Recharge Reflections
Thanks to your generosity through our Embrace God's Mission + Equip God's People Funding Initiative, we were able to provide an Equip Grant of $1,163 in registration fees for a group of youth workers to attend the 2018 ReCharge event. ReCharge is a one-day multi-denominational children's and youth ministry conference that aims to inspire and equip church staff and volunteers in their efforts to share their faith with the next generation.
Here are some statements from people who attend:
Chad Roschild, Bethel, Willmar
First off I am very grateful the Synod provided funding for our tickets. I didn't know what to expect with the invite from Jenni to attend. I went to the 2 sessions on the Middle Schoolers which were great and I learned a lot from but the one that blew me away was "Masterpiece of You". It struck me to heart. It talked about how we are loved by God from the beginning of our existence, before any ministry work. That we should love and be happy with what ever we do for the Kingdom of God. That we don't have to try to impress God with anything. We just do what comes natural.
James Lucas, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries
Recharge showed me a new way to model confirmation which would incorporate high schoolers. Because of Recharge, I have a lot of new ideas I am excited to bring back to my congregation!
Karen Flom, Cross of Calvary, Olivia
Thank you for sponsoring attendance at the Refresh workshop. The keynote speaker was inspiring and the breakout session informative. The three I attended were all excellent.
The one on special needs provided practical resources for helping all children grow in Christ. She gave examples of making accommodations for disabled children within the confines of regular programing.
Pastor Steve Olson, Our Savior's, Albany
Thanks to the early arrival of our Youth and Family Ministry associate's baby, I got tapped to take her place as the team leader for our church. I had no idea of what to expect, but after attending, I have already put next year's Recharge event on my calendar. Recharge is truly what it's name implies a chance to recharge your Spirit through worship., your mind through a great keynote speaker and your idea bank through a host of workshops and vendor booths. Bring a team, one person alone can not take it all because of the multitude of workshops to pick from.
Janel Skindelien, Calvary, Willmar
First, I want to thank the SWMN Synod for my ticket to the Recharge Event. At a time of the year where I start to lose steam, it was energizing and encouraging!
Second, I found the workshops very engaging and I wish I could have attended more! I really enjoyed my workshops on Intergenerational Ministry and Impact Parenting. Lisa McPherson did a nice job presenting on Intergenerational Ministry. She reminded me that intergenerational relationships is what fosters life-long disciples and isn't that our goal? Monty Lysne did a great job presenting Impact Parenting. He inspired and equipped me to reach out to parents in a new and different way to remind them that they are the most important influencer in their child's faith journey.
Ashley Gilbertson, Calvary, Willmar
A highlight from recharge for me was attending two workshops on Middle School Youth. I was particularly helped by the workshop that discussed chaos and structure, and how middle school ministry needs both. I tend to lean towards structure, but chaos has it's own benefits. Together they make a well rounded ministry, so knowing that, I will keep myself in check. What you should be aiming for is organized chaos. That's what I'm going to strive for, for the new year.
Shawnn Martin, Granite Falls, Granite Falls
Recharge was a good non-denominational event. Really liked the opening worship. We left at 3:00 before the second worship. I attended 3 different workshops. The first one had an awesome speaker full of energy and great delivery. The second had great information but was a dry delivery. The third was meh. I think it was a younger speaker without the same depth and experience to draw from. I learned the name for the group of folks between 18-28 which we are struggling with at or church like many others in the ELCA. The name for this group is "emerging adults". Sorry we didn't get a chance to chat during the event. I look forward to other conferences like this one.
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