Affirming Young Leaders: God’s Work, Our Hands!

Twin Cities Gathering (TCG)

 

For Pastors, Diaconal Ministers, Associates in Ministry and Deaconesses
(age 31 and under)
At the ELCA Churchwide Assembly
August 17 – 20, 2009
Minneapolis
To Connect, Strengthen, and Enhance Ministry

INVITATION

People on the four ELCA rosters who are 31 or under are invited to participate in “Affirming Young Leaders,” an event scheduled for August 17-20, 2009 in Minneapolis. We hope that 80 to 100 pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers will participate in this gathering (named informally TCG – Twin Cities Gathering). If there are newly rostered leaders this spring or summer, please pass on the information to them – the event is open to anyone who is 31 or younger on August 17.

HISTORY

The first gathering for young rostered leaders of the ELCA was in 2007, when we held an event in Chicago (NPG) along side the churchwide assembly. The evaluations were positive, and a decision was made to host a second event at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Framing this event with the churchwide assembly helps those attending to experience the theme for both events this year: God’s Work. Our Hands.

FUNDING

This event is made possible through funding from a variety of partners: Lilly Endowment, ELCA Board of Pensions, and Mission Investment Fund, Women of the ELCA, ELCA World Hunger, and Augsburg Fortress. Registration for the event is $125.00 and includes hotel, meals, and program costs. Transportation must be provided either by the participant, their congregation (through continuing education budget) or some other source. We are aware that some synods supported their young rostered leaders in 2007 by providing transportation to this event. Scholarships are available for those who need additional support.

BENEFITS

Some of the benefits of this event (comments by participants in the 2007 NPG event) include:

  • Increasing pastoral authority
  • collaboration on a book idea
  • recognition by synod bishop
  • increased awareness of the wider church
  • networking
  • feeling less isolated and more connected
  • two great experiences – the CWA & TCG
  • experiencing the richness of worship
  • fostering curiosity of more young leaders in our church
  • catching the vision of what the church together can be like
  • discussing issues, challenges and joys of being young leader
  • a wealth of resources; unity is supportive
  • sharing stories and solutions
  • ‘voices honored and heard’
  • affirmed in my call
  • Fun!

Q & A

Why should I come?

This is a unique, one-time event where you will gather with peers and enlarge your understanding of the church. The ELCA welcomes its newer rostered leaders and invites them to gather for affirmation, support, and learning. We are pleased to invite you!

Why is this for ‘younger’ leaders only?

Younger leaders of the church bring particular assets to the church. While all new leaders might benefit from a gathering like this, our financial resources determine that this event is limited to younger clergy and lay rostered leaders. In addition, we want you to know that the church supports you in your public ministry. Starting off strong can sustain you for long term ministry – which is what the church needs from its leaders.

What is the purpose of this gathering?

We hope that participants will: 1) share ministry experiences with peers while renewing and developing collegial relationships with gathering and Churchwide Assembly (CWA) participants; 2) learn about churchwide resources available to them; 3) learn more about the breadth of the priorities and work of the whole ELCA; 4) reflect together on health and wellness strategies than enhance personal well-being and professional growth; 5) explore leadership roles in the wider church and reflect on their own sense of vocation

What will be happening at the TCG?

Plenty!! You will gather with about 100 participants for the first several days of the CWA. There will be TCG sessions to explore leadership, vocational issues, health and wellness, resources, connections, and other topics of interest to young ELCA rostered leaders. We will also attend worship, some CWA plenary sessions, hearings, receptions, and other activities related to the CWA.

What does the agenda look like?

We begin on Monday August 17 at 1:00 pm in the Minneapolis Convention Center. We will have our own large group networking sessions, we will participate in churchwide assembly activities, share meals together, and worship, play, and work. The event concludes on Thursday August 20 at 2:00 pm. More details will be provided after you register.

How do I register?

If you are interested in attending this event, PLEASE respond via email ASAP (or by April 1) to receive an invitation to register for TCG twincitiesgathering@elca.org Space is limited, so contact us now! Registration is $125 and includes hotel, meals, and program costs.