2018 Middle School Gathering:
November 16-17 OR 17-18, 2018
Cragun's Resort, Brainerd
2018 Confirmation Theme: The Sacraments
November 16-17 OR 17-18, 2018
Cragun's Resort, Brainerd
2018 Confirmation Theme: The Sacraments
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.
2018 Middle School Gathering Speaker: David Scherer (Agape)
Combining rapping, dancing, storytelling and his fluency in Spanish, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really "get it". His energy is contagious, and his stories of faith transcend differences. Even those who do not normally enjoy hip-hop, find themselves dancing to his music and captivated by his unique presentation of the Gospel. AGAPE* brings an authentic approach by translating the theological depth of his seminary training into simple songs and stories that can be understood by every listener. His passion is to bring together people of all backgrounds and let them know about God's love for the whole world. This is "AGAPE*"!
AGAPE* has been touring full-time as a musician for the last twelve years, performing for hundreds of thousands of youth across the US, and in eight different countries. He has recorded six CDs and has recorded with critically-acclaimed producer Ant (Atmosphere, Brother Ali) as well as Chris Brown's producer Ra Charm. He has shared the stage with the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Toby Mac, David Crowder, Tony Campolo, and Gospel giant Kirk Franklin. In 2001 He co-founded JUMP (Joint Urban Ministries in Praise) a ministry dedicated to helping urban youth unleash their leadership skills through the arts. More recently he founded a youth-led worship service called AMP (All Metro Praise) which attracts hundreds of youth across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area each month. In 2009, he received the Tom Hunstad Award for excellence in youth ministry and his contribution to the lives of young people. His ministry was also recently featured in an ABC affiliated documentary entitled "Peace of Bread" about food insecurity in America.
Combining rapping, dancing, storytelling and his fluency in Spanish, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really "get it". His energy is contagious, and his stories of faith transcend differences. Even those who do not normally enjoy hip-hop, find themselves dancing to his music and captivated by his unique presentation of the Gospel. AGAPE* brings an authentic approach by translating the theological depth of his seminary training into simple songs and stories that can be understood by every listener. His passion is to bring together people of all backgrounds and let them know about God's love for the whole world. This is "AGAPE*"!
AGAPE* has been touring full-time as a musician for the last twelve years, performing for hundreds of thousands of youth across the US, and in eight different countries. He has recorded six CDs and has recorded with critically-acclaimed producer Ant (Atmosphere, Brother Ali) as well as Chris Brown's producer Ra Charm. He has shared the stage with the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Toby Mac, David Crowder, Tony Campolo, and Gospel giant Kirk Franklin. In 2001 He co-founded JUMP (Joint Urban Ministries in Praise) a ministry dedicated to helping urban youth unleash their leadership skills through the arts. More recently he founded a youth-led worship service called AMP (All Metro Praise) which attracts hundreds of youth across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area each month. In 2009, he received the Tom Hunstad Award for excellence in youth ministry and his contribution to the lives of young people. His ministry was also recently featured in an ABC affiliated documentary entitled "Peace of Bread" about food insecurity in America.
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
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
Registration information will be posted August 2018!
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General Information
Early Registration: Standard Registration: Event Details How To Register and Housing Policy Tips for Adult Leaders and Job Description Logo 1 Registration Information Registration opens October 1, 2018. Last day to register: November 5, 2018 (postmarked) or when event fills, whichever comes first. Please note that this event often fills before the close of registration! If you have registration questions regarding your Group Registration, Housing, Additions/Cancellations/Changes or Forms, please contact our Middle School Gathering Registrar Marilyn Hull at MSG@nemnsynod.org or 218-724-4424, ext. 120. Email is preferred (and will get you a quicker response!) Marilyn is available for questions and to respond to messages on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If you have programmatic questions regarding the event, please contact Catherine.Anderson@nemnsynod.org. Confirmation Theme Rotation
2018: The Sacraments 2019: Ten Commandments 2020: The Apostle's Creed 2021: The Lord's Prayer |
Forms
Group Registration Form: Fillable Form or PDF Housing Form: Fillable Form or PDF Health and Release Form Covenant Changes Form: Fillable Form or PDF (Use for all substitutions, cancellations and additions) Gathering Information
Confirmation Letter 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. Print and fold as a tri-fold brochure. Hard copies 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! 
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