What's Prayer?

SUMMER 2017 Summer 2017 • $8.95

Journal of Children, Youth & Family Ministry

What’s Prayer?

1 BUILD KITS OF CARE! Assemble School Kits with your youth group or Vacation Bible School for children living in poverty around the world. Here’s what you’ll need to make the kits:

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For complete project instructions, visit BuildKitsofCare.org/connect!

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Members of New Hope Lutheran Church in Columbia,2 Md., assemble School Kits. SUMMER 2017

PUBLICATION INFORMATION Published by: CONTENTS ELCA Youth Ministry Network www.elcaymnet.org Welcome! 4 Todd Buegler

Lord, Teach Us to Pray 5 Marilyn Sharpe

Prayer Languages—An Interview with Bill and Carolyn Kees 8 Bunmi Ishola

Prayer in Real (Lutheran) Life 10 Christopher Zumski Finke

Interview with Janelle Hooper 12 Bunmi Ishola

Prayer, Youth and Living a Vowed Life as a Benedictine Sister in 2017 14 Christopher Zumski Finke Subscription Information: call 866-ELCANET (352-2638) How Do You Teach Prayer to Young People? 16 or visit: Answers from the ELCA Youth Ministry Facebook Group www.elcaymnet.org [email protected] Corporate Prayer 18 George Baum

Design and Layout: Michael Sladek Impression Media Group Calendar of Events 23 www.impressionmediagroup.com

Managing Editor: UPCOMING CONNECT ISSUE THEMES: Erin Gibbons Scripture, Practice & Why Nobody Wants To Do Bible Study Anymore (Fall ‘17)

Connect Editorial Board: Todd Buegler, Nate Frambach, Erin Gibbons, Dawn Rundman, ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK BOARD Michael Sladek Becky Cole: Board Member Dr. Jeremy Myers, AIM: Board Member Rev. Regina Goodrich: Board Member Tom Schwolert: Board Chairperson Kinda Makini: Board Member Erik Ullestad: Board Member Cover Photo: Michael Sladek Sue Megrund: Board Member Rev. Todd Buegler: Executive Director www.msladekphoto.com The ELCA Youth Ministry Network exists to strengthen and empower adult youth ministry leaders in service to Christ as a part of God’s mission. 3 WELCOME! NEWS BITS

Dear friends, NETWORK NEWS

The question was both simple and profound: “Why do we pray?” It was a middle school student The Network continues to work on its who asked the question in a small group. He wanted to know why we needed to pray. After all, new strategic plan. The Network is a “If God knows everything, why do we need to pray? Why do we need to tell God? It’s not like I community of both leaders and learners. pray for my grandma who’s sick and God says ‘Really? I didn’t know that. Thanks for letting me And our goal is that every member of the know.’” Network works to create an individual development plan for vocation, skills and It is a both a simple and a profound question because prayer is perhaps the simplest and yet faith practices. The ELCA has committed most profound of our faith practices. to funding this strategic plan. Watch for more information coming soon on what this means for the Network and for you! Prayer is the expression of a relationship, and prayer manifests itself in a variety of ways: • When Abraham expressed obedience by answering God’s call with the words “Here I am.” • When Moses removed his sandals after God told him he was standing on Holy Ground. The Network will again be partnering • When Jesus prayed in the garden, asking: “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, with the ELCA Youth Gathering at your will be done.” Extravaganza, 2018 in Houston. There • When I saw a group of young people, following a car accident involving their friends, will be an Intensive Care Course on hav- standing in a circle, holding hands and praying. ing a great youth gathering, as well as a • When my spouse hears a siren, and pauses to pray for those affected. gathering site tour and other ways to focus • When I’m alone in the car, thinking about those things in my life about which I feel on making sure your young people have a anxious, and I realize that at some point my thoughts have morphed into prayer. fantastic Gathering experience next summer. Watch for details coming soon! Prayer is both communication and presence. It is both being and doing. It is speaking and listening. Prayer is the channel in which our relationship with God flows. Extravaganza registration will open on July 1. This month in the Connect Journal, we are exploring prayer, both the “how” and the “why.” And we’ll wonder together about how we teach prayer both as something for us to understand, and as something for us to practice. The ELCA is in the interview process to fill their position of: Program Direc- God’s blessings! tor - Youth Ministries. Please keep their process in your prayers.

Todd Buegler Executive Director – ELCA Youth Ministry Network Pastor – Trinity Lutheran Church; Owatonna, Minnesota [email protected]

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LORD TEACH US TO PRAY NEWS BITS by Marilyn Sharpe

Forty years ago, I was invited to teach nant with me and stayed 25 years! My gram WHY PRAY?: God calls us to pray. God is seventh- grade confirmation. My answer? prayed all the time about everything in heavily listening. In praying, we practice the presence The easiest “NO!” of my life. I had only been Swedish-accented English. She couldn’t have of God, reminded that God is always with us. Lutheran for eight months. I’d fill their heads prayed in elegant Elizabethan English if the It reminds us to bring our needs to God and to with heresies. I had a horrible confirmation lives of her two grandchildren depended on remember to celebrate all of the ways God is experience. I promised myself I’d never teach it. She was a powerful role model for me for and has been and will be with us. anyone that age anything ever. I cried in the praying in my family, in confirmation, in parent- delivery room four years earlier, imagining our ing classes and adult Bible studies, with my WAYS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO beautiful baby would someday be a seventh friends and in all of the situations in life where TEACH PRAYER: It’s never too early or grader. I had two preschool children at home. we are moved to call on God. too late to start praying. When you know of a We only had one car, which my husband need- family that is adopting a child, giving birth to a ed 24/7. And, here is what I was sure would So, what does this have to do with your min- child, doing foster care or expanding by marry- seal the deal: I couldn’t pray in public! I was istry to children, youth and families? Parents ing a person with children, pray for them, pray certain that the confirmation director would often feel intimidated and ill-equipped to with them and teach them to pray. recoil in horror and run in the other direction, teach their children and youth to pray. They rescinding her invitation. She didn’t. And I fi- don’t model prayers aloud in the home. Per- At pre-baptism class, teach parents to pray for nally, grudgingly, said I would do it, but only for haps they didn’t grow up experiencing prayer and with their children. Give the gift of a book one year! You can guess what the Holy Spirit in their homes. They drive their kids to church, of prayers that parents can pray with children. did with that. I taught confirmation for 23 where they expect you to do the praying. In Give them a simple children’s Bible and show years, 13 of them as director of the program, worship, the pastors and trained lay lead- them how to read Bible stories to their chil- and I fell madly in love with middle school kids, ers lead the prayers. We’ve professionalized dren and pray with them. Lutheran theology and praying out loud. everything else—why not prayer? Andrea Fieldhouse Griner does a program The first year, it took me the entire week to Jesus’ disciples, having observed the regular- called Faith Families. Each family with young write a two-sentence prayer. The only reason I ity with which Jesus prayed, implored, “Lord, children sits at its own small table, set with a could pray it aloud in class was that I was sure teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1). In response, family altar cloth, candle and symbols of sto- my kids weren’t listening! Don’t get me wrong: Jesus taught them the Lord’s Prayer. We, too, ries and topics they’ve done together previ- I have prayed all my life, silently in private and teach children, youth and families this prayer. ously. Families have time to sit in silence, pray reciting rote prayers with others in public. I But it wasn’t the only prayer Jesus prayed in a prayer in their own words, read a Bible story just didn’t feel I could speak to God in my own the Gospels. He prayed in every situation, with and bless one another. Family devotions—the voice, in conversational English, about all of all those with whom he found himself. full-meal deal—and they literally take it with the joys and sorrows, wants and needs of my them in a box to replicate in their home. life. Twenty-three years of teaching confirma- Let’s explore what we can learn from Jesus tion cured that. and teach God’s family about prayer. In VBS, Sunday school, Bible camp or any other setting, have the leader model simple I grew up in a three-generation family, and we WHAT PRAYER IS: Simply, prayer is liv- prayers from the heart. Or invite participants prayed. We said a Swedish table grace at every ing your life as an ongoing conversation with to do a circle prayer, each one adding a line. meal. Before bed, we recited, “Now I lay me God, in touch with God, aware of the presence Or gather written prayer requests in a basket. down to sleep,” until we were old enough to of God. Invite kids and youth and parents to pray a have memorized the Lord’s Prayer. My parents prayer request. Do it by candlelight. were deeply faithful people, but they belonged WHAT PRAYER ISN’T: We don’t have to the Silent Generation, who never talked to call on God in prayer to get God’s attention. Lyle Griner has my favorite resources for get- about faith or prayed spontaneous prayers. God is always present and listening. It isn’t a ting kids to pray. Kids of all ages! “Heart Ignite” And then, there was my grandmother, Agnes news update to God, letting God know what has 179 different prayer experiences, engag- Carlson, a Swedish immigrant with a fourth- we think, want or feel. It doesn’t manipulate ing to all of the generations. “Candle Time grade education, who came to visit my parents God to give us what we want or to make our Prayer Kit” is another spectacular resource, for two weeks when my mother was preg- baseball team win. offering 54 creative and interactive prayer

