Dear Friends,
After three years of planning, four major pivots and countless changes…the Synod Journey happened July 21-24! What a gift to be together! Youth and Adult Leaders played, laughed, worshiped, prayed, served, grew, and were connected to each other and their boundless God. We mulched and pulled weeds in community gardens, sorted clothing and food for those in need, cleaned parks and beaches, fixed bikes, tied fleece blankets…and saw how “God has moved into the neighborhood.” (Rev. 21:3, The MSG) We explored God’s Creation at Jay Cooke State Park, prepared milkweed planters, and were inspired by the powerful story and work of Taysha Martineau, an Indigenous Water Protector. Each evening we were motivated to love God and our neighbor through the stories of the Rev. Mike Carlson.
It is impossible to describe events like this – how does one explain how the Holy Spirit is at work? The closest I can get is the reaction one youth had:
“This place is so different. No one argues or fights. There’s no conflict.
And everyone loves each other.”
You and I both know there were arguments and conflict. But when the body of Christ gathers, it is different. When we place our limited world and its ways of interacting with each other in the hands of a boundless God, we are changed by the love we receive in return.
Thank you for your prayers! I want to give a special thank you to all the volunteers who helped set the table for the Holy Spirit to be at work through this event – there are too many to thank by name! They were led by the amazing leadership of Deb Westerberg (Team Leader for Servant Events), Kelly Kehr (Team Leader for Worship and Resources), and Sarah Gunderson (Team Leader for Adult Leader Support).
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
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The NE MN Synod Youth Ministry Fall Resource Packet will go out in the mail today to rostered leaders and youth ministry leaders. Can't wait?! You can download it now!
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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 for a weekend retreat to grow in faith, build relationships, laugh and play, and worship with hundreds of youth from across the synod! We plan to gather once again at Cragun's Resort near Brainerd, holding two events on the same weekend: Friday night through Saturday OR Saturday night through Sunday. The All Youth Gathering will include large group sessions for the entire group, learning opportunities by age group, hotel life, games, worship, and more!
Registration is a two-step process:
Step One: Group Registration
You will submit your Group Registration and payment online with the synod.
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Early Registration: $30 per person (Postmarked on or before Oct. 16, 2022)
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Standard Registration: $40 per person (Postmarked on or after Oct. 17, 2022)
Full payment is due at registration, non-refundable.
Registration includes t-shirt and all program activities.
Step Two: Housing Reservations
You will submit online directly with Cragun's.
- Quad Occupancy (4 per room): $56.64 per person
- Triple Occupancy (3 per room): $67.28 per person
- Double Occupancy (2 per room): $88.58 per person
- Single Occupancy (1 per room): $152.47 per person
Registration Opens: September 15, 2022
Last Day to Register: November 7, 2022
or when event fills, whichever occurs first.
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Join hundreds of adult leaders in Anaheim next February for the premiere children, youth and family ministry conference in the ELCA!
Registration Now Open!
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Adult Leader Learning Opportunities |
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NE MN Synod Fall Theological Conference
September 18-20, 2022
Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge, Cohassett
The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Stewart will present, “Re-membering the Body: Healing After COVID’s Crisis Phase.” NE MN Synod rostered ministers, SAMs and directors of youth & family ministry are invited to attend. Attend in person or via Zoom. Click here for more information.
Walking Together in Stories of Ministry
October 8, 2022
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Cloquet
God is doing innovative ministry in northeastern Minnesota! Gather with ministry leaders from across our synod to learn from each other as we explore stories of ministry in our communities. We are congregations - walking Together in Stories of Ministry. Information will be posted soon at www.nemnsynod.org.
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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
AUG 11, 18, 25, 2022, 12pm – 2pm CT
OCT 4, 11, 18, 2022, 12pm – 2pm CT
Become a skilled trainer for your students! All trainings are on Zoom.
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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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Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Grace Lutheran Church, Hermantown
Full-time with benefits
The Director of Youth and Family and Ministry serves in creative collaboration with the Pastor, the Youth and Family Ministry team, and other ministry teams to initiate and maintain programs and activities that encourage faith nurturing relationships among youth, family, extended family, and intergenerationally that supports faith development in this community.
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Coordinator of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
First Lutheran Church, Duluth
Full-time with benefits
We are looking for someone who will work as part of a team with the pastor, pastoral associate and lay leaders to re-imagine our children, youth and family ministries. Our emphasis is relationship building over program development. We are looking for someone who likes to be involved out in the community where families work and play. We are hoping for someone who enjoys the outdoors. In this new landscape we find ourselves in, we are looking for someone who will learn with us how to connect with our digital community. This position requires someone who likes the cold! Enjoying winter sports helps!
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