Youth E-Chat: August 4, 2020
Dear Friends,

I am always inspired by leaders in our synod. On Sunday I was inspired by the words of Pastor Tim Berdahl from the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth, in his sermon on the story of the loaves and fishes. He reminded me that when the disciples came to him in a panic on what to do, Jesus’ first response was compassion. Then Jesus asked what resources they had…took what seemed meager…blessed it…and it was enough.

What big needs are you feeling overwhelmed with these days? Fall plans for ministry? What school will be for your child? The struggling economy? Racial injustice? Pastor Tim reminded me,
“In the face of hopelessness,
Jesus takes what we do have and makes good come out of it,
beyond what we can even envision.”

Jesus doesn’t ask for what we don’t have. Jesus asks for what we do have…and when brough to Jesus to bless, it is enough. Whatever you are facing this week, may you remember Christ first meets you with compassion and is blessing what you have to offer.

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Adult Training
Upcoming Events:

August 4: 1:30-2:30pm TODAY!
Brainstorming Conversation: Faith Formation Boxes
A few of the Synod Youth Leaders are planning to use Family Faith Formation (Faith at Home) boxes for Sunday School aged kids this fall. Let's share some collective brain power! We will be sharing ideas for how to create faith formation resources that can be delivered monthly to families.

August 13: 1:00-2:30pm
How to Talk about Racial Justice and Racism with Youth
Part One: Equipping Leaders to Step Into Racial Justice Conversations
The death of George Floyd opened our eyes in new ways to broken systems and painful realities of persons of color in our country...and in our church. This two part series led by the Anti-Racism and Together Here teams will equip leaders to talk about racial justice with young people. Part One will first help us do our own soul searching as we take a look at ourselves and our own implicit bias - a necessary step before we begin conversations with young people. We will then do theological work around the systems of white supremacy and structural racism that marginalize people of color.

Next Faithful Move for Church Leaders
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, August 20 - October 8
Cost: $250 (plus fees)
Joe Davis and Dave Scherer will lead an 8 week cohort based "train the trainer" program that equips leaders in the church to have productive conversations about race, culture, and faith in their context.
Fall Resources for Ministry
The Fall Synod Ministry Resource Packet was sent to congregations last week. You can download the contents and find more information at the links below!
Websites to Watch
In addition to the websites listed above, timely resources for faith formation and leadership development with youth and adults will continue to be posted at the websites below:

Resources for COVID-19:

Faith Formation and Leadership Development:
Adult Leader Training: www.nemnsynod.org/AdultTraining
Online Network Meetings
​Join youth ministry leaders from across the synod to network, learn from each other, support each other, share ideas and resources, pray and laugh together. We are better together!

Check-In meetings will be every Thursday, 10:30am, through August 27.

Login information for Network Meetings (new, permanent link):

You can also access the weekly link on the Faith Formation Resources in Response to COVID-19 page.
Catherine Anderson | Coordinator of Youth Ministry | NE MN Synod, ELCA Catherine.Anderson@nemnsynod.org | 218-724-4424