October 30th Post

*You might want to try this game with your youth: Everything in Common Game *please keep in mind that this article comes from a site that does not necessarily reflect the theology of the United Church of Canada. You may have to adapt other articles as needed should you choose to use them.


~You could follow it up by reading together 1 Corinthians 12 which speaks of the many different parts of the body that each has a unique gift but works together for the benefit of all.



*Just for You ~ Consider registering for the Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry – held April 26-28, 2010 in Princeton, NJ. This year's theme is "Hope".  Registration info can be accessed here Princeton link.  If you are needing some funds to help get there consider applying for an Individual Learning Grant through our Conference.  Information can be accessed here Individual Learning Grant Application

~If you don’t have the funds to attend the Forum in person, previous Forum lectures have been posted on-line here Princeton Youth Forum content link . They also post podcasts and audio links that you can listen to. To start you out try Track 2 “Making Space for God in Youth Ministry” at Cloud of Witnesses audio link

~ It’s time for the next Ecumenical Youth Ministry Leaders Event! EYML includes youth ministers from Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, Mennonite, and United Church backgrounds. We meet December 2nd from 7-9pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street in Winnipeg. Events are held the first Wednesday every second month (Dec., Feb., and April). All those in youth ministry are warmly welcome. The topic for the evening is “Creating Prayerful and Worshipful Youth Ministry Services”. For more info or to register to help us know numbers contact Debbie Coss, Conference Youth Minister at dcoss@confmnwo.mb.ca

United Church of Canada National Youth Ministry Page

*Did you know the United Church of Canada has a page with many helpful youth ministry links? You can find it at UCC Youth link

Important Information on Screening for Yourself and Your Church

~Remember before incorporating any adult volunteers in your youth programming to have them complete an appropriate level of screening. Information on this is available at Safe Environments link, Faithful Footsteps pdf link and Duty of Care link . Perhaps this is something that you and the Faith Formation/Christian Education committee and/or Board/Council at your church or pastoral charge might undertake together in ensuring a healthy and safer environment for the youth of your congregation and community. For more information or support on screening please contact Debbie Coss, Conference Staff for Youth & Young Adult Ministries at dcoss@confmnwo.mb.ca

Remembrance Day Planning / United for Peace

Remembrance Day planning


*An activity your youth might like to be involved with is Postcards for Peace run by Veterans Affairs Canada. If you were to take on this project it might also be interesting for your youth to connect with any veterans in your church and/or community who could share with the youth why they served.

~The United Church has a current campaign entitled United For Peace . Gay Boese is the contact person for United For Peace in our Conference. She would be happy to talk to your youth and/or congregation about the United For Peace campaign. You can get into contact with her through the Conference Office at (204) 233-8911 or 1-866-860-9662 toll free.



*Just for you ~ In remembrance and gratitude you may want to take a moment to light an on-line virtual candle at Gratefulness Candle . You may also want to go further by entering the reflection “How Can I Create Peace in the World Through Gratefulness?” at Gratefulness and World Peace link

What This Is All About

Every week I will try and post links to ideas that you can use in your youth programming as well as links to nurture your own spirituality as you minister with youth.  If you have links or ideas you'd like to share please let me know.
Hope you enjoy the ideas and find them useful.  Blessings in your youth ministry.