5 experiences by candle light. Lyle has taught gather to eat, pray and do devotions. I do bor- BIRTHDAY CANDLES: Before dessert on me so much and given me ideas for kids, youth, row from the best. a birthday, give everyone, except for the adults, my family and classes for parents. I am birthday kid, a candle. Each person inserts so grateful. His downloadable resources are SIREN: A 4-year old was in the van when her their candle in the cake, naming one thing available at peerministry.org. mother pulled off the freeway, hearing a siren. they thank God for about the birthday person. From her car seat came this request: “Mom, Light the candles; you know the song to sing! Rev. Dr. Dick Hardel taught me a lasting lesson we should pray for the person who is hurt in prayer. Instead of saying, “I’ll be praying or sick or in trouble.” I’ve never heard a siren for you,” stop right where you are and pray again in the same way! THE ROLE OF SILENCE IN PRAYER: together. That has changed my prayer life. To We live in a noisy culture, bombarded with date, there hasn’t been a single 911 call as a NEWSPAPER: Split the front section down the sound and distraction. Psalm 46:10 reminds result! vertical fold. Give everyone a single sheet and us, “Be still and know that I am God.” Help ask them to look for three things: one thing children, youth and adults learn to be silent, MORE PRAYERS TO LEARN BY that would delight God, one thing that would listen for God’s word and be centered in God’s HEART: Hymns are wonderful prayers. sadden God and one thing you think God presence. Light a candle, say a brief prayer and Many of the lyrics come right out of scripture. would like us to do. Then pray it together. sit in silence. Start with a short time of silence. St. Augustine said, “When you sing, you pray Stretch it longer, as participants discover the twice.” Make sure all children, youth and adults MAP: Spread out a map on the floor. Give each gift of being present with God. Ask them what have a well-stocked library of faith songs. person three markers. Ask them to put one they heard. on the map where there is a person, place or Don’t forget camp songs. They often carry the event they want to pray for. Then, do it! A FEW SIMPLE PRAYER PITFALLS memories of sitting around a campfire, feeling TO AVOID: Years ago, before going to close to God and nature and one another. CHRISTMAS CARDS: Pull out several Christ- Arizona on spring break, an eighth-grade girl mas photo cards from last year. Explain who prayed this prayer: “God, let me get really tan, Sing songs that tell God’s story. How many of the people are, why you stay in touch and what and let everyone be jealous when I get back.” us would know about Zacchaeus, if we hadn’t you think they might want you to pray about. Everything in me was yelling, “No, no, no.” I re- learned that “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, Then, do it! sisted the temptation to “correct” her prayer. and a wee little man was he”? My silent prayer for her was that she would SEEDS: Pass a seed packet around your circle, grow to pray more generous prayers, with love Children’s books of prayer and table graces each naming something new that you think and concern for others. Two weeks later, she are a great way to get families praying. Some God is growing in you. Bless the “seeds” and returned to class. This time, her prayer was graces are set to music. Or find little wooden pray for germination. for a challenging boy in the class, who was not prayer cubes that families can roll and read well liked and whose custodial grandmother and learn. TAPE: Pass a roll of tape around. Everyone was in the hospital. That prayer and God’s take a piece, naming one thing God uses to work in both of us brought me to my knees. I With memorized or written prayers, it is easy “stick” us together. Give thanks. learned not to correct anyone’s prayer, but to to establish a routine of praying frequently. In I pray for them. Thessalonians 5:17, we are reminded to “pray BANDAGES: Put an adhesive bandage on the without ceasing.” It frames all of life in this back of your left hand. Name one hurt in the Some pray as if prayer is a Christmas wish list. ongoing conversation with God. world; pray for God’s healing. Ask gently, “For who else and for what else would you like to pray?” Simplify. Borrow author Anne Lamott’s three TEA LIGHT CANDLES: Give everyone two favorite prayers; tea lights. Light the first candles, while each Some believe that if only we pray the right • Help me, help me, help me. person names someone who has been the words, with enough others, God will grant • Thank you, thank you, thank you. light of Christ for them. Light the second us the desires of our hearts. We can offer a • Wow! (Created after the birth of her first candles, while each person names someone gentle reminder that God is with us and those grandchild!) for whom they have been the light of Christ. we love, even if the answer to our fervent Thank God for all who have borne Christ’s prayer is not what we expected or desired. PRAYER PROPS AND PROMPTS: light to the world. God does not need to be begged to answer This is my cheesy and not at all original list our prayers. of things I put on our family table when we

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Too often, we turn to God only in hard times. • (First and Middle Name), child of God, Marilyn Sharpe is the This can lead us to believe that when things you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit principal of Marilyn Sharpe Ministries, LLC, dedicated to are going well, it is because we did well, and and marked with the cross of Christ helping congregations equip we don’t turn to God with thanksgiving. A forever. (This from the baptismal service households to nurture faith robust relationship with God is a gift in all in the ELW.) in all of the generations, all of circumstances. • God loves you, and so do I. the time, wherever they are. She is a congregational coach, • God goes with you throughout your day. trainer, writer, presenter, BE LAVISH WITH BLESSINGS: In our • Welcome home. God returns you safely speaker, retreat leader and culture, we often limit blessings to a response to us. teacher. Marilyn’s first book, “For Heaven’s Sake! Parent- to sneezes! God blesses us and calls us to • God bless you with deep and restful ing Preschoolers Faithfully,” bless one another. In Genesis 12:2-3, God sleep. captures the wisdom of par- calls Abraham into relationship with these • God wakes you to a day full of possibility. ents and best parenting practices, as they nurture faith in words: “I have blessed you…to be a blessing… • God gives you courage to do what is right God’s youngest children. Through you, all of the families of this earth and loving and just. will be blessed.” That is also God’s call to each • God bless you. of us. • God be in your healing. • God fill you with joy. Let’s teach families to bless one another. Frame the day in blessings—waking and Prayer doesn’t have to be intimidating. Every- sleeping, going out and coming home. It can be one has the ability to pray, bless and talk to any of the following or a variation on them, tai- each other and to God. So instead of worry- lored to a life situation. Simply make the sign ing about praying, just pray! Others will learn of the cross on a beloved forehead and say: from the gift you are sharing.

