By Sarah Maslowski
It’s Thursday at 1:00 p.m. and a zoom meeting has begun. Not everyone is there yet because CYF staff are known more for their relational skills than their timely ones. As the group waits a few minutes, people check in with one another and begin a devotion.
This group of CYF directors and pastors voluntarily gathers monthly from both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods to pray for, support, and serve people who work with children, youth, and families. Gathering resources, collecting email addresses, hosting meals, finding continuing education opportunities, and much more, this group is devoted to supporting all types of CYF ministers, including volunteers, staff, and pastors.
CYF Leaders at the Gratitude and Blessing Breakfast in May 2025
Starting in the fall, the team hosts a Welcome Event focused on new hires in the synods. They share resources and invite everyone to join monthly children’s ministry zooms and youth ministry meet-ups.
At the Extravaganza (an annual, four-day leadership event for ELCA congregational leaders in children’s, youth, and young adult, and outdoor ministry), this team hosts a Synod lunch to help leaders meet and reconnect with one another. They also table at Synod Assemblies and may lead a workshop at a Synod Tool Kit event.
Later in spring, the Gratitude and Blessing breakfast lifts all the work of the school year and the transition to summer programming. The MAS/SPAS team works hard together to find voices from both synods, creates a beautiful worship service, and even cooks the breakfast.
Sarah giving a blessing to a CYF colleague
I am new to this team as a member (I started my role on the Synod staff in November 2024), but have benefited from their hard work over the last 19 years working as a youth director in the Minneapolis Area Synod. Early in my ministry, I was invited to participate in network gatherings in the western suburbs, encouraged to go to the Extravaganza, offered a blessing at the Gratitude and Blessing breakfast and, one of my favorites, I even attended a Twins game with this CYF network. However, even better than an afternoon baseball game, I have found the different gatherings a place for honest conversations and questions around ministry. A place for sharing ideas and supporting one another. A place to be refreshed and encouraged.
Serving the next generation isn’t always an easy job, but it is easier when we do it together. If you or anyone you know in CYF ministry is looking for connection, resource sharing, or faith-filled conversations, please contact me or one of the members of the MAS/SPAS team. We’d love to get you connected and help you grow in your CYF ministry!
The CYF page on the MAS website includes many resources, and this list can get you started too.
Meet Sarah, CYF Connector on the Minneapolis Area Synod staff >