Synod Journey Updates
Dear Synod Journey Leaders,
 
Three weeks from today the Synod Journey begins!! Thank you for the work you are doing to prepare your young people to be deeply rooted and connected to a boundless God. You matter on this Journey and in their lives!

Below are some reminders and updates. We'll send at least one more update before departure!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson and the Synod Journey Planning Team
Forms! Due July 1 and July 10
There are two forms needed for Synod Journey:

HEALTH and RELEASE FORM:
Due July 10
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.

SPECIAL NEEDS FORM:
Due July 1
Each congregation is invited to fill out this form to share dietary, physical, mental and emotional needs your group members may have that would be helpful for Synod Journey leadership to know. All information is confidential. You are also welcome to contact Catherine directly. If no form is received by July 1, we will assume there are no special needs for your group. Click here to fill out the Special Needs Form, or find it at www.nemnsynod.org/SJRegistration.
Billy Steele!
We are excited to share that Grammy Award winning artist Billy Steele will be joining our speaker, the Rev. Mike Carlson, on Thursday night at worship!

The youngest of the Steele family, Billy, performs, writes, and produces for the Grammy Award winning ensemble, the Sounds of Blackness, for who he is currently serving as Assistant Director. He is the co-recipient of three Grammy Awards via this talented ensemble. He continues to write and produce for various artists, including the Steeles. His work and voice has been heard on soundtracks with artists such as Rod Stewart, Jonny Gill, Karyn White, Stevie Wonder, Sounds of Blackness and many more. He collaborated on the Disney soundtrack Legends, The John Henry Story, narrated by James Earl Jones. Have performed on stages across more than 16 countries. Minister of music for the Minnesota Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ for 25 years. He shares gospel music with students at Minnehaha Academy annually. He is currently the minister of music for Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN.
Creation Immersion Day
We will spend Saturday immersed in God’s Boundless Creation! God’s creation story for us is one of connection. Your story, my story, and nature’s story are like a web that is woven together and holds us all. What impacts one, impacts all. This day will be spent learning the stories of the people who came before us, the care of creation around us, and how all of these stories are connected. What do the stories of those who came before us teach us about ourselves and the world around us? How do our actions impact creation – in bad and good ways? How does God use nature to heal and teach us? As followers of Jesus, what can we do to make a difference?
 
Groups will rotate through experiential learning with the Together Here and EcoFaith Teams, follow the journey of the St. Louis River and the people who have walked its banks, and explore Jay Cooke State Park through self-directed activities such as hiking, geocaching, scavenger hunts, journaling, drawing, photography, etc. Each participant will be given a booklet with suggested options and directions. We will prepare Adult Leaders for this experience at the Friday night Adult Leader meeting.
 
Rain or shine, we will be immersed in God’s Boundless Creation! So be sure your group brings rain gear, good walking shoes, bug repellant, and sun lotion!
Packing List!
I have updated the Packing List to more clearly reflect the need for walking shoes listed above!

Also - in a site visit last week, UWS shared that only one modest-sized towel will be provided. If participants need more than one - or enjoy large bath towels - they will want to bring their own.

Remember that bathrooms are down the hall and are locker room style with showers separated with curtains.* Each floor is assigned by gender, but participants may want to bring a lightweight robe or covering.

*If you have concerns for youth or adults in this style bathroom due to gender identity, please contact Catherine as soon as possible to discuss alternatives.
Supplies Needed!
I am looking for
  • EIGHT 5-gallon water coolers and
  • EIGHT 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!
Canvas Project - Don't Forget!
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. 
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