7 PRAYER LANGUAGES—AN INTERVIEW WITH BILL & CAROLYN KEES by Bunmi Ishola

“Lord, Teach us to pray,” the disciples asked. another way that God is trying to break in to These are just a few of the ways that Bill and Jesus guided them through an example of how your life.” Carolyn talk to God. to talk to God. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” Carolyn agrees. “It could be a relationship Centering prayer can be done either corpo- that’s broken and it keeps gnawing and you rately or individually. If done in a group, the Found in both the Gospels of Matthew and realize, I need to ask forgiveness of someone leader shares an opening prayer, area of focus Luke, the Lord’s Prayer is one of the most or forgive someone,” she says. “Something that or specific passage from Scripture. Then the common corporate prayers in the church. This keeps gnawing is something that makes me group spends 20 minutes in silence. “Which prayer comprises some of the first verses of restless—then God is getting my attention.” sounds like an awfully long time, and it is,” says scripture that children learn by heart. As we Carolyn. “But you’re invited to choose a word grow into adulthood, we strive to follow the Ultimately, Bill and Carolyn see prayer as a or a phrase that will bring you back. And this example Jesus laid out for us, shaping our own way of living. “Prayer is multiple ways of being word or phrase will bring you back when you prayer lives as Jesus taught. in the presence of God, and sometimes I’ll are distracted.” even say that prayer is the way we live,” Bill However, no student learns all he or she needs states. “That means that every action, every “What happens when you are silent is that the to know in one lesson, and a great part of movement, every part of my being is engaged mind becomes very active,” Bill says. “I use a learning comes from practice. While the Gos- in this very alive relationship with all of cre- practice every day in the morning time where pels do not describe other examples of Jesus ation, all that God has given me.” I begin with some simple prayers, verbal teaching the disciples to pray, there must have prayers—I speak them silently to myself—and been more examples of prayer to follow, more TEACHING PRAYER then I enter into a time of silence. And the only ways that Jesus showed us how to connect The Kees believe the most important thing thing that happens in that silence is that when with God. parents and church leaders can do is to model my mind takes me away from it, I find a word Now retired, Bill Kees served as parish pas- prayer for the young people in their life. This or a phrase that I use. And a lot of times it’s a tor, then as director of youth ministries for can be at bedtime and mealtimes or even word that I just read in my devotions. It might the ELCA, overseeing the denominational by teaching children prayers, like the Lord’s be the words that we use to talk about God— ministries with young people and the ELCA Prayer. Give children and youth the opportu- ‘Jesus,’ or ‘Spirit,’ or ‘Creator,’ or ‘Lover.’ And Youth Gathering. After retiring, Bill and his nity to pray during times of liturgy and help that becomes of word that draws me back to wife, Carolyn, moved to Chico, California to be them shape their prayers. Bill says it is also the silence.” closer to family. Both continue to be active in important to let children choose the prayers church ministry and work as certified spiritual they want to pray. Centering prayer generally ends with a read- directors. Bill and Carolyn have always had ing from Scripture, which is repeated three a strong interest in how Christians integrate “Some of them might be kind of funny, or dif- times. And then the group responds with spiritual practices in their daily lives, and one ferent, but that’s okay,” he says. “It’s a lifelong a word that stands out to them from that spiritual practice they have spent a lot of time teaching process, and it’s probably picked up scripture. exploring is prayer. more by how we are than what we say. I think that a lot of times, we try to ingrain conceptu- “There is nothing that happens in the stillness, WHAT IS PRAYER? ally what prayer is, and it’s missed because for other than I am invited to that deeper place Bill believes the biggest assumption we make whatever reason it’s not translated well.” of quiet and listening,” says Bill. “It’s hard to about prayer is that is must be verbal. “And Introducing young people to a variety of ways define that occasionally 20 minutes goes by it indeed is,” he says. “I think later in my life, I to pray helps them learn to make prayer an ac- and you can’t believe that 20 minutes has gone began to discover that prayer can also be a tive part of their lives and not simply a routine by, and other times you can’t wait for the 20 time of invitation into silence and to be quiet, practice. minutes to be over because your mind is going and there are certain practices that one can all the time.” engage to entertain that silence.” TYPES OF PRAYER The Kees practice many different forms of Bill values the time because it allows him to Most churches teach prayer as “a time to give prayer to connect on a deeper level with listen with greater capacity to what’s going thanks, a time to praise, a time to pray for God. We all learn, process and interact with on around him. Often, after praying this way, others and to pray for self.” But Bill strongly information differently, so they believe it is he likes to immediately read the news, hoping believes that prayer goes beyond what we say. important that we don’t limit ourselves to only that fresh stillness allows him to lift up what “Sometimes prayer is paying attention to what one form of prayer. “When I can pray through he reads as an intercession or prayer offering doesn’t leave you alone,” he says. “It’s some- different ways, I think it really is helpful to to God. thing that gnaws at you. And I think that that’s enlarge how I can be about praying,” Bill says.

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Breath prayers focus on repeating a Scrip- The Bible is full of prayers. The psalms, how- followed by an invitation to respond. This is ture, statement, phrase or chant to the rhythm ever, might be the most natural place to start. repeated several times, with varying lengths of breathing, silently or aloud. “The simple “We have the psalms that are just rich in a host of silence and time to share. “We listen to our- reality is we breathe all the time, and we don’t of different styles of praying,” says Bill. His per- selves, and we are invited to know the places remember that we are breathing. You can sonal favorite is Psalm 27, and he often finds of connection over the last 24 hours or week,” emphasize that God is always in and around himself praying just one verse from that Psalm Bill says. “Connection with God, with others you as you breathe,” says Bill. throughout the day. “Sometimes you find the and with ourselves.” psalm verse that really means a lot to you, and “I find that I have a very busy mind,” Carolyn that becomes a repetitive form of praying.” After several times of silence and sharing, says. “My mind gets very overwhelmed with the group enters into silence for 20 minutes. information I take in, or people I am concerned The Kees refer to Nan Merril’s “Psalms for “What we hold in that silence is not only the for, or concern for the country politically, if Praying,” which Carolyn says has a contem- invitation that comes out of our own words, things feel chaotic, as they feel right now.” porary phrasing that makes the scriptures but out of how the whole community has spo- Breath prayers help Carolyn still herself and more accessible for children, youth and young ken, and what God is inviting of us as we leave allow her mind to slow down and focus only on adults. this time together,” says Bill. God. “I might just say, ‘Peace be Still. Peace be still,’” she shares. Walking the labyrinth, like a maze but with Praying corporately is very important, Bill no wrong turns or dead ends, is an ancient says. “It’s essential, as is individual prayer. They Carolyn recommends breath prayers as an practice that facilitates prayer, meditation and go together, hand-in-hand.” What makes cor- entry point for helping young children develop spiritual transformation. In a prayer labyrinth, porate prayer special is that it’s done as a body, a prayer language. “I think breath prayers are a person follows a simple path to the center but also gives individuals the chance to hear a wonderful tool for children because they of an intricate design and then back out again. new things. “It really widens the parameter of are so simple,” she says. “They can do it on There is only one path leading in and out, so how we are invited to include all things.” the playground; they can do it when they are those who walk the prayer labyrinth can’t get frightened. It’s a portable prayer, sort of a tool lost. It doesn’t matter which type of prayer you chest of some simple prayers to access. I think engage in. What’s most important is that you breath prayers help to teach the accessibility “It’s walking prayerfully,” Carolyn says. “As you spend time in prayer, talking to God. Through of God’s presence, the awareness of God’s walk, you just follow the path, you don’t look words, music, silence and simply being, prayer presence, that God is always there.” any farther than what the next step is. And so is how we explore and deepen our relationship it’s a physical movement with probably some with God. It helps us care for one another. If Praying with music can be a tool to draw sort of verbal or mental prayer of ‘God be with you’re not sure where to start, you can always oneself into the presence of God and help still me on this journey.’” use the words Jesus taught. “Our father, who the mind and soul. “I use a chant that comes to art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name…” mind like from Taize or from Holden Evening “Sometimes the noticing in coming out is a Liturgy,” Carolyn says before she begins to shift in your own well-being,” Bill adds. “It Carolyn and Bill sing, “Peace be still, peace be still. The storm doesn’t always happen, but a shift so that that Kees live in Chico, Cali- rages, peace be still.” She sings the words over becomes more of a sense of thanksgiving as fornia. They retired there and over, allowing them to become integrated you leave the center of the labyrinth.” in the fall of 2006. They are into who she is and calm her down. active members at Faith Lutheran Church. Carolyn Labyrinths can be found around the world—in was an RN, mostly in public “One of the rich things about Taize, particu- cathedrals in Europe, cities in the U.S. and at health, and also the execu- larly, is that all of the words are scripture,” campgrounds. Bill and Carolyn’s church has tive director of the Institute Bill adds. “So you’re not only listening to the a mobile labyrinth, and at home they have a of Spiritual Companionship music, but you are memorizing scripture. And picture of one hanging from their wall that from 2000-2006. Bill was a pastor in Minnesota and Carolyn will occasionally trace in her mind, or those words come back to you when you least California and completed expect it.” with her finger. full time ministry at the ELCA in Youth Ministry in While the Kees have a large collection of Taize “You can actually go online and find a little 2006. They continue their and Holden music, Carolyn believes that any labyrinth that you can carry in your pocket,” calling in spiritual direction in Chico. They have two Bill says. music can become prayerful. “I think whatever children, seven grand- type of music your readers would find wor- children and three great shipful or focusing or centering, a reminder of Ignatian/Examen Prayer is a corporate grandchildren. In their re- God’s presence that they can just repeat over prayer that Bill and Carolyn practice with tirement they have enjoyed and over till it becomes very integrated—I a small group every Monday. Participants staying in touch with adults who work with youth by are asked, “How do you come?” The group think that’s prayerful.” being spiritual directors at then spends about three minutes in silence, numerous Extravaganzas.

