News, events, tips, and tricks from your synod ministry partners

Lutheran Campus Ministry: Lots to Offer

Where can you get…

• A delicious, homemade lunch for just $1?
• Band-style worship with the latest Christian rock music?
• A free yoga class?
• An awesome homemade (free!) dinner coupled with deep discussions about your faith and life?

You can find all of these things, as well as friends, prayers, and lots of free food at Crossroads, the ELCA campus ministry at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

To find out more about Crossroads, check out our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MankatoCrossroads) and our website (crossroadsatmnsu.org).

CYF Ministry: Resource for Building Vibrant Faith 

The Exemplar Youth Ministry Study – Is it for my congregation? YES!

Gain insights into what congregations are doing to foster a vibrant, committed Christian faith in the lives of young people. At the heart of the study’s findings is a congregational “culture of the Spirit” that permeates the values, relationships and activities of a congregation, creating a culture of mission and transformation in the lives of young people.

Congregational tools and resources for the study can be found at www.firstthird.org/eym.

Karen Gieseke, synod Children, Youth, & Family Ministry Coordinator, is available to work with your congregation in understanding and facilitating the use of this resource. Contact Karen at gieseke@semnsynod.org, 507-280-9457, ext. 104, or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.

Global Mission: Synod Shares Colombian Stole

A couple of years ago, Bishop Usgaard received a beautiful stole from Bishop Buitrago of Colombia. It is traditional Colombia woven handwork in bright colors. Pastors may borrow it from the synod office. It would be a wonderful way to visually demonstrate the connection between partner congregations. You might use it for a celebration of your relationship with Colombia or at any other time during the year.

• Call the synod office at 507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota to reserve the stole.
• Pick it up at the synod office or make other arrangements.
• For more information contact Kathy Bolin, Global Mission/Companion Synods Coordinator at the above numbers or bolin@semnsynod.org.

Worship: The Liturgical Journey in November

When you were young, how were you involved in worship? Did your role change when you were confirmed? As you look at your congregation today, how are young people involved in worship?

We often stick to the traditional roles, which can be good, but also limiting, for kids. Here are some ideas that might work to empower young people in your church:

• Select and train youth to lector
• Have children’s choirs sing parts of the liturgy
• Have classrooms or youth groups help to plan worship with a pastor then do it on Sunday
• In all that they do, make sure they succeed!

Involving our young people will raise their interest in worship and create future leaders of the faith.