See more pictures from the Middle School Gathering here.

God is up to something new. I believe one of the biggest gifts of the pandemic’s disruption is the freedom to try new things. This modified gathering didn’t have large numbers, inflatable games, a swimming pool, or an overnight. It was planned via Zoom, and with half the training the LYO usually receive. And yet God still showed up! It met the needs and context in which we are currently living…not the memories of the past. When we remember that our call is to nurture faith, what other new ways of being might God be calling us to? 

Young people need caring and trusted adults in their lives. At one point during the Closing Worship we asked youth to make the sign of the cross as part of a prayer. I watched a young girl in front of me tentatively try to follow the leaders up front. She turned around and asked with her eyes if she was doing it right. I gave her a thumbs up and she was all smiles. Who do your young people turn to as they try to figure out a faith-filled life? How are we putting young people in spaces where they can try faith on to see how it works? Who is giving them a thumbs up that they are seen, loved, and not alone on this journey?

When we gather, we embody hope. The last few months I have listened to youth describe future plans with phrases like, “I’m looking forward to that…if it happens.” You can feel the hope slipping through their fingers. As I watched youth arrive on Saturday, I could see how tentative and unsure they were. I could feel it in our LYO leaders. Are we really doing this? Can we see beyond the loneliness, despair, isolation, and disruption of the last two years…and do something fun, meaningful, life-giving? By the end of the day I had LYO changing their commitments so they could be present for Cardia Deo. There is something about being gathered that gives life, inspires hope, and leaves us wanting more.

And so I am excited to share that we plan to move forward with Cardia Deo on March 5. Details are below. Once again, God will be up to something new. We will have another opportunity to place young people in a space where they can try on faith and see how it works. And we will embody hope as we gather as the body of Christ.

Earlier today the ELCA Youth Gathering announced they are cancelling the 2022 Gathering in Minneapolis. Read the full announcement here.

The good news – we DO still plan to hold the Synod Journey portion of the event! The Planning Team will be meeting later this week to begin work on the updated plan. Adult Leaders registered for the Synod Journey received an email update earlier today and can find more information at www.nemnsynod.org/SynodJourney.

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, 2022. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and will post protocols for this event by February 21.

Consider adding an overnight! Congregations can add a Saturday night stay at Camp Onomia for $64. Includes Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. To make reservations, please contact Jim Schmidt at onomiaexec@gmail.com or 320-532-3767.

All information is now posted at www.nemnsynod.org/CD.

Join Joy Hensel, MA, LADC, ADC-MN, to be equipped with tools that can help you navigate challenging relationships and stress filled days. We will discuss how not to carry other people's burdens by exploring topics such as caretaking vs. caregiving, resentment, detachment and self compassion. We also will practice stress relief activities to nurture mental well being.

All volunteer and professional ministry leaders are invited to attend! This workshop is free and will be recorded for those not able to attend on February 24. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.

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 6, "Prioritize Young People (and Families) Everywhere" for February 3.

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/.

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!

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!

VLM has a number of year-round positions open at both Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion. Positions include Property Manager (Hiawatha), Camp Director (Vermilion), Head Cook, and Hospitality Staff. Full job descriptions are available at www.vlmcamps.org/year-round-positions.

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)

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

Free, but must register to receive the link.

Contact Deb Westerberg for more information.

Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Brainerd Area Network Meeting*

Contact Pastor Sarah Marshall  for more information.

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!

Contact Kelly Kehr for more information.

Visit www.nemnsynod.org/ymnetwork for more information