Youth E-Chat: July 7, 2020
Dear Friends,

Are you sending your kids to camp this summer? Our camps may be closed to traditional summer camp programs, but they are very much open in a variety of ways, offering faith formation and getaway experiences for children, youth, families and adults!

Did you know Luther Crest Bible Camp is offering online camp experiences in July, led by college counselor for youth in Kindergarten - Grade 12? Registered youth are put in cabin groups to meet with their counselor for community time and Bible study. There are options for adult-only, women-only and family Bible studies in the evening. And August will offer online day camp opportunities! It's not too late to sign up for July options, and all learning opportunities are free! (And they have cabin rentals available for families, too!)

Did you know Camp Onomia is doing Summer Splash?! They have hired a small staff of college counselors that are available to come to your church to lead one day activities, or for you to come to camp with small groups. They will even work with you to design a day program to suit your needs. Safety protocols will be implemented in both situations.

Did you know Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry is available to book for small groups or families, with safety protocols in place? Ask about special rates for church professionals needing space to rest and renew!

One of the things I love about our outdoor ministry partners is how they work collaboratively. Their desire is to meet your faith formation needs - whether it's at the camp your church partners with, or another site. I am grateful for the diverse opportunities they have created to support youth and families this summer. Take advantage of the gifts they have to offer this summer!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Brainstorming Conversations
July 7, 10:30am - Noon: Sunday School Conversations TODAY!
July 21, 10;30am - Noon: Confirmation Conversations

Brainstorming Conversations are just that - an opportunities for ministry leaders to brainstorm with each other, to learn and share ideas for ministry this fall. Breakout rooms will discuss: What's your "Why"? How can you be helpful to youth and families? What are you planning?

No registration needed!
Zoom Login Info (Same for both):
To Join by phone, call: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 893 2578 9431
Password: 945334
Login info is also available at www.nemnsynod.org/AdultTraining .

Due to the conversational nature of this event, it will not be recorded for later viewing.
Am I Called?
A Discernment Conversation for High School Youth
God calls everyone to do God’s work in the world. 
How is God calling you?

Invite high school youth to explore that question with a series of Zoom conversations sponsored by Region 3 Candidacy:

Session One: Vocation – I am Called?
Wednesday, July 29th @ 11AM – Noon
Explore how we Lutherans understand and live out a call to ministry.

Session Two: Public Ministry in the ELCA – Pastors, Deacons & More!
Wednesday, August 5th @ 11AM – Noon
Hear from pastors, deacons and other church professionals about their life in public ministry.

Session Three: So, How Do I Get There? – College, Seminary and other Things You Need to Know.
Wednesday, August 12th @ 11AM – Noon
ELCA Seminary and College partners share about programs that can equip you to follow God’s call in your life.

Attending all sessions are encouraged, but you may attend one or two! The Zoom link will be emailed to you after submitting the online registration.

COVID-19 Resource Updates
Learning Opportunities for Adult Leaders:

Pivot Podcast: Sponsored by LEAD and Faith+Lead
Pivot invites church leaders to use the disruptive moment of COVID-19 to reimagine how they think about church, ministry, and leadership.

Ministry in a Digital Age: Sponsored by Faith+Lead
July 13, 20, 27 and August 3
Join Ryan Panzer, author, instructional designer, consultant, former member of Google's digital marketing team, and minister, for a four-week journey into the culture, theology, and practices of effective ministry in a digital age.

Resources, podcasts and more from the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Helpful NE MN Synod Webpages:



Outdoor Ministry Updates
Our Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Partners have been working hard to creatively adapt, innovate and find ways to continue to nurture faith in children, youth, families and adults of all ages this summer. Read below for updates!

Camp Onomia: Summer Splash!
SUMMER SPLASH will be held outdoors with social distancing and masks required. Program will be held in small groups of 8 kids or less plus their camp counselor, who will function independently of the other small groups all day. The exception will be out opening celebration and our closing "campfire" which will gather spread out outdoors.

Luther Crest Bible Camp: Bold Transformational Faith Program
Free online programming for all ages: K-12, families and adults.
July: Bible studies, worship, camp activities, cabin time and more.
August: Day Camp for K-5.

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry:
Online Faith Formation: Morning Mai (Daily devotions) and more.
Rental Opportunities: For small groups and families. Looking for a place to get away with your family this summer? VLM has great spots for a getaway!
Online Network Meetings
(For Volunteers, Paid Youth Directors, Pastors...YOU!)

​The best learning we can do for our ministries is to be in conversation with other ministry leaders. These weekly network meetings are an opportunity to learn from each other, support each other, share ideas and resources, pray and laugh together. We are better together!

Please note the new time!
Check-In meetings will be every Thursday, 10:30am , through July 30.

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.

If these times don't work for you and you would like to check in with someone, please  email Catherine  or call 218-724-4424, ext 124. You are not alone as we navigate these challenging days!
Youth E-Chat
For the summer months, I will be publishing Youth E-Chat on the first and third Tuesday each month. Weekly updates and added resources will be posted on the Thursday Online Reflections announcements, and timely updates will be posted on the NE MN Synod Facebook Group . The Faith Formation and Mental Health pages in response to COVID-19 will continue to be updated on a regular basis.
Catherine Anderson | Coordinator of Youth Ministry | NE MN Synod, ELCA Catherine.Anderson@nemnsynod.org | 218-724-4424