November Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network Gathering
2025-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Stephen Lutheran, Bloomington, 8400 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network meets the second Thursday of each month to Renew, Educate, and Connect. Everyone is welcome!
We will be having an Advent Devotional time and taking about how you care for yourself when you seem to never have the time and are always in charge of upcoming events.

Power and Boundaries Workshop for Ministry Leaders - Option 1
2025-11-14 08:30 - 15:30 | Minnesota Church Center, 122 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Rostered leaders in the Minneapolis Area Synod are required to attend a Power and Boundaries Workshop every three to five years. Church staff and volunteers are also encouraged to attend. This year’s workshops will be led by Rev. Emily Carson, Assistant to the Bishop, Director for Evangelical Mission & Financial Administrator at the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.

There are two dates to choose from, each workshop will be limited to 35 people.

Friday, November 14 at the Minnesota Church Center, Minneapolis
Thursday, November 20 at Nativity Lutheran, Minneapolis

Register >

Power and Boundaries Workshop for Ministry Leaders - Option 2
2025-11-20 08:30 - 16:00 | Nativity Lutheran, 3312 Silver Lake Road, Saint Anthony Village, MN, 55418, United States
Rostered leaders in the Minneapolis Area Synod are required to attend a Power and Boundaries Workshop every three to five years. Church staff and volunteers are also encouraged to attend. This year’s workshops will be led by Rev. Emily Carson, Assistant to the Bishop, Director for Evangelical Mission & Financial Administrator at the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
There are two dates to choose from, each workshop will be limited to 35 people.

Friday, November 14, at the Minnesota Church Center, Minneapolis
Thursday, November 20, at Nativity Lutheran, Minneapolis

Register >

Children & Youth Ministry Monthly Gathering - December
2025-12-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Tamarack Taproom, 8418 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
December Youth Ministry Gathering
Social Time

December Western Suburbs CYF Network Gathering
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Lake, 2060 County Road 6, Long Lake, MN, 55356, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network meets the second Thursday of each month to Renew, Educate, and Connect. Everyone is welcome!
This month they are talking about local service opportunities for all sizes and ages. Great start when looking forward to summer programs!

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network January Gathering
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth, 12235 Old Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In January, the Network will be talking about intergenerational ministry! Come with your ideas and questions.
More information >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-Up - January
2026-01-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-Up – January
Topic: Resource Sharing
Join the Call >

Monthly Children & Youth Ministry Gathering - January
2026-01-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Wicked Wort Brewing, 4165 W Broadway, Robbinsdale, MN, United States
January Children & Youth Ministry Gathering
Liturgical Seasons: Doing Advent & Lent Differently

JustMove Party for Youth
2026-01-18 14:30 - 23:30 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Mark your calendars! The JUSTmove Party is back at Woodlake on January 18 from 2:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Youth from all over the Twin Cities will come together for a justice themed party centered on being holy disruptors. All 6 – 9th grade youth and their friends, 10 – 12th graders are invited to participate as leaders.
Follow the link to register: https://forms.gle/XffJ2qkoKL2Pd7ou6
Want to help volunteer? Fill out the adult registration form! https://forms.gle/4ZATyQFnZpCwpWyCA

Money: Let's Make it Less Weird
2026-01-24 09:30 - 12:00 | Center of Belonging, 3501 Aldrich Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
Conversations about money deserve room to be honest, curious, and supported without pressure or shame. That’s why Fabric – Mpls is hosting a free half-day workshop at the Center of Belonging on Saturday, January 24. Young people (ages 14+) are encouraged to participate as well, as we have an additional facilitator for teenage participants.
Together, we’ll unearth the money stories we’ve inherited, get clearer about our “money scripts,” and set realistic financial goals— whether you’re just starting out, living paycheck to paycheck, or figuring out what to do with a surplus. No matter where you fall on the financial spectrum, whether you’re single, partnered, and/or parenting, or how equipped you feel for the conversation, it’s never too early (or too late) to look at money with fresh eyes.
Join Shannon Doyle from the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Financial Counseling team for this interactive, practical workshop from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on January 24 at the Center of Belonging. More info at FabricMpls.com/money

When Play Becomes a Problem
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar titled “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation” on January 28, 2026, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.
The guest presenter, Michael Hsu, MD, will explore the role of internet gaming and digital technology in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults—highlighting both the potential benefits and the risks of problematic or compulsive use. The session will help faith leaders recognize signs of unhealthy gaming or technology use, understand when gaming may be serving deeper emotional or spiritual needs, and offer practical, compassionate ways to support individuals and families while encouraging balance, community, and healthy limits.
Register >

ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-02 | Hyatt Regency at the Arch, 315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO, 63102, United States
The Extravaganza is a four-day leadership event for ELCA congregational leaders in children’s, youth, young adult, and outdoor ministry.
Extravaganza is about faith formation. Extravaganza is about helping you in your ministry. Extravaganza is about renewal, education and connection.

Intensive Care Courses: January 29-30, 2026
The Main Event: January 30-February 2, 2026
This event runs Friday evening through Monday noon with optional pre-conference add-ons on Thursday & Friday.
The ELCA’s Youth Ministry Network invites leaders of color to participate in a pre-conference Multicultural Initiative. Learn more about the Multicultural Initiative.

Register >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-Ups - February
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:00 | online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-Ups – February
Discussion Topic: TBD
Join the Call >

Monthly Children & Youth Ministry Gathering - February
2026-02-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Steel Toe Brewing, 4848 W 35th St, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416, United States
February Children & Youth Ministry Gathering
AI in Church: What are we Doing?