9 PRAYER IN REAL (LUTHERAN) LIFE by Christopher Zumski Finke

Prayer is a crucial element of a life of faith. Another youth worker reiterates much of great deal to Luther that people have what That’s generally agreed upon. But it’s also, what Williams said but puts more blunt force they need to live their daily life. “God knows honestly, a practice that gets little bit snoozy on the point: The act of prayer is constant, he what we need and provides for us. And where at times. Teens everywhere will tell you so, says, “but prayer as a subject is much trickier.” that is missing, God calls us to provide for but even Martin Luther acknowledged as A lot of leaders struggle with their own others.” much in his writing. In his pamphlet “A Simple prayer life, says this midwest Lutheran youth Way to Pray,” Luther admits to praying “as minister, and wonder exactly who they are to Such clearly stated principles of Luther’s time permits.” teach it. “Some people think their brain can- thoughts on prayer are useful, but if we’re not cer was cured because enough people prayed careful, they can mask the larger challenges Luther knew the importance of prayer, of for them,” he says. “Others think prayer, like expressed by youth workers when it comes course. Prayer is front and center in his meditation, is meant to help the pray-er feel to engaging on the subject of prayer. writing and teaching. But there’s something better. It can be easier to just avoid it.” reassuring about hearing Luther say that he We can all pray together, but why is so hard was often “cool and joyless in prayer because Which is not to say that he, or anyone, thinks to step back and talk about prayer together? of other tasks and thoughts.” Because, look, prayer is not crucial. These youth workers re- One reason is that humans are “embodied we’re all busy. What does it really matter if flect the same challenges that Luther wrote creatures,” Lohrmann says. “There’s no get- we skip a few prayers anyway? about in “A Simple Way to Pray.” The living ting out of our daily lives into some higher of daily life can make anyone feel “lazy and spiritual place,” which is where prayer tends Five hundred years later, it’s possible nobody lax, cold and listless toward prayer,” Luther to operate. This is why Luther connects understands the difficulties Luther describes wrote. prayer to physical things, like sleeping and around prayer better than the men and wom- eating: Pray when you wake, eat, before en who work with youth in church. Church So if Martin Luther acknowledges the inher- sleep, etc. gatherings are often designed around the ent difficulties of maintaining an active life of act of prayer. “It’s the first thing we do and prayer, what does he have to teach us today But even connecting prayer to physicality the last thing we do when we gather,” says about how we can overcome those difficul- creates challenges, like one experienced by Anne Williams, minister for learning at Holy ties? What is the center of Luther’s teaching people in pastoral care since time immemori- Trinity Lutheran in Ankeny, Iowa. Prayer is a on prayer, and how can 21st-century youth al: What do we pray for when our loved ones recurring part of gathering, and worship is workers communicate that teaching to are sick or dying? Humans are embodied, as expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to today’s youth? According to Luther, the way Lohrmann says, and bodies die. That is part of know exactly what prayer is for, or even why to overcome that lax, listless attitude is, para- the physicality of life. we do it. doxically but not unsurprisingly, prayer. Isn’t it easier to perform the functional ele- Ask a youth group what they pray for and According to Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann, ments of prayer for someone’s health and why, and you’ll get as many different answers professor at Wartburg Theological Seminary, leave it at that? To pray to health is obvious, as there are kids in the room. Williams says Martin Luther puts prayer front and center in but to discuss outcomes of that prayer? If that many young people in her congregation his writing. God, Lohrmann says, wants us to God is turned into a cosmic Santa Claus, feel “culture telling us that prayer is asking be prayerful people. “God invites us to pray. what does it mean when a young person’s God for things.” This popular culture-infused He gives us the words for our spiritual life prayers go unanswered? Anne Williams from understanding of prayer turns God into and our daily life.” God calls us to prayer be- Holy Trinity Lutheran describes such topics a therapist, or even Santa Claus. “Kids, or cause “God want us know our good creator, as “the hardest conversation you can have Americans in general,” Williams says, “go to to know that we belong in the world and are with a kid.” God in prayer when we want something from created out of grace.” God or want God to do therapy on a situa- Williams describes children asking questions tion.” Luther also “makes a big deal about the daily like, “I want my mom to get well, and if she bread petition,” Lohrmann says. It matters a doesn’t, does that mean that God doesn’t

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love me?” While such questions are not new, Williams puts this concept another way, one Christopher the level of distraction from prayer is higher perhaps more digestible for youth: “That Zumski Finke is a free- all the time, and the wrong answers to such stupid ‘Footprints’ prayer is actually true. lance journalist and editor of TheStake.org. Follow him questions might alienate youth from a life of God is with us in the hardest of times.” These on Twitter prayer. aren’t easy subjects to discuss, at any age, but @christopherzf. He resides communicating them to youth is vital to build in St. Paul, Minnesota with “To pray wholeheartedly for wellness is un- something prayerful. his wife and two children. derstandable,” Lorhmann says. “We see that in the psalms. We see that in Jesus himself. “It is hard, but we have resources,” Lohrmann At the same time, though, to trust God in says. We have places to start, and among all things is to trust God in the moment of them are the Large and Small Catechisms death.” from Martin Luther.

Five Ways to Pray Like Luther

1. Keep it simple. Luther recommended starting and ending each day with this little prayer: “God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, watch over me. Amen.”

2. Pray with the Bible. Luther often used biblical words in his prayers. For instance, Psalm 145: “The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy all living things with delight.”

3. Pray the Commandments. More than a just list of rules, Luther viewed the Ten Commandments as resources for daily prayer. They give us guidance for how to act, point out where to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, inspire confession for the wrongs we’ve done and show us what to pray for in the world.

4. Pray the Lord’s Prayer…a lot! Luther’s Small Catechism invites us to pray these words from Jesus when we wake, when we eat, when we give thanks and when we go to sleep. It speaks to our hearts, minds and bodies throughout the day.

5. Sing! Luther believed that music was a gift of God. Singing helps us share the gospel, express the pains and joys in our hearts, and give thanks to God. .

Dr. Martin Lohrman is assistant professor of Lutheran confessions and heritage at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is the author of “Book of Harmony: Spirit and Service in the Lutheran Confessions” (Fortress Press, 2016). Before teaching at Wartburg, he served as pastor of congregations in Ohio and Philadelphia.

11 INTERVIEW WITH JANELLE HOOPER by Bunmi Ishola

second grade. She read a psalm—so lovely there are others, like Faith5 and different for everyone. So, I think it’s not as seeing age groups that offer how to integrate faith and limits but looking for gifts and empowering life into the home. I would say pick one of them. those things.

