The MNO Synod Youth and Young Adult ministry, in partnership with the ELCIC Program Committee for Youth Ministry (PCYM), is excited to announce the upcoming “C2D2” cohort, a unique 6-month community for ELCIC young adults aged 18-30. Running from November 2024 through May 2025, C2D2 participants build a vibrant community of young adults who will explore their vocations and grow together in faith and purpose.

Nominations/applications will be accepted until September 10, 2024.

What is C2D2?

C2D2 (read as ‘C two D two’ or ‘C squared D squared’) stands for “Cultivate. Connect. Discover. Discern.” Through 6 months of intentional community and learning, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Cultivate practices and community to deepen spiritual and personal growth.
  • Connect with peers, mentors, and leaders within your church and community.
  • Discover your passions and calling.
  • Discern your future paths in a supportive environment.

The program includes:

  • Three Online Gatherings: These virtual sessions will provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection with other cohort members.
  • Two Individual Learning Opportunities: Participants can choose personalized learning experiences that align with their interests and vocational goals. Reasonable costs are covered.
  • One In-Person Retreat: This retreat in the spring of 2025 will be a time of deep community building, reflection, and personal growth. Retreat costs are covered.
  • A selection of online workshops for community learning: Supporting young adults in vocational accompaniment is not just about the young adult. It’s also about the community surrounding the young adult. So, additionally, there is a selection of online workshops that sponsoring congregations can choose from to deepen their understanding of supporting and equipping young adults. These workshops will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance the congregational support network for young adults.

Cost and Sponsorship: There is no cost to the participant. There is a time investment of about 2 hrs/month between November, 2024 and May 2025, and a 2-night in-person retreat at the end of April, 2025. Sponsoring synods or congregations are invited to contribute $100. Expenses for learning opportunities and retreats are covered, thanks to a generous grant from the Fund for Theological Exploration (FTE) granted to the MNO Synod as part of FTE’s 2024-2025 Discernment Lab.

 

Who Can Participate?

We are seeking young adults connected to an ELCIC congregation or synod, aged 18-30 who are eager to embark on intentional self-discovery and spiritual growth. Candidates can be nominated by themselves, their pastor, their synod’s member of PCYM, or a member of their synod staff.

How to Nominate:

Nominations are open until September 10, 2024. The nomination process is straightforward:

  1. Visit https://form.jotform.com/241914758407261 to access the nomination form.
  2. Complete the form, providing all necessary details about the nominee.
  3. Submit the form to Deacon Michelle Collins (mcollins@elcic.ca) by September 10.

Potential C2D2-ers:

  • are young adults who are interested in exploring their faith and vocation through intentional practices, intentional community, and intentional learning and reflection.
  • are curious about how they might be being invited to connect their personal strengths, passions, convictions and dreams with the call for justice, community and equality in their contexts.
  • may or may not be actively involved in a local ELCIC congregation, but are interested in cultivating community that is informed by faith.
  • are willing to invite their local congregation’s support and learning throughout this program.
  • may or may not be considering a call to rostered ministry (as a pastor or a deacon), but are open to exploring how their vision for their future might be informed by their faith.
  • are willing to commit 2-3 hrs per month for 6 months to online gatherings and individualized learning activities (see below), and are willing to prioritize attending a 3-day in-person retreat in the spring of 2025 (date and location to be determined).

Why Participate?

Joining the C2D2 cohort is a transformative experience that offers:

  • Deepened faith and spiritual insight.
  • Meaningful connections with like-minded young adults.
  • Guidance and mentorship from experienced leaders.
  • Opportunities to explore and clarify vocational aspirations.

We encourage you to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to grow, connect, and discern your future. If you are a young adult or know someone who would benefit from this enriching experience, please consider submitting a nomination.

For more information or with questions, contact Deacon Michelle Collins directly.

Let’s cultivate, connect, discover, and discern together!