Saint Paul Area Synod -- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Children,Youth & Family Ministry

Ministry to children, youth, and families is an important part of the mission of the Saint Paul Area Synod. One of the best ways we can train and equip leaders for mission locally and globally is to be attentive to the spiritual well being of the youngest in our churches.

The core leadership team for children, youth and family ministry of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods has a common mission: “To support, empower and develop children, youth and family ministries to nurture discipleship for leaders and congregations.” Comprised of 12 members from both synods and staff from both synods, the committee works to provide fellowship events, networking opportunities, and other support to congregations, ministers, and the young people with whom they serve.

Our Core SEEDS

At the very core of the steering committee’s work are five functions or seeds:
Support: To network ministers, to advocate for the ministry, and to provide an atmosphere of renewal.
Encourage: To pray constantly, offer blessings, and have regular devotions.
Enable: To provide leadership and offer training and resources to those engaged in these vital ministries.
Develop: To help congregations evaluate their current ministries, envision future ministries, and discern plans of action.
Share: To collaborate together, connect as fellow children of God, and work collegially to continue God’s work in the world through children, youth, and family ministries.

Take a look at our core seeds >

Programs

Several ongoing programs and events are supported by the committee which relate to these functions:
Celebration of Confirmation
Companion Synod:  Connections
Gatherings: Ascension Day breakfast, welcome lunches for new children, youth and family workers, networking lunch at Extravaganza, Twin Cities Urban Youth Ministry Network, other area networks
Spiritual Retreat: A time for prayer and renewal together with others working in the field.
Recharge: Annual training event for leaders in children, youth, and family ministries
ELCA Youth Gathering:  Adult leader training and communications.
Connections Newsletter: A quarterly newsletter for all those interested in children, youth, and family ministries in the Twin Cities.
News and Notes: E-newsletters sent periodically to children, youth, and family ministers  in each synod.
LYNC: Lutheran Youth Networking in Christ

In addition, Connections and the synodical e-newsletters and websites provide information on the many events relating to children, youth, and family ministries which occur in the Twin Cities.

Core Leadership Team for Children, Youth, and Family Ministry

Saint Paul Area Synod

The Rev. TJ Anderson
Pastor – Family Ministries
Trinity Lutheran Church
115 N 4th Street
Stillwater, MN  55082
W: 651.439.7400 x120
Email: tanderson@trinitylc.org

Don Marsh
AIM/Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Augustana Lutheran Church
1400 South Robert St.
West S. Paul MN 55118
W: 651.457.3373 C: 612.708.0373
Email: dmarsh@augustana.com

The Rev. Cassandra (Cassie) Nault
Associate Pastor
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
1935 St Clair Ave
St Paul, MN  55105
W: 651.699.6886
Email: cnault001@luthersem.edu

Joe Rand
Director of Youth Ministry
Chisago Lake Lutheran Church
Box 175
Center City, MN  55012
W: 651.257.6300 C: 612.483.3003
Email: cllcyouth@citlink.net    

Mel Johnson
Children’s Ministry Director
All Saints Lutheran Church
8100 Belden Boulevard
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
651.452.7256
Email: mel@allsaintscg.org

Nina Joy
CYF Intern – Saint Paul Area Synod
Luther Seminary
2481 Como Ave
St Paul, MN  55108
C: 605.677.8306
Email: njoy@ilovejesus.net     

The Rev. Susan Miller (SPAS staff)
Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life and Mission
Saint Paul Area Synod
105 University Ave West
St. Paul, MN  55103-2094
W: 651.224.4313 C: 651.324.5779
Email: susan.miller@spas-elca.org

Minneapolis Area Synod       

Bob Windels (Chair)
Director of Youth Ministry
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
715 Minnetonka Mills Rd
Hopkins MN  55343-7291
W: 952.935.1753 
Email: bwindels@glconline.org

Lonna Fields
Volunteer
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
1800 Glenwood Ave N
Minneapolis MN  55405
C: 612.708.1107
Email: lonna_field@yahoo.com   

Raul Garcia, III
Associate in Ministry
Associate Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
18500 County Road 101
Maple Grove MN 55311
W: 763.420.5015 C: 952.451.9398
Email: raul@lordoflife.org

The Rev. Mark Lepper
Pastor
St. John Lutheran Church
148 Chestnut St S
Belle Plaine, MN  56011-1909
W: 952.873.6492
Email: thelepper@gmail.com   

Chris Okey
Director of Youth Ministry
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Ave S
Richfield MN 55423
W: 612-866-8449 C: 612.701.5749
Email: cokey@woodlakechurch.org

The Rev. Jason Okrzynski
Associate Pastor
Faith Lutheran Church
800 Waconia Parkway N
Waconia, MN  55387
W: 952-442-2101 C: 612.964.7808
Email: jasono@waconiafaithlutheran.com

Jo Mueller (MAS staff)
Associate in Ministry
Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator
Minneapolis Area Synod
122 W. Frankin Ave, Suite 600
Minneapolis, MN 55404
W: 612.230.3305 C: 612.812.4323
Email: j.mueller@mpls-synod.org