BI: How would you advise or suggest chil- Start small. Start with something that is dren’s leadership at churches to begin empow- already a strength for your family or your ering children in their gifts? church. Keep it simple, and then you can see JH: I co-curate a website with Paul Amlin how it makes a difference, and you can go When the opportunity came up for Janelle called Youth Ministry Links, and it’s got all from there. Hooper to really encourage children’s kinds of resources for parents and churches. ministry throughout the ELCA, she says she And I just say, try one thing. Pick one thing— BI: Beyond encouraging their gifts, you men- jumped at the opportunity because “being whether it’s doing one intergenerational tioned that it’s important to grow children’s able to value children in leadership, and event, or including children as ushers or com- theology. Are there specific age “milestones” their role in theology making, was crucial for munion servers. Just try one thing. You don’t that you would suggest churches and parents me and something I try to do with my own have to have a huge program shift. It doesn’t follow? children.” have to be a huge “children’s ministry wave.” JH: I’m actually working on benchmarks for Put some rocking chairs out in the back of the the ELCA for households and congregations While the program director for ministry with church. Emphasize your children’s bulletin on to use that should be out by the end of the children for the ELCA is a part-time position, Sundays, so they are easy to find. Have pic- year. From birth up to young adults, what are Hooper works hard to support congregations tures of children in worship on your website. some benchmarks they could expect that a and synods in building effective programs I have children’s sermon resources, and 5-year-old or younger to be comfortable with and opportunities from birth to fifth grade. children’s chapel resources, but the move in service or witness? Here she shares a little bit about her philoso- is towards—how do we integrate everyone phy around children’s ministry at church and into intergenerational faith formation? I’ve I think parents want to help their kids, but at home. also gone to churches, and I’ve done a wor- they just don’t know what to expect. And con- ship audit to help people think through how gregations have this sense around confirma- This conversation has been lightly edited. the worship service needs to meet an older tion of what we teach, but what about before person’s needs of quiet and silence. that? So this will be an intentional system to Bunmi Ishola: What does it mean to value help with that. children in leadership? I’m there to help people, but our website also Janelle Hooper: I think we’ve limited gives out all kinds of resources. Pick one and BI: What about developing a prayer life and children in their role in worship. Because try it. helping children develop a prayer language? most ELCA churches worship around 100 JH: I think mealtime and bedtime are great people, they do not have a separate children’s BI: What about parents? What can they do to access points for families. When we eat a ministry. Instead, children worship with their encourage their children’s role in worship and meal, my kids are usually the ones who pray. parents. But those services aren’t geared develop their theology? Most of the time, go with whatever they towards children. Too often, our worship JH: Example it with your kids. Parents and say—you don’t have to direct them too much. services are only “if you can read, you can kids can do anything together. I have found For my reading child, we do have a book of participate.” So how does our worship service parents and kids like to do the sound booth prayers, some of which she now knows by look if you are a non-reader, and being able together. They can usher together. They can heart. And there are tons of resources like to invite them into roles? That includes things assist ministers together. that to use. way beyond being an acolyte—being able to be an usher, signing the Lord’s Prayer as And at home, also think about doing just one BI: Why is it so important to start early with a part of children’s group (they can do that thing. For instance, in my family we have a faith formation? without ever learning how to read). My Spark Psalm Book, and my daughter loves JH: Kids are already asking big questions. daughter, we were at a retreat, and she’s in to read a psalm every night before bed. And They are already wrestling theologically. And

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I believe as early as we can encourage people ship and quiet and service and knowing they Bunmi Ishola is a with these wondering questions about God, are beloved. The earlier, the better. graduate of Texas A&M and Northwestern University. it will help them be critical thinkers when She currently lives in Hous- they wrestle with faith questions for the rest Faith is a practice; it is an ongoing thing. ton, Texas and teaches 8th of their lives. It will give them more of a wres- Parents don’t have to be experts. And you grade English. tling faith, instead of when they don’t have don’t have to rely on your pastor for every- any answers, giving up on faith and giving up thing, but certainly go to the pastor. If you’ve on God. never built a relationship with him or her, get to know them and ask them questions. We The earlier we start, the earlier they can build are all in this together, and there is no end to in practice of meditation and prayer and wor- faith practice.

www.MartinsList.org

NEW, IMPROVED AND AWESOME! WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: This is user-driven content, so we need your participa- Martin’s List has been under construction with a major tion. These resources can only be helpful if they are overhaul! shared.

The ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s greatest assets As network members there are at least a few things are you, the members and the experiences and you can do to help this reach its full potential: resources you have created and curated over the • upload resources that you have created years. With this update to Martin’s List you will now • encourage others to share their resources through have the capacity to: Martin’s List • easily upload resources to share • comment on resources you’ve used and how you • easily download resources created by fellow net- found them helpful work members • provide feedback on how Martin’s List is or is not • connect with network members and see how they working for you so we can continue to make im- use different resources provements that matter for you • find resources on the fly withmobile-friendly access The possibilities are endless! See you on Martin’s List!

13 PRAYER, YOUTH AND LIVING A VOWED LIFE AS A

BENEDICTINE SISTER IN 2017 by Christopher Zumski Finke

“I’m curious why you would want to interview Sister Linda Soler: I was 8 when my mother So you will have certain sisters that will pray a Catholic Sister for a Lutheran organization.” died of a heart attack in her sleep. My father the rosary at a certain time every day. You will This was the first thing I heard from Sister was 40, and it left him with Five children. If have some sisters take time out and do Lectio Linda Soler when I asked her for an interview. there was ever a time in my life when I asked, Divina maybe in the afternoon or evening. You I had reached out to St. Paul’s Monastery, in where’s Jesus?, it would have been that. Be- will have some sisters who will just pray alone St. Paul, Minnesota, to see if any of the sisters cause I wanted to know what happened. and have that conversation with God. there would want to talk with me about prayer. The Prioress informed that she was I still remember the prayers around all that, I like to sit down at night. My method is sit not available but that I might want to talk to and I remember in my education that we down at night, look back at the day and say, Sister Linda Soler. started every class with a prayer. Eucharist, where was God today? And God’s not always attending mass, were very important. And see- in the positive. God is also in the struggle. And Sister Linda Soler is the membership director ing my father be that role model, along with it’s through the struggle I am able to deepen at St. Paul’s Monastery. She’s also the campus my grandmother. It was through a traumatic my prayer life with God. minister at Hill Murray, a Catholic school experience, for a child to have their eyes serving grades 6-12. Her duties at Hill Murray opened to the question, where is God? And CZF: I think a lot of people have this idea that also include the spiritual coach for the varsity then as I grew older, I began to realize where in Catholic orders it’s really ritualized, every- football team. “I’m a nun all over the field,” she God was. one does everything at the same time in the says. same way. Is there a sense in which it’s about CZF: You said you started to see where God the vows and not necessarily everyone practic- When I got Sister Linda Soler on the phone, was. Can you tell me a little about the answer? ing them in the same way? the first thing we had to do was to address her SLS: I would say, first of all, I was able to SLS: No. The ritualized prayer is huge. It’s so immediate query: Why are Lutherans looking develop a stronger personal relationship with huge that we as Benedictines will vow that we to talk to Benedictine Sisters about prayer? I God by asking questions. Then I was able to will be committed to our Liturgy of the Hours explained that this was the 500th anniversary develop my relationship with God by praying and to our personal prayers. It’s communal of Luther’s 95 Theses, that it seemed like a with others. It was through that that I was able and personal prayer. That’s what the conver- ripe moment to look at what was happening to ask God the questions. sion of life is. But you know, to me, prayer is across parallel lines that have been moving for the practice of the presence of God. the last half a millennium, and ask her what As I got older, in my early 20s, I had to work she might teach us about prayer, youth and out that grieving process (of my mother’s CZF: Can you unpack that a little more, espe- devotion. death). It’s okay to say, God I’m not happy cially as it relates to the daily life of a Benedic- with this. What I was realizing was that I was tine monk or sister? Sister Linda Soler was more than up to that asking the questions, but it wasn’t like he was SLS: For me, my daily prayer is my nourish- task. She has the instincts of a teacher (she giving the answers I wanted. Now, at age 56, ment. We need the spiritual nourishment as corrected my mispronunciation of Benedic- what I have to remind myself is, God hears the well as the physical nourishment. I believe I tine because she “wants to teach me right”), prayer. Am I listening, is the question. get fed when I pray. And sometimes it’s not as and she has respect for the history of her easy to pray on certain days. And even there order (“Benedictines have been around for CZF: For 1,500 years you’ve had a community I have to look at what’s filtering from seeing 1,500 years. I think we’ve proven ourselves.”). built around prayer in the way you practice. the work of God or love—unconditional love, But what came across most was her conta- Can you give me a little perspective on indi- as I like to name it. And then I have to go deep gious laughter, her eagerness to share her vidual prayer life under the Rule of Benedict? Is within and see, what am I anxious about or faith and the inspired nature of her interaction there variability? How does that work? what am I hurt about? Why am I guarding my with her community. SLS: Well there is variability when it comes to heart today? That’s the question. It’s the prac- personal prayer. Even in our vows, if you want tice of the presence of God so when I don’t see This conversation has been lightly edited. to talk about prayer life, Benedictines are the it, then I have to just go a little deeper and ask only ones that vow conversion of life, which that question. Christopher Zumski Finke: Can you share some means we will be faithful to the scriptures of your autobiography as it relates to becoming through our personal and communal prayer. a Benedictine sister?

