721.4893  |  northwestconference.org