2020 Middle School Gathering:
November 20-21 OR 21-22, 2020
Cragun's Resort, Brainerd

2020 Confirmation Theme: The Apostle's Creed
COVID-19 Update:
At this time we are keeping the Middle School Gathering dates on the calendar. We will monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully in the coming months, and will follow all CDC and governmental guidelines as we discern if it is safe to gather in November. The LYO Board is considering contingencies and plans to make an initial decision by August 15th.
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 will be posted by August 15, 2020

General Information

Early Registration:

Standard Registration:

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Registration opens October 1, 2020.
Last day to register: November 9, 2020 (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 Sarah Roe, Event 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

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. Registration closes November 9, 2020 or when the event fills, whichever comes first.
(This link will become active October 1, 2020)
STEP THREE: Collect Forms
There are two forms needed for participation at the Middle School Gathering:

1. Health and Release Form: Due November 9
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. Parents must have the Primary Leader email address to submit forms online! 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 9.

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
2020:   The Apostle's Creed
2021:    The Lord's Prayer
2022:    The Sacraments
2023:    Ten Commandments