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CZF: Being someone who lives in a tradition Catholic school. Because here, it’s not an a Benedictine community for more than just that goes back so far, are you ever struck by option. When it comes to prayer, there are a retreat or a visit. We are very much of the anxiety that you’re not praying in the right no computers open. There is no technology times. way? Or that the model exists but maybe going on. I do feel that technology can be a you’re not able to tap into it? distraction, yet it can also be a resource. I Benedict says that. We are to minister to the SLS: Because we’re so ritualized in our com- know students who have apps on their phones needs of the church in the present time. Bene- mon prayer, the question would not be, am I where they have daily prayer, or a quote of the dict was very strict about that. praying correctly? The question would be, am day from scripture. Those are the positives, I listening? One thing that is really awesome the resources. But the distractions can also CZF: What is the biggest misconception, or the about community prayer is that there are take them away from prayer. It’s 50/50. I don’t thing you’d tell people who are curious, about times when I go to prayer and maybe my heart know. life as Benedictine Sister in 2017? is hardened, but I have all the other sisters SLS: I would say we are women who want to surrounding me, and they’re lifting me up in But I will also say, it’s not just youth, either. have an impact on society. And I would also prayer. like to say we are very inviting to men and CZF: What’s it like being part of a Benedic- women to come and visit us. We appreciate In Benedictine life, we say all guests are wel- tine community in the modern world? That’s anything that is of God. Everything is treated comed as Christ. We mean that. We welcome something a lot us simply don’t have a daily as a sacred vessel, from a car to a piece of art. all faiths. Diversity is healthy in our eyes. As understanding of. And so there is a sense of peace, a reverence. long as we’re solid in our community prayer. SLS: That is very interesting. Think about it. To say that sisters or Benedictines are on their The world is heavy on money, power and sex. knees all day long praying would not be a real- CZF: Can you talk about that relationship to We are promoting simplicity, obedience and ity. Our goal is to continue to build the church, intra-faith and diversity, as a Benedictine? chastity. I mean, we are counter-cultural. And welcome all as Christ, and that we invite SLS: It’s Benedict-TIN. I just want to teach you it can be a challenge, absolutely. anyone who is seeking God. right. I’m for teaching. CZF: What are some of the biggest challenges Hospitality is not an option in a Benedictine But the question is diversity. I think we need to that you face? community. be on that journey and learn. That’s the word SLS: Benedictines have been forming com- to emphasize. We need to learn from each munities for 1,500 years under the rule of other. Without judgment. Because once you’re Benedict. We have used the same foundation Christopher comfortable, no matter what faith you are, of prayer in community over the years. We Zumski Finke is a free- once you’re comfortable with your faith with are not looking for new ways to live in com- lance journalist and editor God, out of that comes an openness to where munity with a new meaning. Benedictines are of TheStake.org. Follow him on Twitter people are at. looking for a way to expand our vision of how @christopherzf. He resides to belong, how a seeker can be a part of the in St. Paul, Minnesota with CAF: You work at Hill Murray. What have you Benedictine community. And it’s through that his wife and two children. learned, working with youth? the daily world comes through our doors. And SLS: Youth teach me the joy in life and the bro- that’s not a bad thing. None of this is negative. kenness. But then, it’s not just youth. I learn that from everyone because we’re all broken CZF: So, given 1,500 years of experience, in many ways. But they have such an enthu- obviously the way the Benedictine order does siasm and such energy in wanting to make a community is working. You’re talking about difference. And it’s their energy that teaches getting people to see how that works. What’s me to have hope the primary outreach mode for an order like yours? You have them on all different levels. You SLS: Through the rule. Through word of have to accept them for who they are, and mouth. It’s through our programs. Especially you’ve got to love the Christ in them. Even our Benedictine center. And the web. We, the wounded Christ, you’ve got to love. That’s St. Paul’s Monastery, when we say member- what I learned with youth. ship, the old way of thinking was vowed life: You’re going to enter a formation process and CZF: What have you learned about modern become a sister. Now we have expanded that life, modern technology, distractions and what by saying, you are a seeker, either you’re going youth are facing? to be vowed life, an oblate or an associate, if SLS: I have the advantage of working in a you are looking for any sense of belonging to

15 HOW DO YOU TEACH PRAYER TO YOUNG PEOPLE? Answers from the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Facebook Group

We asked the ELCA Youth Ministry Net- KENNY CHAMPAGNE: We do a prayer for worship, and found that they continued work Facebook group “How do you teach night at least once a year with our high school to imitate this throughout the season, along prayer to young people?” Here are the students. We walk through and experience with a number of adults in the service. I also great ideas you shared. many different types of prayer, including taught yoga prayer, the five-finger prayer, sitting shiva with friends who are hurting to talked through the categories of prayer in MARISSA KOLANDER LETSCHER: centering prayers, where we sit in silence for the Prayers of Intercession in ELW and did a In addition to three Milestones classes on 15-20 minutes. We create an atmosphere of finger prayer labyrinth. prayer and other spiritual practices, we also peace and calm with the lights low, candles lit, teach regular meditation and reflection pillows all around the room. Students were, YVONNE STEINDAL: We do a “Prayer and mindfulness in a once-monthly “Listen- at first, very uncomfortable with the silence Around the Cross” service once a month on ing Day,” where children spend the entire and just sitting focusing on their thoughts Wednesday nights. This is a favorite among education hour engaging in prayer practices. and listening (as was I), but they quickly our youth and children. They are the first We also try to give physical resources to learned to enjoy it. It has become something ones to go up to kneel, pray and light candles. our families to encourage the regular use of they ask for and look forward to, evening It serves as a powerful witness to the adults prayer practices at home, like spiritual journal asking for times like that built into mission in attendance. keeping, mindfulness exercises (Traci Smith trips, etc. has a great tool on Etsy—Family Faith Jars), INGRID ROEDER: I just started teaching monthly blessings, mandalas, “Praying in PASTOR AMY EISENMANN: We have a prayer that my daughter recited as a child. Color,” prayer cubes and prayer pockets. so much fun doing a prayer milestone with It’s sing-songy, poetic and beautiful. Whimsi- our kindergarteners and parents. They go cal. I even remembered it. DAVE ELLINGSON: A wonderful book, station to station and learn about how they “50 Ways to Pray” by Teresa Blythe, offers a can pray at meals, at playtime, at bedtime, SHANNON LYNN: We do a candle time rich variety of prayer practices that can be at the doctor, on their birthday, etc. At each with our youth. We sit in dark with pillows woven into the fabric of ministry with young station, they get another prayer to take home and candles and then share our highs, lows people as well as adults. My favorite, that in the pocket of their prayer pillows (which and wows. We listen to a song or two that is also loved by folks I have taught, is the are made by the quilters). I love it because I play after hearing what they have shared. Nature Lectio Divina, which experiences God often parents are gaining prayer skills right Then someone opens in prayer, and we pray in the created order using all of our senses. alongside their kids! for the person to our right around the circle Truly AWESOME! till we get back to the one who started. Then ED KAY: We’ve been emphasizing the we end with the Lord’s Prayer. This was KRIS HERTSGAARD KINCAID: For seven faith practices this past year during the new to the kids when I came to this church, confirmation students, we have used prayer year and focused on prayer during Lent. For but they love this time, and if we are doing stations occasionally for the weekly lesson. the children’s message during this season, I something else one night and don’t get to do Confirmands move from station to station taught them different ways of praying that it, they miss it! with their small groups. This has been a we reemphasized each week, used in worship powerful experience. We also appreciate and focused more deeply on in their learn- the “Candle Time” resources offered by Peer ing time. First week was teaching the Orans Ministry LLC. position of prayer, which is my prayer posture

