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 children, youth, and family ministry steering committee of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods has a common mission: “To support, encourage, enable, and develop children, youth, and family ministries in our synods as they effectively share the Good News of Jesus Christ.” 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.

Children, Youth & Family Ministry Steering Committee
Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods

Minneapolis Area Synod   
Bob Windels (Co-Chair)
Director of Youth Ministry
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Hopkins, MN  55343-7291
Phone: 952.935.1753   Website: www.glconline.org

Lonna Fields
Youth Director
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Minneapolis, MN  55405
Phone: 612.374.4139
Website: www.redeemermpls.org

Raul Garcia, III
Associate Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Phone: 763.420.5015 ext. 121
Website: www.lordoflifeyouth.org

Chris Okey
Director of Youth Ministry
Woodlake Lutheran Church
Phone: 612.866.8449
Website: www.woodlakechurch.org

Katie Toufar
Director of Children’s Ministry
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Brooklyn Park, MN  554281
Phone: 763.560.8958  
Website: www.princeofpeacechurch.org          

Jason Okrzynski
Associate Pastor
Faith Lutheran Church
Waconia, MN  55387
Phone: 952-442-2101
Website: www.waconiafaithlutheran.com

Jo Mueller (MAS staff)
Associate in Ministry
Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator
Minneapolis Area Synod
Phone: 612.230.3305    
Website: www.mpls-synod.org

Saint Paul Area Synod
Shawna Berg (Co-Chair)
Middle School Ministry Director
Incarnation Lutheran Church
Shoreview, MN 55126
Phone: 651.484.7213 ext. 225
Website: www.incarnationmn.org

Rachelle Gilbertson
Diaconal Minister, Director of Children’s Ministry
Augustana Lutheran Church
West S. Paul, MN 55118
Phone: 651.457.3373
Website: www.augustana.com

Melissa Johnson
Director of Youth Ministry
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
North St. Paul, MN 55109
Phone: 651.777.7451
Website: www.stmarks-nsp.org

Don Marsh (Co-Chaplain)
Associate in Ministry, Dir. of Youth & Family Ministry
Augustana Lutheran Church
West S. Paul, MN 55118
Phone: 651.457.3373  
Website: www.augustana.com

Christy Olson (Co-Chaplain)
Associate in Ministry
North Branch, MN 55056
Phone: 651.674.5796

Andrew Prin
Pastor, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church
Mounds View, MN  55112
Phone: 763.784.2528

Karn Carroll (on Leave)
Youth Pastor
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Circle Pines, MN 55014
Phone: 763.784.1971  
Website: www.oursaviorsonline.org

Susan Miller (SPAS staff)
Bishop’s Associate
Saint Paul Area Synod
Phone: 651.224.4313
Wesite:  www.spas-elca.org