May 5, 2016

Annual Meeting Highlights  
2016 Northwest Conference Annual Meeting shines spotlight on global service

With a theme of "Serve Globally," the 2016 Northwest Conference Annual Meetings-for both the Ministerial Association and church delegates-took place at Lakeview Covenant Church in Duluth, MN, April 28-30. Al Tizon, the new Executive Minister of Serve Globally (formerly World Mission) for the Evangelical Covenant Church and featured speaker for the meetings, asked churches to consider what it means to be a "witnessing, reconciling and worshiping Church" moving toward God's future.
 
"I believe deeply that the local church is God's primary agent of change to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," Tizon said.
 
Throughout the weekend, pastors, delegates and attendees heard video and spoken testimony of God's activity around the world from various Covenant missionaries, including Nils and Erika Clauson (Mexico), Julio and Katie Isaza (Colombia), and Randy Bevis, Special Assignment Missionary with Serve Globally.
 
 
 
Youth Ministry
New Barna Group research on Youth Ministry in the Church

If you were at the 2016 Annual Meeting, you heard Ginny Olson, Director of Youth Ministry, reference a new wave of research just released by the Barna Research Group. It examines the priorities, challenges and trends in youth ministry.

Finance Connection meeting again soon 
Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
 
Church leaders want to know where we are financially (Balance Sheet), how we got there (Income/Expense Report) and where we're going next (Budget Report). How do we, as finance leaders, generate this information and interpret it so leaders can make the best decision possible?
 
Join us in person at the Northwest Conference office (3106 47th Ave. S.) or email sandy@northwestconference.org for a WebEx link.

The End of the Year Connection!  
Tuesday, May 24 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
 
This is a joint, celebratory event for all those who participate in NWC Connections - Children & Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, Church Planters, and Congregational Vitality Connections.
 
Special guest: Bob Stromberg! Bob is an internationally-known comedian, storyteller, author and actor.
 
Bring your own lunch.
 
MOVE 2016 celebrates the 'Unsung'
Recap, photos and highlight video available online   

On April 15-16, 200 students and youth workers from throughout the Northwest Conference converged on Minnehaha Academy's south campus in Minneapolis for MOVE 2016-a weekend of teaching, worship, service and experiential learning.

This 2016 theme of "Unsung" focused on the truth that God still uses the average person to do amazing things. With examples like kids in the Bible stepping out in faith to help feed over 5,000 people, or the ordinary people who risked their lives for their Christian faith, students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones and allow God to show them how to be "unsung" followers of Christ.

Read the full MOVE 2016 recap on our website 
North Park University  
Urban Discipleship Learning Community launching in fall of 2017     
 
In the fall of 2017, North Park University will begin a freshman year discipleship program, modeled in some way on the Covenant Schools of Discipleship, but with unique features. Called the Urban Discipleship Learning Community, this one-year program focuses intensely on discipling incoming Christian students in the context of community and service.
 
Students immersed in any academic major, in groups of 8-10, will:
  • Live and learn together in a safe, supportive, and intercultural environment
  • Be immersed in curricular and co-curricular activities, together in class and throughout Chicago, serving with our Urban Outreach partners
  • Be prepared for work and ministry in an increasingly urban and globalized world
  • Be shepherded by Seminary students who will mentor each group
  • Explore calling and vocation, taking UDLC core courses as well as exploratory courses in their major of interest
Click here to learn more. 
To see the full NWC Calendar, visit northwestconference.org/events/

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

May 23, 2016
CHET NWC Graduation - Minnehaha Academy, Upper School
 
June 18-25, 2016
Adventures in Leadership - Adventurous Christians, Grand Marais, MN

June 23-25, 2016
Gather 2016 - Phoenix, AZ

July 28-31, 2016
Triennial XV - Kansas City, MO
 
August 4-6, 2016
MUUUCE - Crossroads Church, Woodbury, MN

September 7-9, 2016
CRIM Retreat - Covenant Pines Bible Camp, McGregor, MN

October 3-5, 2016
Ministerial Association Retreat - Chase on the Lake, Walker, MN

Northwest Conference, 3106 47th Ave. S.  |  612.721.4893  |  northwestconference.org