Youth & Young Adults in MNO
“Our vision is to cultivate dynamic and inclusive community where youth and leaders are empowered, congregations are equipped, everyone works together, and every individual feels welcomed and valued.
We aim to inspire and support youth, young adults and their leaders through meaningful connections, transformative experiences, and an evolving faith, providing participants with the tools, community, and foundation for their future.”
Youth ministry includes programming, resources, and support for congregational leaders focused on students in grades 7-12. Young Adult ministry includes campus ministry and resources, programming and support for those age 18-35 (ish).
Youth Ministry
Paid or volunteer youth leaders are important in accompanying youth in faith and life. Youth leader updates are a way to share information and build connection between youth leaders throughout the synod. Pastors, youth leaders (paid or volunteer) can sign up for the youth leader updates by signing up for the synod e-newsletter.
Youth leaders connect throughout the year for fellowship, learning, and conversation in various ways. Watch the synod e-news, Synod social media, or youth leader emails for information about upcoming gatherings.
Rhythms of Renewal is a gathering each fall for Lutheran & Anglican youth leaders across Canada, organized jointly between the ELCIC and the Anglican Church of Canada. Rhythms of Renewal includes learning and fellowship, as well as opportunity to connect and build relationship with youth leaders in a variety of contexts. This event and other webinars, workshops and resources are important for the ongoing training and formation for youth leaders. The 2025 Rhythms of Renewal dates are April 25-27 at the Canterbury Retreat Centre in Hamilton, ON. Contact Deacon Michelle for information about financial support to attend this retreat.
Information relevant to youth leaders is often shared to the MNO Synod Young Adult Facebook page and Instagram (@mnosynodya).
There are a variety of ways congregations can apply for funds that strengthen, benefit and support youth & young adult programs and ministry. The MNO Synod Grants can be used to benefit youth/young adult individuals and programs, and can also be applied for BY youth and young adults as congregations discern mission and ministry opportunities in their context.
The Luther League Legacy Fund (LLLF) develops leaders in the church and for the world by providing grants and bursaries to enable young people to participate in leadership training and development activities.
Funds may be disbursed for:
- Bursaries to individuals to enable them to attend leadership development or training events which are related to their life in the church;
- Grants to projects of training and development activities and events.
Lutheran World Federation Youth (LWF Youth) sometimes provides grants for specific projects related to justice that are organized and initiated by young adults (age 18-35)
The synod hosts worship services and fellowship events for youth groups to connect with each other and with their faith. These services are held in various congregations in the synod, so that groups from various regions can attend. Events and opportunities for youth are communicated to pastors and youth leaders via email, shared in the synod e-news (scroll down to subscribe), or posted on the MNO Synod Young Adult social media channels (Facebook: MNO Young Adults; Instagram: @mnosynodya). The 2024-2025 program calendar is available: 2024 2025 Synod Youth Ministry Calendar-FINAL.
Check out the video from the 2024 Synod Youth Thanksgiving Retreat.
Check out the video from the 2023 Synod Youth Winter Retreat
Check out the video from the 2023 Synod Youth Fall Retreat
Check out a video from the 2022 MNO Synod Youth Thanksgiving Retreat
Prairie Fire is the worship leadership band for MNO Synod youth/young adult ministry. Prairie Fire members are youth and young adults who practice and prepare to lead worship. Youth age 16+ who want to join the band can contact Deacon Michelle, fill out a brief application, and meet for an audition. Training and support for those wanting to learn or improve their musical abilities are welcome. The band currently practices on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Winnipeg.
Prairie Fire is recruiting! The band is looking for vocalists or instrumentalists (or those interested in learning to play an instrument). Contact Deacon Michelle for more information.
CLAY (Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth) is the national youth gathering for Lutheran and Anglican youth. MNO Synod youth leaders coordinate events and opportunities before & after CLAY to strengthen the connection youth have with each other and with the larger faith community. Youth, Young adults and youth leaders can participate in the planning and preparation for CLAY in a variety of ways (applying for planning teams, playing in the band, participating in program teams, etc).
The next CLAY event is scheduled for Aug. 21-24, 2025 in Saskatoon. Youth leaders can sign up for updates and follow CLAY on social media (“Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering” on FB and @claygathering on Instagram).
The MNO Synod hosts a synod bus trip leading up to CLAY for youth groups who want an extra few days of fun, fellowship and learning together. Information about the bus trip is shared with youth leaders and pastors through the youth leader email updates and through the synod e-newsletter. Contact Deacon Michelle or the synod office to be added to the mailing list for these updates.
Young Adult Ministry
Campus Ministry at University of Manitoba happens through the Spiritual Care Department. The Spiritual Care Department hosts a variety of events and opportunities throughout the year for students to foster spiritual sensitivity and support for students of any background. The Ecumenical and Inter-faith Centre is located in the University Centre (5th floor) and includes the Lutheran Chaplain’s office. The Lutheran office is Rm 523, and is open for students to study, reflect, and gather on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Lutheran office is an affirming, safe, welcoming space for students of all identities and beliefs. University students can also connect with the activities and programs of St. John’s Chapel. Connect with Deacon Michelle through email or social media (IG: @mnosynodya) for direct conversation or questions.
Young adult activities are being planned for 2024-2025. These activities include Bible studies and reflection opportunities, as well as recreational and community-building activities. The timing of these activities varies on leadership and interest. Young adult activities are open to anyone age 18-30 (ish).
Events and activities are shared through the MNO Synod social media (IG: @mnosynodya)
There are a variety of ways congregations can apply for funds that strengthen, benefit and support youth & young adult programs and ministry. The MNO Synod Grants can be used to benefit youth/young adult individuals and programs, and can also be applied for BY youth and young adults as congregations discern mission and ministry opportunities in their context.
The Luther League Legacy Fund (LLLF) develops leaders in the church and for the world by providing grants and bursaries to enable young people to participate in leadership training and development activities.
Funds may be disbursed for:
- Bursaries to individuals to enable them to attend leadership development or training events which are related to their life in the church;
- Grants to projects of training and development activities and events.
Lutheran World Federation Youth (LWF Youth) sometimes provides grants for specific projects related to justice that are organized and initiated by young adults (age 18-35)
There is energy growing around coordinating young adult ministry across synods. Watch for more information. Young adults looking to engage with a broader expression of church and with young adults from other contexts might look into ELCA Young Adult Ministry. The ELCA Young Adult Ministry hosts online workshops and small groups, as well as other events and opportunities for engagement and connection.
Young Adults interested in spending a gap year in a cross-cultural context might consider ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). YAGM is available to ELCA and ELCIC young adults age 18-35.
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But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:26
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