Dear Friends,
In October of 2018 we held a “Youth Ministry and Mental Health” workshop to begin conversations on the impact mental health issues have on ministry with young people. From that beginning, we began the NE MN Synod Youth Ministry & Mental Health Initiative that offered discussion guides, podcasts and workshops thanks to two large grants from the ELCA and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Duluth) Endowment Fund. At the center of this ministry has been Joy Hensel (MA, LADC, ADC-MN). Her training, ministry experience, and passion for the wellbeing of all people have been the perfect fit to launch this ministry.
If you have not already heard the news, we are excited to have Joy continue and expand this ministry to all ages as a part-time member of the synod staff! Joy’s work will develop additional resources that will educate, equip, and support ministry leaders and congregations to address the mental health and wellness needs for all ages. She is only 15 hours per week – so can’t do everything! To help her in this work, Joy is building a synod mental health team that will assist her in providing education and resources. You can expect more podcasts, workshops and discussion guides in the months to come. Joy and the team will be available to come to individual congregations on a limited basis for a fee.
You can help Joy begin this new role by clicking on the button below to fill out the survey to assess the needs and priorities of the synod. We began this ministry by listening to the needs of leaders in our synod – your voice matters!
Thank you for the ministry you do with all ages…and youth in particular. We know that mental health is a key issue right now, and impacts your ministry – we pray that this position supports you as you walk with youth and all ages!
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
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All Youth Gathering at Cragun's! |
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All youth in grades 6-12 and their adult leaders are invited to the All Youth Gathering this November so that together we can grow in faith - experiencing a God that loves us no matter so we can return home to live and serve boldly in our schools, homes and communities!
Key Dates!
- Group Registration now open!
- Early Registration Deadline: October 17.
- Housing: Book rooms early! Cragun's will hold our preferred room block until October 17. After that date, rates are guaranteed but room availability is not!
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The Extravaganza is the annual gathering of children, youth and family ministry leaders from across the ELCA. It is so much more than a conference: it’s space to be stretched, it’s worship, it’s inspiring speakers, it’s learning from colleagues across the country, it’s sharing your insights with others, it’s informative and transformative. The Extravaganza is renewing, educational and connects you with others…then sends you home strengthened for the ministry to which you have been called.
- How to Build a New Kind of Church Without Getting Fired
- Making Your Church a Safe Place for Children and Youth
- Your Story Is Enough: You Can't Fill From an Empty Cup
- Reclaiming the E Word: A New Form of Outreach
Register Now! Early bird rates end October 15!
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Adult Leader Learning Opportunities |
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Walking Together in Stories of Ministry
October 8, 2022
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Cloquet
God does great innovative ministry in Northeastern Minnesota. Leaders from our synod will share their stories of how they are leaning into new ways of ministry to share the Gospel in our changing culture. Come to be inspired, share your stories, and learn together!
The day will include 28 workshops over four sessions, that fall into four categories:
- Worship, Music & Preaching
- Congregational Vitality & Leadership
- Local and Global Mission & Justice
- Faith Formation
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From Springtide Research:
A Conference on Gen Z, Mental Health, & Religion
FREE event: Wednesday, October 19, 1pm Central
This is a unique opportunity to dive into conversation with experts, ask questions, and come away with actionable plans from cutting-edge insights.
You’ll hear the latest mental-health research from the largest Gen Z data set in the nation, hear from Gen Z themselves, and then apply the research in break-out room conversations cohosted by organizations in your faith tradition, empowering you to turn the tide for young people everywhere.
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Certificate in Congregational Faith Formation
Online - Through United Lutheran Seminary
Begins January 2023
United Lutheran Seminary presents a certification course designed to equip adults for building and leading faith formation programming in the congregation. The 10-day crash course in congregational faith formation includes practical education emphasizing small groups, community development and relational ministry. Topics include Biblical and theological training, cultural analysis, long range planning, family ministry, Christian Education and lots of how-to Strategies.
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BELONGING: WELCOME WELLBEING
A Series of Webinars from Ministry Lab
Tuesdays at 2:00 PM CT: Begins September 13, 2022; repeats (with gaps)
As experiences of isolation, division, and despair engulf so many of us, BELONGING brings us connection, encouragement, and hope. This 7-part webinar series explores: disrupting white supremacy culture with self-care; overcoming leader loneliness; developing emotional awareness in families; bridging generational gaps; reorienting to reality by resting in God; utilizing tech to deepen and broaden community; and sharing song as we embrace diversity. Join one, some, or all 7 events.
Learn more and find registration links here.
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Recharge Conference
January 7, 2023
Do your plans for this school year include growing your team? Recharge is the largest regional training for youth and children's ministry volunteers. Bring your team to learn new skills, find new resources, and receive fresh inspiration.
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Youth Lead Conference
November 5, 2022
For Middle School, High School, and Adult Leaders
A conference led by youth, featuring youth, enabling and inspiring youth to lead.
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Peer Ministry Facilitator Training
OCT 4, 11, 18, 2022, 12pm – 2pm CT
Become a skilled trainer for your students! All trainings are on Zoom.
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Director of Living IT Youth Ministry
A Collaborative Ministry of Immanuel & Trinity Lutheran Churches,
Princeton, MN
Full-Time with benefits
The director of our Living IT youth ministry serves the general missions of Immanuel and Trinity Lutheran Churches by overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of activities related to middle and high school youth and their families, with a special focus on confirmation curriculum and programming. The director works to enhance, inspire, and nurture these young people and their families in the Christian Faith.
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Director of Children and Family Ministry
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Princeton, MN
Part-Time
The Director of the Children and Family Ministry at Immanuel works to enhance, inspire, and nurture children and their families in the Christian faith. This position focuses on children ages birth through fifth grade.
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Children, Youth and Family Coordinator
First Lutheran Church, Aitkin
Full-Time with benefits
First Lutheran Church, of Aitkin MN, is looking for a Children, Youth & Family Coordinator that will oversee all programming & events for the children, youth and family ministries. This person will plan and carry out special events, service projects, group activities, and be responsible for establishing a schedule that allows him/her to be present for Sunday morning worship, Sunday school, fellowship and all Wednesday programming.
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Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Two Harbors
Part-Time (20 Hours)
The Director of Youth and Family coordinates our core programs of Sunday School and Confirmation, leads the High School Youth Group, and organizes other activities to help children and youth love and grow in the way of Jesus. The Director is supported by our team of Sunday School teachers, the Youth and Family Ministry Board, member volunteers, and our pastor. Bethlehem is a Pastoral sized church, with a long history of loving the children and youth God has put in our midst. We are located on the North Shore within sight of Lake Superior.
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