16 SUMMER 2017

To unpack the relationship between college part because self-reporting food insecurity wiggle their way over like monsters.” This is students, campus ministries and local congre- comes with stigma and shame,THE according NETWORK to how Pastor Scott Maxwell-Doherty APP! described gations, one need only ask about food. Every- the Washington Post. the event, anyway. one in campus ministries will tell you: Food is a big deal. Free food works like Pavlov’s bell. If The problem was only noticed at the univer- The monsters he mentioned were Cal Lu- Now experience ELCA Youth Ministry Network anytime, you cook it, they will come. sity level in recent years. O’Brien noted that theran students, drawn to the scene by the “UF only discovered in theanywhere last few .years . .renew that your famous faith…experience In-N-Out Burger. powerful “The overwhelming edu- But not always for the same reason. Ask a students were being affectedcation academically opportunities whereverquestion you was: are, Who’s and doingconnect this, with why are you minister working on campus, and they’ll tell because they were hungry.”peers To who address share the the samedoing joys this, and and struggles does it cost in ministry. me anything?” you that students are looking for a place of problem the school created Fork and Field Turns out it didn’t cost anything; Lord of Life their own. Out of the house for the first time, food pantry, which providesYes, puthealthy all this food at and your fingertips--withwas just putting outthe free state burgers. of the “Weart know they’re solely responsible for their time: education to all Gators “aboutapp for how your to iPhonemake or iPad.food This brings app young is free people and togives the table,”you Pastor getting to class, getting their work done and balanced food choices.” The food secu- Maxwell-Doherty told me during our phone unlimited access to these great features: fulfilling their educational and physical needs. rity issue is a big one for Lutheran Campus call. Being a food truck, I knew the table was During those first years on your own, even the Ministries at UF. They organize food drives metaphorical. most basic needs, like feeding your hunger, and service opportunities· with Streaming Fork and videos Field of education events--watch and can be overwhelming. at the 65-year-old Universitylisten Evangelicalfrom home or anywhere!Bringing Instantly people to access the table keynote is a theme of Lutheran Church. talks from past Extravaganzas,Maxwell-Doherty’s webinars from ministry 3rdTuesday this year. Room at Come to the local ELCA campus church, and Conversations and the Practicethe Table Discipleship was Cal Lutheran’s Initiative. chapel All theme for you’ll find food meeting all of students’ needs. I spoke with Pastor O’Brienthese about resources her work are literallylast inyear, the and palm Pastor of your Maxwell-Doherty hand! says Often this food is literal: We all have to eat. on the University of Florida and around the the chapel ministers and speakers have helped

But in the words of campus ministers, the synod’s colleges. And our conversation con- everyone wonder, “How big is the table? How · News and Events - stay up to date on Network happen- food they serve is just as often metaphorical. tinually returned to the need to feed hungry inclusive is it? What do we do when we recog- Sometimes it’s both. students and staff, thoughings. their Add efforts events also to yournize own that calendar, it’s become set reminders, exclusive?” get reach into the local communitydirections, as well. and share with friends-on the spot! Whether it’s for fun or service, feeding Those were the same questions that wander- yourself or another, the measure of campus University Evangelical Lutheran· Discover Church Our Mission,ing Vision, hungry studentsHistory, broughtLeadership to the In-N-Out ministry can be extrapolated from how they hosts Family Promise, whichTeams allows and homeless More - it’s a “NetworkBurger event. Leadership Bring people Directory” to the table in with talk about food. families to live in the church for a week. These free burgers, but let them know why you do it. your pocket, with leadership roles, bios, and more. Plus all families can use the church’s resources to look “We got to identify as a faith community that the info on the Network’s history, and where we’re going FOOD, SHELTER, AND A SENSE OF for work and meet other basic needs, while worships every Sunday night and let them BELONGING campus groups providetogether! meals and make con- know they’re always welcome.” Among the student body of the University of nections with the families. Sometimes, Florida, 10 percent suffer from food inse- students will visit with the· familiesContact as Info they - Got questions?Identifying Call as a or faith e-mail group us is directly the purpose of curity. “That’s a huge number,” says Sharon move from church to churchfrom aroundthe contact the page. these “fun food events,” Maxwell-Doherty O’Brien, diaconal minister of the University Gainesville area. says. But the point is not to put butts in pews. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gainesville, · Support the Network“We Easily! don’t -do With these just things two toclicks! build attendance. Florida. The problem is not just students. “We Pastor O’Brien was clear that Lutheran Cam- Attendance might be the result of, but not a Completely secure, you can make gifts or donations to have staff that are hungry too,” O’Brien says. pus Ministries at UF goes beyond the reach of precondition for. We want to do this because “The minimum wage is high, but the cost of food drives and serving supportfood to the the homeless. Network simplyit’s fun.” and quickly. living is higher.” But the reality remained clear: Hunger was the issue. “Make no bones· aboutInvite it,” Others O’Brien and ShareFun, simply- Share put, content appears effortlessly to be one of on the Food insecurity is a growing problem on told me as we wrapped yourup our favorite conversation. social site: Facebook,central goals Twitter, of campus SMS, ministries and e-mail. and Lord of America’s campuses. The inability to secure “Food is a big issue. You“Go will alwaysviral” with find anythingstu- andLife oneverything, the Cal Lutheran and help campus. others It’s not their only effort; issues oriented work drives their a reliable source of nutrition leaves students dents are interested in astay free connected! meal.” struggling “to reach milestones, such as year- ministry as well. For example, this year, a wider to-year persistence and certificate or degree HOW BIG IS THE TABLE…AT YOUR ELCA effort to aid Syrian refugees energized completion,” according to recent Higher Ed FOOD TRUCK? Why wait? Download thiscampus. free app Students today created in the Appschool Store packs for research. As a result, these students “need At the beginning of last andsemester, Google Lord Marketplace. of Life, children and collected clothing and blankets additional institutional support to continue the campus church of California Lutheran for Syrian refugee families. The charity event their studies.” National data on the number of University, hosted a foodRenew, truck from Educate In-N-Out and Connect. was an Put attempt the entire to combat Network the impulse, in com- students going hungry is difficult to gather, in Burger. “That smell goesyour out, pocket! and people just mon in the face of global crises, to “throw our

17 CORPORATE PRAYER by George Baum

I had considered laying out my own views on The Anglican Communion (of which the Epis- in order to worship God. But along the way, private prayer in this little postage stamp of a copal Church is a part, in an often erstwhile week after week, month after month, year column, but it’s probably true that someone way) is held together by common worship, after year, we are being slowly molded into else will say everything I was going to say. My rather than common belief or doctrine. As I’ve people who believe just a little more today main view of private prayer could be summed said in this space before, the basic under- than we did yesterday. up like this: Prayer does not change God; standing is: Believe whatever you want; just prayer changes us. I’m guessing that’s been be sure you worship using the liturgy in this dealt with elsewhere in this issue, so I’m going particular book. Which is kind of a little sleight George Baum is an to focus instead on something near and dear of hand, because Anglicans also often proclaim Episcopal Priest who lives in to my heart, which I bring up every possible that Latin phrase, lex orandi, lex credendi. So, Cleveland, Ohio, with his chance I get, which is the Latin phrase, in using that Book of Common Prayer, we are family and their cats. He spent 29 years playing in lex orandi, lex credendi. in fact developing a theology when we’re not the band “Lost And Found,” looking. which stopped touring in Though it sounds like a spell from a Harry Pot- 2015, but is still available for parties (if they’re good ter book, the phrase literally means, “the law As Lutherans well know, most of the words we ones). of praying is the law of believing,” which really use in liturgy are taken directly from scrip- means, “praying shapes believing,” or “as we ture. There’s theology in them there words! worship, so we believe.” This concept is quite And in repeating them week after week, year important to us Anglican types, and for good after year, we internalize them over a lifetime. reason. We are not a “confessional” church, in When we enter into liturgical action together, the sense of having a commonly agreed upon we are praying together. And in praying set of beliefs. And the various prayer books together, we are being shaped and formed to- throughout the Anglican Communion are all gether, into one body in Christ. Our corporate very intentionally crafted to bring together worship does not change God, but it certainly those who lean Catholic and those who lean changes us. Protestant. (This goes back to the “Elizabe- than Settlement,” which was a very British Praying shapes believing. And the more name for the plea, “everybody just get along, we pray together, the more we are shaped okay?”) together. We gather together in public prayer

18 Experience Lutherans Outdoors in South DakotaSUMMER 2017 Where Faith Becomes Life

Native American Mission Experiences • Adventures • Summer Camps Year-round Retreats • Horse Programs • All Ages and All Abilities

NESODAK OUTLAW RANCH KLEIN RANCH JOY RANCH

Learn more at losd.org. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota welcomes all to explore and experience Christ’s love in community and creation.

