Synod Journey Updates
Dear Synod Journey Leaders,
 
Thank you for your patience over the weekend while our website was down. Everything is back up and running now! Keep getting those Health and Release Forms turned in - they're due no later than July 10!

The Synod Journey Planning Team met this week and determined our Synod Journey COVID-19 Protocols. We wanted to share them with you as soon as possible so you can plan accordingly. Please share these with your group members and parents!

We will share one last update with you July 15. If you have any questions before then, please let me know!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson and the Synod Journey Planning Team
COVID-19 Protocols
The NE MN Synod Journey COVID-19 Protocols and Preparedness Plan does not eliminate risk of exposure or infection, but is a guide to mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19 as much as possible while still providing a quality experience for Synod Journey participants.

In determining COVID-19 protocols, we were mindful of the wide geographic area our groups come from with various infection rates, and the realities of an overnight event where measures such as face coverings lose their efficacy when participants are housed and eating in common spaces. At the same time, we know counties in which our participants are coming from - and coming to - have had persistently high rates, and breakthrough infections despite vaccination status.

Please read the full Synod Journey COVID-19 Protocols and share these with your group members and parents! They include instructions for exposure prior to July 21, how we will handle symptoms during the Journey, and more.

Key Protocols:
  • All participants are required to provide proof of a negative rapid test on July 21 before you depart. We know a negative rapid test does not guarantee infection later in the week, but gives an added assurance of protection for all participants and allows us to not require face coverings.
  • Face coverings (masks) are NOT required. The only exception is if a servant event site requires face coverings. We will provide masks if needed. Participants are welcome to wear face coverings if they wish, and we will support individuals/groups who wish to do so! 

It would be helpful for Adult Leaders to bring rapid tests with you in case group members show symptoms. We will have a limited supply of rapid tests on hand if you forget yours.
Health and Release Forms Due July 10!! THIS SUNDAY!!
All youth and adults need to fill out this form in order to participate on the Synod Journey. Please share this link with parents to fill the form out online as soon as possible: www.nemnsynod.org/SJRelease.

If you have not yet filled out the Special Needs form and would still like to submit information, you can find the link at
www.nemnsynod.org/SJRegistration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs you share at this point.
Don't Forget!
Jar of Water
We ask that each congregation/group bring a small jar (jelly jar size) of water from a natural water source in your area. We will incorporate this into the Thursday worship by having one person from each group come up with their water, add it to the baptismal font and introduce their congregation/group/town/ and water source. Please choose who will represent your group before you arrive!
Canvas Project
As part of Friday night worship we will rotate through prayer stations based on the “Deeply Rooted Creed”. Each group is asked to create one or more canvases for this experience. You can decorate the canvas however you like, using paints, markers, crayons, stickers, etc. The design might represent your group or images you connect with. You can’t do it wrong! As part of the prayer stations you will be covering up the image, so you just want to make sure whatever you design is flat. If you have questions on this project or need help purchasing the canvas, please contact Kali Kadelbach (320-262-0406) or Erika Nilsen (218-839-0120). Click here for instructions and link to the type of canvas needed. 
Supplies Needed!
I am still looking for
  • FIVE 5-gallon water coolers and
  • TWO large coolers (48qt or larger)
to hold our lunches and water during the servant events. If you have one (or more!) we might borrow for the Journey, please contact Catherine!
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