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network February Gathering
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Advent Lutheran Church, 9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove, MN, 55369, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In February, the Network will be talking about Parent Engagement. How do we connect with parents and faith in the home? How do we connect parents in volunteer roles? Come and let’s learn together.
More information >

Standing in the Gap for Our Children
2026-02-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Shiloh Temple International Ministries, 1225 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
On February 15, clergy, faith leaders, and educators from across Minnesota will gather at Shiloh Temple International Ministries for prayer and reflection as we stand in the gap in prayer for our children and continue to chart the pathway forward together.

Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education, will be present as part of this gathering, lending his voice and perspective as a longtime advocate for young people.

This is a unified faith response — grounded in solidarity, shared responsibility, and hope.

Clergy, faith leaders, educators, school staff, and those committed to the well-being of our children are invited to attend.

ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar
2026-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar.

Topic: Why the Gathering?

Register >

Navigate, Encourage, and Thrive Retreat
2026-02-22 - 2026-02-24 | Shores of St. Andrew, 19080 16th St. NE, New London, MN, 56273, United States
Working in ministry with kids, youth, or families? You’re invited to a free retreat created just for you. The NET Retreat offers rest, connection, and fresh ideas alongside others who understand the unique rhythms of ministry. Worship, reflect, share stories, enjoy optional activities, or simply recharge in a peaceful setting—no prep, no pressure.
Register by February 12.
Learn more: https://www.gllm.org/adult-retreats.html

Two Events with Meredith Miller
2026-03-08 09:00 - 2026-03-09 11:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
Meredith Miller, author of “Woven: Nurturing a faith your kids won’t have to heal from” is coming to Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park, for a parent event (Sunday, March 8) and a practitioner (CYF staff and volunteers) event (Monday, March 9). Author, Pastor and Parent, Meredith Miller, will engage the audience (of CYF staff, volunteers and rostered leaders) with topics from her new book (Available March 3) called Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture. Miller brings a conversational approach to faith formation and emphasizes the need for kids to know WHO God is, before they TRUST what God does. Her approach is not about obedience, but about a relationship with the living God. Join us for a morning of learning and fun!
Parent Event >
Practitioner Event >

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network March Gathering
2026-03-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
NOTE: The March Gathering has a special date and time. Attendees have the privilege to meet with author Meredith Miller. Do NOT miss this special event! (Also, if you would like to stay longer, bring a lunch!)
More information >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-up - March
2026-03-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-up – March
Topic: AI in the Church World
Join the Call >

Signs Along the Way - PLTS Discernment Weekend
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center St Suite 200, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13 – 15 in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar.
Topic: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)
Register >

Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network April Gathering
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, United States
The Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network gathers CYF leaders for quarterly gatherings around different topics.
In April, the Network will be talking about Social Justice. How is it connected with our CYF ministries, our congregation, and the community? Look forward to some great discussion!
More information >

Monthly Children's Ministry Online Meet-Up - April
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Monthly Children’s Ministry Online Meet-Up – April
Topic: Fall & Welcome Back Events
Join the Call >

ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Budgeting Without Losing Your Mind
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar.

Topic: Budgeting Without Losing Your Mind

Register >

Monthly Youth Ministry Gathering - April
2026-04-14 15:00 - 17:00
April Youth Ministry Gathering
Topic TBD
Location TBD

Healthy Boundaries Training for CYF Leaders
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
ELCA Region 3 Synods are hosting an online Healthy Boundaries Training for CYF Professionals and Volunteers
Participants will explore their own relationship to power, boundaries, and authority, gaining insights into how these dynamics shape their leadership. Beyond personal reflection, the workshop will also equip leaders to actively foster wise boundary-setting skills in the young people they serve. Through discussion and practical strategies, attendees will be empowered to nurture healthy, trust-filled ministry spaces.
Cost: $10 donation to the Region 3 “ICE Response Fund” helping impacted congregations in our communities.

2026 Synod Assembly
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02 | Lord of Life, Ramsey, 14501 Nowthen Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN, 55303, United States
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Fear, scarcity, and division invade our streets and our world, threatening violence and leaving many feeling isolated and uncertain. But the church, set free in Christ for such a time as this, offers an alternative story and way of being. Grounding ourselves in our faith, we turn to one another for community, encouragement, and holy provocation. At this year’s Synod Assembly, we will reflect on how to set a course for the church amid troubling times by turning again to our unwavering hope that comes from God’s unwavering faithfulness.
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Lay voting members and rostered leaders are invited to gather as the larger church and worship, connect, and vote.
Friday evening:

5:00 p.m. – Hearings, orientations, youth gathering, optional dinner
6:00 p.m. – Devotion, grounding in theme and Scripture
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Plenary 1

Saturday:

9:00 a.m. – Opening worship
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Plenaries, lunch, speakers

More information coming soon.

ConNext Summit 2026: Beyond Belonging: Branching Out - Bringing In - Building Together
2026-10-11 - 2026-10-13 | Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center, 16595 Crooked Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN, 56444, United States
Practice branching beyond belonging to build communities where all can thrive with Dave ‘Agape’ Scherer.
Registration in late spring.
October 11-13, 2026
More information >
The ConNext Summit’s biennial 2-day/2-night retreat-style conference creates a space to inspire Progressive Christian faith formation leaders as they reflect together, form networks, and cultivate innovative and sustainable ministries with children, youth, families and adults. Both newer and more seasoned leaders create a community in which to connect and grow!
