2019 Middle School Gathering:
November 22-23 OR 23-24, 2019
Cragun's Resort, Brainerd

2019 Confirmation Theme: The Ten Commandments
The Middle School Gathering is for youth in grades 6-9 and their adult leaders. This event gathers young people to grow in their faith by focusing on common confirmation teachings presented in a unique way (see rotation below). The event includes large group assemblies with a keynote speaker and band, learning clusters (small group learning), family time (time to meet with your church group), hotel life (fun activities including inflatable games, basketball, swimming pool Wii, board games and crafts, prayer room, dance music and more), and worship.
Registration information for the 2019 Middle School Gathering will be posted August 2019!

General Information

Early Registration: $67 if postmarked on or before Oct. 24, 2019
Standard Registration: $77 if postmarked on or after Oct. 25, 2019
Registration opens October 1, 2019.
Last day to register: November 11, 2019 (postmarked) or when event fills, whichever comes first. Please note that this event often fills before the close of registration!

Event Details
How To Register
Registration Worksheet 
Housing Policy
Tips for Adult Leaders and Job Description
Logo
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Registration  and Housing Questions:
Contact Registrar at MSG@nemnsynod.org or 218-724-4424. 

If you have programmatic questions regarding the event, please contact Catherine.Anderson@nemnsynod.org.

Gathering Information

Gathering Information will be posted by November 1, 2019
Primary Leaders: Please download these five documents and share with all of your Adult Leaders!

Confirmation Packet
Information to help Adult Leaders prepare for the Middle School Gathering.

Adult Leader Job Description
Expectations of Adult Leaders and tips from experienced Adult Leaders. (Reads best if printed back to back, folded in half.)

Adult Leader Step by Step Guide to the MSG
This Guide gives a step by step outline of how to lead your group through the Middle School Gathering. A hard copy brochure of the guide will be in your registration packet when you arrive.

Family Time Discussion Guide
Family Time is your opportunity to meet with your group during the event to discuss what youth are experiencing and learning. Copies of the discussion guide and handout will be included in your registration packet at Cragun's, but you may wish to download early to prepare!

Discipline Guidelines
Discipline issues are a rare occurrence at the Middle School Gathering. But when they do occur, the LYO Board wants congregations to know how we will support you through the experience and how we will work with you to determine which actions to take.

HOW TO REGISTER

STEP ONE: Collect Information
Read "How to Register" and use the "Registration Worksheet" to prepare for registration.
STEP TWO: Group Registration
Use the "Group Registration: Register Now" button below to register your group. The button will turn blue and the link will become active when registration opens October 1, 2019. Registration closes November 11, 2019 or when the event fills, whichever comes first.
STEP THREE: Collect Forms
There are two forms needs for participation at the Middle School Gathering:

1. Health and Release Form: Due November 11
Youth AND Adult Leaders need to submit a Health and Release Form. Parents and Adult Leaders can either fill out the online or paper version. 
  • Online Release Form: Use this link to have parents/leaders fill out the Health and Release Form online no later than November 11. You can also give parents the direct link: www.nemnsynod.org/MSGRelease
  • Paper Release Form: Use this link to download a paper version of the Health and Release Form for parents/leaders to sign and fill out, and mail to the synod office no later than November 11.

2. Participant Covenant
  • Due November 11 OR bring with you to Cragun's
  • Be sure to discuss the covenant with your group before signing​
STEP FOUR: Changes to Your Registration
Click on the "Changes Form" button below if you would like to make an addition, substitution, cancellation or add pizzas to your registration. ​All substitutions must be same gender unless pre-approved by the registrar. Email MSG@nemnsynod.org to receive approval.
Step Five: Download Confirmation Packet
Beginning November 1, use the links to the left to download the Confirmation Packet and other helpful information. Read through this material carefully and share with your adult leaders and parents.
Confirmation Theme Rotation
2019:    Ten Commandments
2020:   The Apostle's Creed
2021:    The Lord's Prayer
2022:    The Sacraments
Resources from the 2017 Middle School Gathering!
We encourage you to keep learning and growing in prayer practices as you return home! Below are the resources we used this weekend to help youth grow in prayer and faith formation!

Prayer Lab Descriptions

Lord's Prayer Station Descriptions:
   Download in Word to tweak as needed
   Download as a PDF
Lord's Prayer Worksheet:
​   Download in Word to tweak as needed
​   Download as a PDF
This resources was developed by our LYO Board member Deb Westerbeg, adapted for the Middle School Gathering from Creative Theology. You can download the original resource here.

Four Pillars of Prayer from Dave Holtz's keynote

WHEAT conversation tool

Additional Resources for prayer:
Candle Time Prayer Kit
Heart Ignite