Dear Friends,
I have a group of wise women that I meet with regularly. We met as colleagues doing synod youth ministry across the ELCA, and have traveled through each other’s ministries and lives for over two decades. If you think I do anything that is helpful in our synod, say a prayer of gratitude for these women. They help me think bigger and deeper about ministry and life. I hope and pray you have a similar group to grow with.
Yesterday when we met, one of these wise women shared a question I’ve been chewing on since our conversation: "What is the next most loving thing you can do?"
I share it with you as we enter a new year, and invite you to wonder with me on how this question might shape our decisions, plans, and relationships? What is the next most loving thing you can do...for you? For others? For your congregation? For the youth and families that are entrusted to you? For your ministry? For your community?
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
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Middle School Gathering Alternative |
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January 29, 2022
Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids
The LYO Planning Team will meet tonight (Jan. 4) to make final decisions on whether or not this event will be held and what protocols will be if we do. A special "Middle School Gathering Update" will be sent to the Youth E-Chat and Online Reflections list on Wednesday, January 5, with our decision and links to forms. The update will also be posted at www.nemnsynod.org/MSG.
Please be aware that registration will be limited! The max capacity is 150 participants, and could be less depending on protocol decisions. Registration will open on January 6 and a waiting list will be put in place if the event fills.
Other options to consider if either the date does not work for your group and/or we fill:
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March 5, 2022
Camp Onomia
This one-day Cardia Deo retreat brings together senior high youth and adults from across our synod to grow in faith and build new friendships. The highlight of this event is the small groups led by the LYO Leadership Initiative and college interns where we talk about life and faith in real ways. This year we will focus on what it means to be Called.
Registration will open February 3. Like the Middle School Gathering alternative, the final decision will be made and posted on February 1 on whether or not we can hold this event.
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Extravaganza 2022: Boundless!
February 11-14, 2022
Onsite in Minneapolis…Online Wherever You Are!
Not ready to meet in person for a large event? The Online Extravaganza is not simply watching what is happening in the room! Online participants will have special access to backstage conversations during the General sessions. Workshops are interactive. The Exhibit Hall shares opportunities to meet with exhibitors. It’s almost like being there…and you can wear your jammies and sleep in your own bed! Better yet – sign up as a team and watch together at your congregation!
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Growing Young Book Study
First Thursdays
Online, 10:30am - Noon
Join Catherine Anderson in a monthly book study to discuss the 6 Core Commitments from Growing Young research and how to integrate them in your ministry. This book study is free, but you must register to get the link. We will be reading Chapter 5, "Fuel a Warm Community" for January 6.
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Invite Young Adults to Work at Camp! |
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Now is the time to invite young adults to work at camp this summer! Young adults are already thinking about summer jobs, and camps are already hiring! Invite the young adults in your community to consider using their gifts at camp while they grow in leadership and develop life skills. They can work in our own backyard at Camp Onomia, Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry, Luther Crest Bible Camp, or Camp Amnicon. Or if they want to explore other parts of the country and new adventures, share the Camp Matchup App with young adults in your community to help them find the right camp and position they are looking for! |
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Program Director: Camp Onomia
Onamia, MN
Camp Onomia is seeking applicants to serve as the full-time Program Director. This person will develop and lead our summer and seasonal programs as well as care for for our expanding retreat ministries. You will recruit and train summer staff, help manage office systems, and be the welcoming voice for guests and visitors!
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Director for Youth and Family Ministry: Full-Time
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, MN
Come and join us in the Brainerd Lakes area. Lutheran Church of the Cross is looking for a full time Director of Youth and Family Ministry, providing primary leadership for developing and implementing a Christian-based ministry with youth. The Director will lead by organizing and administering events that build strong relationships throughout the church. The Director of Youth and Family is responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of the volunteer staff of teachers and assistants required for a successful ministry.
The Director develops a close communication with, and mutual support from the youths' families, collaborates with other community and congregational organizations, and the church staff.
If you are interested please contact Pastor Drew Bakken at 952-451-5628 or send an email to pastordrewlcc@gmail.com. |
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Youth and Family Minister: Full-Time
First Lutheran Church, Little Falls, MN
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Director of Youth and Family Ministry: Part-Time (20 hours per week)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Two Harbors, MN
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Youth Ministry Network Meetings |
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All adults who work with youth are invited and encouraged to attend youth workers network meetings! Network meetings are typically informal gatherings for mutual support, networking, learning and resourcing for ministry. Expect laughter, inspiration, new ideas and holy conversation. We are better when we do ministry together!
*If this is your first time attending an in-person network meeting, please email the contact person to verify the group is meeting and/or to be added to their email list for updates!
First Thursdays,, 10:30am - Noon: Growing Young Book Study
On Zoom.
Free, but must register to receive the link.
Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Duluth Area Network Meeting*
Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Brainerd Area Network Meeting*
(Northern Caribou, next to Grizzly's)
Third Thursdays, 10:30am: Online Network Meeting
Southern Area Youth Workers*
on youth ministry networks in our synod!
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