May 2008

Ascension Day Breakfast, Thursday, May 1, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Club 3 Degrees, Minneapolis. An annual networking event for CYF ministry leaders from the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Synods, brought to you by the CYF Ministry Steering Committee. Mark your calendars now! (Interested in serving on the planning team? Contact Jo or Susan at your local synod offices.) Download flyer>>

LACE Workshop: Rotation Model for Sunday School, Thursday, May 1, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington. Morning session beginning at 8:50 a.m. is an introduction to Rotation Model Sunday School. The afternoon session, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., will cover more in-depth information and resources. A box lunch will be served for those registered for both sessions. Fee is $30 for either session or $55 for both which includes lunch. LACE members will receive a $5 discount for each session or $10 for both. For more information or to register contact Diane Shallue, the LACE Region 3 representative, at deshallue@msn.com or 763-913-6582.

Children, Youth and Family Ministry After a Disaster, May 19, 11:30 a.m., Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove. “How does one do ministry in the aftermath of a disaster or a crisis?”  It’s question that we do not want to think or wonder about – but one we may have to face. Leaders in children, youth, and family ministry are invited to lunch with Jason Wilkinson. Jason is the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for all 11 ELCA congregations in the metro New Orleans area. He walks alongside youth, families, and congregations as they rebuild their lives and their ministry.  The experience of ministry in a post-Katrina New Orleans has taught Jason many things, and there is much we can learn from him. This informal time of conversation with Jason about his experience doing youth and family ministry in New Orleans is open to any children, youth, and/or family ministry leader in the Minneapolis or Saint Paul Area Synods. There is no cost, and lunch will be provided. We do ask that you let us know if you will attend so we know how many lunches to prepare. You can RSVP to Todd Buegler at Todd@LordofLife.org. This event is being co-sponsored by the Minneapolis Area Synod, Lord of Life Lutheran Church,and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. 

Training the Trainer: Safeguarding God’s Children, Thursday, May 22, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield. A workshop for rostered and lay Children, Youth, and Family ministry leaders in the St. Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods. Workshop leader, Pastor Karen Stevensen, LICSW, will address these issues and facilitate discussion. The workshop will enable participants to use “Safeguarding God’s Children” presentation materials (available through your synod offices) in their own training sessions. Download brochure>>

June 2008

Why Christian: Claiming Our Faith in an Age of Pluralism,  June 15-20, Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute. High school 10th-12th graders are nominated to attend the Youth Theology Institute. Registration is $100 (covers housing, all meals, and all programming for the Institute). Augsburg College and the Lilly Endowment cover all other expenses for the week. For more information, please contact Ross Murray, Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute Program Director at 612-330-1151 or murray@augsburg.edu. 

ELCA Day at Valleyfair, Friday, June 20. Park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Discounted rate is $20 per person. Tickets can be pre-ordered or purchased the day of the event. All checks must be made payable to the St. Paul Area Synod. For more information contact Rev. Mary Kaye at 952-365-4660 or 952-894-5859 or carimae24@comcast.net. More information>>