Tag: Network

W

Why Join?

Amanda Schanze asks a great question on the Network Facebook page.  She asks: Ok, people. I have enjoyed the information shared on this group, and the few things I have seen from the website. What is the advantage of actually joining “The Network.” What other benefits do I get with a membership that I don’t ...

E

Extravaganza Evaluation Reflections

Extravaganza 2014 is in the history books.  The final hotel bill has been paid, and most of the random boxes of leftover stuff have been crammed back into the warehouse at the Network’s Global Headquarters (my basement). And, we’ve been pouring through the Extravaganza evaluations. Thank you to all of you who shared your thoughts, ...

T

Thank you Paul Hill!

In 1996, there was a crew of about 20 people working to put together the first “Extravaganza” (named that year the “Ex-strato-ganza” because it was at the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas…clearly we were headed for marketing greatness).  The whole event was put together on a dime and a prayer.  There pretty much was no ...

T

Tools

I am kind of a digital tools and productivity nerd. Ok, I am totally a digital tools and productivity nerd. Because my personality type (INFP) is by nature, not one that thinks or acts in a linear way, and this is complicated by the fact that I am also an “abstract random reflective”…well, it’s a ...

W

Why is No One Talking About This?

A few months ago, I came across a powerpoint slide that Beth Lewis, CEO of Augsburg Fortress Publishers had used as a presentation to a group of pastors at a conference in Florida.  (Thanks to Beth Lewis for the slide!) When I saw the numbers, in all honesty, it took my breath away. The slide ...

N

New Network Board Members Appointed

Sue Megrund and Tom Schwolert have been appointed to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network.  Their three year terms will begin at the conclusion of the Network’s Extravaganza, January 30-February 3, 2014. Sue Megrund is the co-founder of Interserve Ministries, an organization based in Minneapolis that works with ...

5

5 Ways to Save Money at the Extravaganza

This is the time of year that people are making decision about whether they will be joining their community at Extravaganza.  I hear from people all the time about what an important time it is for them.  The personal spiritual renewal, the quality continuing education and the networking and connections that are made are invaluable. ...

R

Regional Facilitator Selection Is On!

Every year, 3 of the ELCA regions are up to select (or reappoint) their Regional Facilitator.  This year, Regions 1, 4 and 5 are due up to select their RF.  We have modified the selection process for RF’s this year as well.  Our new process isn’t powered by election, but by a matching of skill ...

L

Leadership Happens

Someone recently made a comment to me about the leadership structure of the Network that piqued my curiosity.  Someone wondered how leadership was developed within the Network, and if the Network’s leadership structure was ‘insular.’  It’s a great question, and one that we need to regularly be taking a look at.  So I decided to ...

M

Musicians & Artists & Speakers, oh my!

It’s a phone call that comes in fairly often:  “We’re planning a big event for our (fill in the blank…congregation…synod…conference…etc…) and we’re looking for a speaker and a musician.  We want a (fill in the blank:  (soloist…band…loud…acoustic…etc…).  Does the Network have a listing, or a directory, or a recommendation or anything that can help us?” ...