Youth E-Chat: March 1, 2022
Dear Friends,
 
Last week as our staff spent time dwelling in the story of the Transfiguration, we talked about how Jesus was the bridge between the past (Moses and Elijah) and the future (the disciples). Standing at the crossroads of what was, and what will be, is Jesus.
 
God gets us to where we need to be when we look to Jesus. As hard as it was to hear of the Gathering’s cancellation, I am so proud of the Synod Journey Planning Team for keeping their eyes on Jesus…for remembering that this event is about faith formation, and that we can do a new thing. I hope you look through Synod Journey information below, and encourage you to consider joining the Journey if you were not previously signed up. I believe the updated Synod Journey plan gets us to a new and even better place, allowing more congregations and youth to participate and giving us the opportunity to root ourselves even more deeply in faith and connections to each other.
 
Next week I’ll be sharing what we learned from the LYO Leadership Initiative, and how we will continue to move forward with leadership development for high school youth in the coming year. I’m so proud of our LYO Planning Team for keeping their eyes on Jesus through all the pivots this year…for remembering that this is about faith-filled leadership, and our boundless God calls us to continue to expand those opportunities.
 
I’m so thankful for each of you and how you keep your eyes on Jesus, as we continue to encounter the crossroads of what was, and what will be. May God continue to move all of us where God needs us to be!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
Synod Journey
You are invited to join the Synod Journey!

Synod Journey Quick Facts:
July 21-24, 2022
Grades 8-12
Cost: $350 per person 
Registration is now open, and closes March 10, 2022. 
Click on the buttons below for more information, or visit www.nemnsynod.org/SynodJourney.
Lessen the Heavy Load
You are invited to watch the recording of "Lessen the Heavy Load" with Joy Hensel (MA, LADC, ADC-MN) to be equipped with tools that can help you navigate challenging relationships and stress filled days. The presentation includes how to not carry other people's burdens by exploring topics such as caretaking vs. caregiving, resentment, detachment and self compassion. It al shares stress relief activities to nurture mental well being.
Summer Camp!
Registration is open!
Summer camp is one of the best ways to embody hope in the lives of young people! Invite your youth to spend a week at camp - building relationships, surrounded by caring and trusted young adults, laughing, playing, and growing in faith! If your church isn't connected to a camp, you might consider these camps the synod partners with: Camp Onomia, Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry, Luther Crest Bible Camp, or Camp Amnicon. You can also find camps beyond our synod at http://journeys.lomnetwork.org/.

Who can you invite today to work at camp this summer?
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 the camps listed above. 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!
Youth Ministry Positions
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! 

Click here for the Job Description
Click here to apply!
Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry

VLM has a number of year-round positions open at both Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion. Positions include Program Director, Property Manager (Hiawatha), Camp Director (Vermilion), Head Cook, and Hospitality Staff. Full job descriptions are available at www.vlmcamps.org/year-round-positions.
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.
Director of Youth and Family Ministry: Part-Time (20 hours per week)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Two Harbors, MN

A full job description can be found at http://blcth.com/youth-family/
To apply please email resume and cover letter to info@blcth.com
Youth Ministry Network Meetings
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*
Contact Deb Westerberg for more information.

Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Brainerd Area Network Meeting*
(Northern Caribou, next to Grizzly's)
Contact Pastor Sarah Marshall  for more information.

Third Thursdays, 10:30am: Online Network Meeting
Click here for Zoom link. This is an open Zoom link to gather "coffee house" house style. The Zoom meeting opens for the first person who arrives. Participants moderate the meeting themselves. Some weeks there might be several gathered, other weeks it might just be you!

Southern Area Youth Workers*
Contact Kelly Kehr for more information.

Visit www.nemnsynod.org/ymnetwork for more information
on youth ministry networks in our synod!