I recall returning from a high school service trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.  As was our practice we spent the night at a church along the way to reflect on the experiences of the week.   Teens told stories of painting, dogs yapping, piggy-back rides and children desperate for attention. I told the teens - "this week, the people of Pine Ridge saw Christ in you." 

A young man who had been rather stoic for as long as I had known him broke down, and wept openly.  For the first time he felt what it was like to be valued. This is but one example of the calling in youth ministry.  Youth ministry transforms lives, such as this young man.  That is why the ELCA Youth Ministry Network is so important:  We train leaders who change lives.

The ELCA Youth Ministry Network - Eleven years old - not yet teenage and beyond being a 'kid'.    We have been growing, learning, stretching and as a new organization - charting new paths in support of effective youth ministry.

The three words that describe what we are about are: Renew, Educate and Connect. 

RENEW:  "A big part of the network experience has always been the Extravaganza.  Just like a family reunion, it's a time to laugh for hours at a time.  It's also the time to recharge and remember why we do what we do because of whose we are!"

EDUCATE:  "Kathy Hunstad facilitated the first workshop I attended.  She provided valuable tools and humorous stories while sharing how to plan trips with young people and adult leaders, and her style was engaging.  I learned later her brother-in-law (Rev. Tom Hunstad) had been diagnosed with cancer, and the grace Kathy showed under this pressure was amazing."

CONNECT:  "We were soaking up a sacred moment where God blessed a connection between six people who were driven by an inexplainable passion for youth and family ministry that needed to be processed."

In order for the Network to thrive, grow and motivate leaders we need your help.

Here is how you can help and it is in two ways:

First, would you prayerfully consider providing a financial gift to the Network?

Second, would you identify a person in your congregation who 1) has means and a generous heart, and 2) has a passion for supporting youth ministry?  Would you share this letter with them - let them hear your story of the Network?  Then tell them that you are making a contribution and ask them to match your contribution by a multiple of 3X or 5X or 10X to support the Network.

Click on this link to download a brochure that describes some of what the Network is and does  (or click here to e-mail our office and request a brochure snail-mailed to you).  Please share it with the person you select to ask to make a matching contribution.

You and your friend can give gifts at any one of the Youth Ministry Network levels:

·         $10-99                  Mustard seed

·         $100-249              Pearl

·         $250-499              Lamp lighters

·         $500-999              Foot washers

·         $1000+                 Those who fish

All gifts are important to the Network and we sincerely value and appreciate your contribution.

Please make checks payable to "ELCA Youth Ministry Network" and mail to:

                      Debbie Clipson

                      ELCA Youth Ministry Network Treasurer

                      9891 7^th Street NE.

                      Blaine, MN  55434

Questions you may have:

• Is this gift tax deductable? Yes, the ELCA Youth Ministry Network is a 501c3 organization.
• Will God love me if I give? God already loves you, so much.
• Other questions - contact any member of the Development Council.

 May God continue to bless your calling to ministry in its many forms for the sake of the Gospel.

Bob White

on behalf of the Network Development Council