Category: The Network

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CYF Internships: A Snapshot

In the past 6 weeks or so, we’ve done an online survey of Network members asking about how people use interns in their children, youth and family ministry.  The results of these surveys, while I wouldn’t call them ‘statistically significant,’ have been interesting and seemed worth sharing. Please note that this survey was not referring ...

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Regional Facilitators – Looking for Nominations!

A Network is only as good as its communication links.  We put a lot of our time and energy into our web-based stuff.  So we’ve got an active web site, a very active Facebook page, an e-mail newsletter, etc…etc…etc… While these ways of linking people together are important, they can’t (and shouldn’t) replace the human ...

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On Vacation…

Just a quick word:  The Network “office” (such as it is) will be closed from Sunday, August 19 – Sunday, August 26.  If you e-mail or call with a question, we probably won’t be able to get back to you until after the 26th. Thanks! Todd

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AmEx is Spoken Here!

Ok, so I realize that this is not necessarily earth-shattering news…and in the scheme of things, it’s probably not a really big deal.  However, for years folks have asked us at Extravaganza registration time, “can I use my congregation’s AmEx card for this registration?  I’d like to score the miles.” The answer has always been ...

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Lookin’ for a Little Help

The Network is looking for someone who is willing to take on the role as a liaison to advertisers for the Connect Journal.  This volunteer role is very important.  Our approach to how we handle “business” mirrors our philosophy on ministry:  We are relational.  We believe in developing relationships with our friends have have resources ...

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TEDTalk: “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”

A brilliant TED Talk that is too good not to share.  My killer line: “There are leaders and there are those who lead.  Leaders are persons of authority.  Those who lead are persons of passion.” Worth watching.  Interesting implications for our ministry.  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this below… Thanks to ...

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Thinking about Vocation: ThinkMinistry.org

Part of our call as adults who work with young people is to watch for those who we think might have gifts to serve in ministry, and then to assist them in discerning their call, and encouraging them to develop their gifts to serve.  Having just experienced the ELCA Youth Gathering (more about that later), ...

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What’s Up With the Web Site?

You might notice some transitions in the Network’s web site in the next couple of weeks.  I just wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening. We are switching to a new membership management software piece that I think is going to improve your online experience.  In the past couple of years, we’ve started ...

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Kickstarter: Lost and Found

I received a note today on Facebook that made me catch my breath.  Lost and Foundis Michael and George.  They travel the country, performing and leading music in congregations and at events.  They are good friends of the Network. The notification I received was about a new Kickstarter project that they are starting to help ...

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Lookin’ for a Little Help

Occasionally someone will ask me the question “How do I help out with ____________ in the Network?”  The blank space might be “the Extravaganza”, or “with 3rdTuesday Conversations” or with “the Board of Directors.”  Whatever it is,  it is a great question that I always really appreciate being able to answer. What I usually say ...