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Reaching Those in the First Third of Life

The Minneapolis Area Synod provides support, networking, and educational opportunities for staff and volunteers who work with Children, Youth, and Family (CYF). A vibrant CYF ministry is critical to a flourishing congregation. At the same time, the work of the CYF leader can be challenging. The synod works to provide companions and support for this important work.

In First Third ministries we support our lay staff and volunteers in churches so they can provide a space where children, youth, and young adults feel at home, are reminded often that they are beloved children of God, can laugh and learn, be with friends, and experience a lively community of faith. This is why First Third ministry leaders are critical to congregational life.

2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

  • July 13-16, 2024: MYLE & the tAble
  • July 16-20, 2024: ELCA Youth Gathering & Young Adult Gathering
  • New Orleans, LA

Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives.

An important part of the Gathering’s ministry are the two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), a faith formation and leadership development event primarily for youth of color, and the tAble, a gathering that brings together, blesses and empowers youth with disabilities.

The ministry of the Gathering is excited to partner with Young Adult Ministries to host the first-ever ELCA Young Adult Gathering for individuals who will be 18-35 at the time of the Gathering.

Learn more

Safe Gatherings

The Minneapolis Area Synod is committed to ensuring that we provide safe places of worship and fellowship to everyone we serve. As part of that commitment we are providing information on Safe Gatherings as a resource for you in this important area.

Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When employees and volunteers are trained to identify potential abusers, recognize the signs of abuse, and know how to handle reporting, they are better equipped to prevent abuse.

Upon successful completion of the Safe Gatherings application, background and reference checks, and online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of approval valid for three years, and will have continued access to the online training program for one year.

The price per applicant for the individual church program available through the Safe Gatherings website is $45. This includes processing of two electronic references, a national and multi-county of residence 7-year background check, national and state of residence Sex Offender Registry check, and the 1.5-hour online abuse prevention and boundary awareness training.

More details >

Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods’ CYF Team

Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Ministry in this synod is led by the Minneapolis Area Synod and Saint Paul Area Synod Children, Youth, & Family Team. The mission of the CYF Team is to support, encourage, enhance, and develop children, youth, and family ministries as they effectively share the good news of Jesus Christ.

The CYF Team exists as a resource for congregations, as well as CYFM workers and volunteers. Whether you are just beginning an intentional CYF ministry, or if your congregation already has a robust program, the CYF Team is here to connect with and support you. This is done throughout the year with a number of events, learning opportunities, and meet-and-greets, as well as being a resource for all things CYF.

Questions

Have a question that the resources below can’t answer? One of the CYF Team representatives from this synod can help:

The CYF Team hosts or sponsors five regular events throughout the year. Specific details about these events appear on the calendar page of our website as the event draws nearer.

  • Synod Lunch at the Youth Ministry Extravaganza: Join other youth leaders from the Twin Cities for lunch and conversation during the annual Youth Ministry Extravaganza.
  • Gratitude and Blessing Breakfast: Celebrate the year of ministry with worship and conversation with other passionate CYF workers and volunteers.
  • Welcome Breakfast: Each fall, new-to-the-synods CYF leaders gather to connect.

Are you new to youth ministry in the Saint Paul Area or Minneapolis Area Synod? Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or a volunteer, the CYF Team wants to connect with you! Fill out this form so that the CYF Team can invite you to events and include you in their network of resources.

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