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Mothers, fathers, spouses, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, godparents – families are webs of support for one another. They are an integral part of the way faith communities grow and thrive.

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod cares about and supports all families on their faith journey. Partnering with congregations and families is a priority, especially as faith and families in the 21st century offers challenges and opportunities to re-imagine the conversations, tools, and resources which grow faith in our living and active God. Here are just some of the ways that the synod is supporting families and those who minister with them:

• Synod CYF (children, youth, & family) Network Gatherings. These monthly gatherings are for all volunteers and staff who are a part of the CYF ministry in their congregation. The location around the synod and the topic of conversation change each month. Each event features two gatherings: one at noon and one in the evening, to accommodate varying schedules.
• NEW! A synod Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Coordinator. This position was added to the synod staff in 2011. Karen Gieseke’s role is to support congregations in a variety of needs, some of which are identified and others are emerging as questions are being asked. Developing new or re-imagining current family ministry; evaluation of staff and volunteer positions; safety and security policies, practices, and training; volunteer background check consultation; and visioning and planning for future ministry are just some of the partnerships evolving from this position. She would love to connect with you. Contact her at 507-280-9457, 800-426-6376 in Minnesota, or gieseke@semnsynod.org
• Online Resources. This evolving resource currently includes a webapge (semnsynod.org/CYF) and a new monthly e-newsletter. Watch for this resource to continue to grow and provide ongoing and archived articles, resource lists, contacts, and ministry tools.
• Synod CYF Prayer Team. Both lay and rostered people connected with CYF ministry comprise this network. Bi-monthly prayer petitions are sent via email. They lift up needs of the diverse families within the synod. Specific requests and petitions of thanksgiving as identified and received are also included. All are invited to join the team! Email gieseke@semnsynod.org
• Synod Assembly 2012: God’s work. Our hands. God’s family. The 2012 Synod Assembly (May 4-5, Rochester, Minn.) will focus on families. The schedule will feature conversation, resources, tools, and workshops to equip congregations and families. Saturday morning will include 20-30 workshops open to all, not just voters. Workshops will provide tools for your Family Ministry toolbox, both in homes and in congregations. Good Earth Village will provide a “Day Camp” at the assembly for children of attendees during the workshop sessions to help accommodate attendees.

Congregations are comprised of families of all shapes, sizes, ages, and design. The 21st century family invites us to be God’s family in familiar, re-imagined, and new ways. The synod is your partner in ministry with all of God’s family, as we serve our neighbor and discover God’s abundance in the world.

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