19 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! THRIVENT CHOICE The Network is grateful to its individual donors and organizational partners for supporting its mission and vision for the future. The Network is funded in 3 ways: Thrivent Members Can Now Choose The Network! Extravaganza fees cover approximately 2/3 of the cost EX of the event. The remaining 1/3 is covered by TRAV The ELCA Youth Ministry Network organizational and partnership gifts. AG is now a recipient of Thrivent Choice A extravaganza N ZA dollars! Folks who have access to these R Network operational costs are covered by E dollars can go to the Thrivent choice GISTRA membership dues. page and designate the Network as the

operating T recipient of your dollars! It’s a great way IO Funding for developing our future vision comes from expenses N Connect Journal • Staff • Publicity • Etc... to support the Network! financial gifts from individuals, and organizations. MEMBERSHIP DUES To make a donation, please go to: www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice . Log in, These individuals have made a special gift during the current fiscal year to help further the mis- and from there you can search for the sion of the Network. We are grateful for their support! ELCA Youth Ministry Network in the Rachel Alley Chelle Huth Charlene Rineer listing of approved organizations, and Wendy Black Gary Knutson Charlie Roberts make your designation! Thank you to all Todd Buegler Lisa Kramme Terri Robertson who have chosen the Network for your David Ellingson Leann Kruse-Arcia Mary Sauger donations so far! Terri Elton Kinda Makini Beth Schneider Megan Floyd Ian McConnell Ashley Strelau Amy Gibson Sue Mendenhall Tara Ulrich Shannon Greely Mary (Peg) Miller Larry Wagner Richard A. Hardel Jan Mills Chris Wagner Barbara Harner Brent S. Palochonski Amy Wagner Tamara Howes Gary Pecuch David Wolfe Suzanne Hunstad Olson Manuel Retamoza

These organizations have taken the extra step to become Network partners this year to provide support for the Network. We are grateful for their support!

Gold Partners: Silver Partners: Augsburg College Augsburg Fortress Vibrant Faith Ministries Luther Seminary Trinity Lutheran Seminary Wheat Ridge Ministries ELCA World Hunger Wartburg Seminary Youth Leadership ELCA - Congregational & Synodical Mission Unit Camp Frederick Faith Growth Faith Inkubators GSB - Mike Ward Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Mission Investment Fund Conferences Old Lutheran Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota Portico Benefit Services Novus Way Ministries Upper Missouri Ministries Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Thrivent Financial Ministries 20 SUMMER 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: www.elcaymnet.org/calendar

Start Date End Date Name Location Contact Person Email 09/17/17 09/22/17 Certificate in Children, Youth & Wartburg Seminary Tom Schwolert [email protected] Adult Volunteers, 5:00pm 3:00pm Family Ministry Leadership` Adult Professionals 10/15/17 10/20/17 Certificate in Children, Youth & Bear Creek Camp - Wiles- Tom Schwolert [email protected] Adult Volunteers, 5:00pm Family Ministry Leadership` Barre, PA Adult Professionals 01/25/18 01/26/18 Intensive Care Course - The Hyatt Regency - Houston, Terri Elton [email protected] Adult Volunteers 1:00pm 4:00pm Extravaganza 2018 Texas Adult Professionals 01/26/18 01/29/18 Extravaganza 2018! The Hyatt Regency - Houston, Todd Buegler [email protected] Adult Volunteers 7:00pm 12:00pm Texas Adult Professionals 06/27/18 07/01/18 ELCA Youth Gathering Houston, Texas Molly Beck Dean [email protected] 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering 7:00pm 12:00pm Leaders Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals 01/30/20 01/31/20 Intensive Care Course - The Hyatt Regency - Anaheim, Terri Elton [email protected] Adult Volunteers 1:00pm 4:00pm Extravaganza 2020 California Adult Professionals 01/31/20 02/03/20 Extravaganza 2020! The Hyatt Regency - Anaheim, Todd Buegler [email protected] Adult Volunteers 7:00pm 12:00pm California Adult Professionals

3rd Tuesday Conversations are monthly gatherings of Our conversations: friends. They are great continuing education events. They We use online webinars. You can log are opportunities to hear from, and interact with experts in in to a special webinar site and listen the field. 3TC conversations are free for Network members. to the conversation while watching images on your screen. Or, you can watch on the computer while calling We are currently on hiatus: in and listening on your phone. Stay tuned at www.elcaymnet.org/3tc for information You will have opportunities to ask All 3TC conversations begin at: questions as well. 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 1:00 p.m. Central 12:00 p.m. Mountain, 11:00 a.m. Pacific Join the conversation! www.elcaymnet.org/3tc

21 B:8.625” T:8.5” S:7.5” B:11.125” S:10” T:11”

You could invest in an ordinary IRA. Or you could invest in an IRA that lends a helping hand.

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH LAVALLETTE, NEW JERSEY

Save for retirement with the Mission Investment Fund and you might just save an ELCA congregation. That’s because your investments earn a great rate of return and ﬁ nance loans To learn more about the competitive to ELCA congregations like Faith Lutheran. When Superstorm interest rates and flexible terms we offer on Sandy destroyed the renovations Faith had ﬁ nanced with a wide range of investments for individuals an MIF loan, MIF deferred Faith’s loan payments until the and congregations as well as ministry congregation got back on its feet. Why invest in just any IRA loans, contact our financial services center when you can invest in one with a heart? at mif.elca.org or 877.886.3522.

IRAs • TERM INVESTMENTS • SAVINGS ACCOUNTS • MINISTRY LOANS

Mission Investment Fund investments are subject to certain risks. See “Risk Factors” in the MIF Offering Circular. MIF investments are not bank accounts. As securities issued by a nonproﬁ t institution, the investments are not insured by FDIC, SIPC or any other federal or state regulatory agency. The securities are sold only by means of the Offering22 Circular. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described here.

JOB: MIF15516 NAME: MIF15516_Floor_YMNP.indd FONTS: Gotham HTF (Light Condensed, Medium, Book, Book Italic), MrsEaves AS CLIENT: ELCA-MIF ROUND: 1 (Italic) MEDIA TYPE: Magazine LAST SAVED: 3-3-2016 10:51 AM IMAGES: MIF15516_Paper_Bkgd_YMNP.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), PUB: ELCA Youth Ministry Network Pub PATH: Macintosh HD:Users:mfast:Deskt...MNP:Fi- MIF11814_Floor_Magazine.tif (CMYK; 722 ppi; 41.5%), ELCA_MIF_ AD ISSUE: None nal:MIF15516_Floor_YMNP.indd Logo_63_43_82_30.ai (58.1%) AS: Mike Finke PRINTED AT: None INKS: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black CW AD: Kari Grundman BLEED: 8.625” x 11.125” CW: None TRIM: 8.5” x 11” PP: Carrie Seanor LIVE: 7.5” x 10” PP SA: Matt Fast

NOTES: None SUMMER 2017

The Hyatt Regency Houston, Texas Main Event: January 26-29, 2018 Intensive Care Courses: January 26-27, 2018

More information at: www.elcaymnet.org

23 ELCA Youth Ministry Network 150 Oakwood Lane Owatonna, Mn 55060

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