FINAL Synod Journey Update!
Dear Synod Journey Leaders,
 
We're just days away from gathering at UWS to be deeply rooted in faith, connected with one another and our boundless God! I can't wait to greet you at the dorms and start this part of the Journey together - in person - at last!

Below are final details. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to be in touch, or talk with the Adult Leader team that is calling through Primary Leaders one last time!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson and the Synod Journey Planning Team
Arrival Information!
Registration: 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Come to Curran-McNeill Residence Hall.
Registration will take place in the courtyard by parking lot 3A.
If it is raining, follow signs directing you inside.

Directions:
The address for Curran-McNeill Hall is 1714 Catlin Ave, Superior, WI 54880.
The access to the parking lot is via Mertz Mortorelli Memorial Drive.
(From Hwy 2, go one block east of Catlin Ave.)

Parking:
Parking is free. You will receive a parking permit to be in Lots 3A or 3B at registration.

Please have the Primary Leader only come to the registration table to avoid congestion. You will want to leave cars packed until you receive your dorm assignment. If you have a large group, you may want to have 1-2 participants nearby to help you carry t-shirts back to the car.
 
At Registration the Primary Leader will:
  • Verify all participants tested negative for COVID-19.
  • Receive a registration packet containing dorm assignments, keys, lanyards/nametags, Family Time Guide, Adult Leader Guide, and Campus Map.
  • Receive Synod Journey t-shirts.
Adult Leader Step-by-Step Guide
We know there are a lot of details for the Synod Journey so we have put together a step-by-step guide for Adult Leaders to know what to do, where to go, what to bring at different points, and information to share with your youth along the way. This is only for Adult Leaders - please do not give to your youth!

A hard copy will be provided for each Adult Leader in your registration packet. You can download it here or on the Synod Journey Mailings page.

Please hold loosely! You know how it goes - as soon as something is in writing, plans change...or we need to put our back-up rain plans in place. Updates to this guide will be made at the Adult Leader Meetings and via the Remind.
COVID-19 Protocols
  • At home antigen rapid tests are sufficient. You do not need to go to the clinic to verify a negative test or get a PCR test.
  • How we will handle someone who had a confirmed positive COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks, is beyond the isolation window, but still tests positive on their at home rapid test.

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 at home 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.

If you have any questions on how to proceed Thursday with a participant due to COVID-19 concerns, please call Catherine to discuss!
Vegetarians?
Last call to submit your Special Needs Form to list strict vegetarians in your group! I need to confirm this information with dining services by 9am Monday morning!
Remind Group Text for Adult Leaders
This afternoon I added all Adult Leaders to the "2022 Synod Journey Leaders" on Remind. This is the group texting application we will use for updates and reminders on the Journey. Be sure to join the class using the link/instructions in the notification you received. If you did not receive a notification, you can add yourself with these instructions.

You can receive notifications via text, the Remind app, and/or email.
Climbing Wall Waiver
Friday afternoon the climbing wall will be available for our group during free time activities. I was just informed that to use the wall, participants (youth and adults) need to have a signed waiver. For youth under 18, they will need to have their parent signature on the form. If you have youth who would be interested in doing the climbing wall, please have their parents fill out the waiver and bring with them to UWS. I will have waivers available for Adult Leaders who wish to use the climbing wall (and can sign their own form.)

You will bring waivers for your group to the service desk at the Marcovich Wellness Center and those with signed waivers will receive a wristband that will give them access to the wall.
Health and Release Forms Due July 10!! PAST DUE!!
We still have several Health and Release Forms that have not been submitted. Youth and Adults who do not submit a Health and Release Form will not be allowed to participate in the Synod Journey! Primary Leaders - If you have been notified that Health and Release Forms are missing for your group, please make sure these are turned in as soon as possible! www.nemnsynod.org/SJRelease.
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. 
Offering Opportunities!

Sunday Morning Worship:
To be shared between Together Here Ministries and the EcoFaith Network.

In Kind Offering:
Socks to be shared with local organizations.
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