Youth News
 for Zion's "Youtherans"


    Confirmation
        Bowling
          2/12
Confirmation students and mentors will be bowling on Sunday, January 12th  from 1-3 p.m. at Lakeway Lanes in Milaca. The cost is $10 per person and that covers shoe rental, two games, and pizza. Students - please remember to invite your mentor!
 
     The Bishop
     is Coming!
         2/15
Our bishop, Rev Tom Aitken will be with us for our last confirmation class of this year. Students are encouraged to bring their parents and all members of Zion are invited to join us at 7 p.m. at Trinity. It will be an evening of great conversation, some teaching, some laughs, some great faith sharing, and a worthwhile evening for all. Plan to join us.
        30 Hour Famine
      2/28 - 2/19
Attention: Senior High Youth, grades 9-12! We will be sponsoring the 30-Hour Famine from 9 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday with a meal to follow. Please see Terry Hamblin, Dan Niedzielski, or Mary Jo Gruba for sponsor envelopes. More details to follow.

 
         Middle School        Winter Retreat
       2/24 - 2/26		 This is an AWESOME retreat for 6th thru 8th graders who want to get away for a FANTASTIC weekend of COOL Christian stuff, FUN activities, and SWEET food. Summer college staff will be around to make this an EXCEPTIONAL  event you will want to BRING your friends to. It is ALL GOOD! Cost: $65 per person. Friday, 7 p.m. until SUnday, 11 a.m. Two nights, four meals, lots of fun! See PAstor Blenkush about the BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT!
Check it out on our web site.
    Cardia Deo
       3/2 - 3/4
For Senior High Youth and leaders. "We are Called, Equipped, and Sent to Share the Heart of God (Cardia Deo) in the World" This year's focus is on what it means to be SENT. Bible studies led by Lutheran Youth Outreach and college interns, servant events, worship, mystery event, camp life, and an adult track led by the retreat Chaplain all make this a deeply meaningful, fun, and faith-nurturing event. For more information, see Pastor Blenkush. It's at Big Sandy Camp in McGregor. Financial assistance is available.
              1/16 Ski
   Wild Mountain
Check out a few photos from the January 16th ski trip to Wild Mountain. We had a great time and only one trip to the ER!
         Middle School          Gathering
 November 18-19		 See some  photos from the 2011 Middle School Gathering!
           Elementary          School Retreat
       1/27-1/28

Elementary Winter Retreat: January 27-28 - Calling all kids grades 3-6! Come on up to Camp Onomia for an awesome weekend of winter fun, games, Bible study, and worship. Bring your best friends along because this is going to be something to experience together. Friday night through Saturday afternoon,will be packed with songs and games led by our returning summer staff. Go online and sign up today or join a group from your church!
      Affirmation
         of Faith
      October 30 
On Sunday, Oct. 30, nine of Zion's young adults  participated in the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism. As a part of our Sunday morning worship, they claimed the promises made at their baptism for their own. They  promised to:
* live among God's faithful people;
* to continue to hear God's word and share in His supper;
* to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed.
* to serve all people, following the example of Jesus;
* to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Pretty tall promise don't you think? And yet, each of us who has participated in this rite also known as Confirmation has also made these very same promises. So, how are your promises holding up? Perhaps this year you might want to silently follow along and join each of the students as they respond: "We do, and we ask God to help and guide us." And just as each of us needs to remember in our prayers to ask for God's Spirit to assist us in keeping our promises, your prayers for these individuals would also be greatly appreciated.
(a few photos)
   
Feed My Starving Children Photos
On Monday, June 13th 25 of Zion's members  headed down to the Coon Rapids facility to pack food to be sent to feed malnourished children in developing countries. See photos from this servant event.
              Support
         Lutheran
         Outdoor                 Ministries
Did you know that when a child spends a week at Church/Bible Camp, faith is lived out every hour of the day? Unlike most places we spend out time, campers are drawn into the ritual and rhythm of faithful life together. Want to make a difference in the life of our youth? Encourage them to attend one of our Lutheran Bible camps and/or be sure to support Zion Camperships and help make it financially possible for a child to go to camp this summer. For more information, see Pastor Blenkush.
        ELCA National    Youth Gathering
      in 2012       

The next National Youth Gathering  will be July 18-22, 2012.  Between Zion and Trinity, we have nine youth planning to register for this gathering.  Registration remains open thru the beginning of September. Please contact PAstor Blenkush for more info.
Again the journey will take us to New Orleans, with stops along the way - perhaps Baton Rouge LA, Biloxi MS, or Mobile AL. The theme for the gathering will be "With the Saints, Citizens," based on Ephesians 2:14-20. (19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,)This is a marvelous, lifelong experience. The event will be open to all youth currently in grades 8-11. At this point, youth and parents need to prayerfully consider making the journey. Adult leaders will be needed. This is an incredible journey to experience faith in God and formation for life!
          Confirmation        Spring Retreat
          2011		  
The Spring Confirmation Retreat was at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.  This retreat was for all confirmation students in grades 7-9. 19 kids went and had a great time. Thanks to the adults who went with us! Here are some photos Pastor Steve took.
          Why Go          Lutheran?

 

  Are you, or someone you love, searching for a college or university to attend? If so, check out the new video “Why Go Lutheran?” and its website WhyGoLutheran? The 3-minute video is not your typical recruiting film. It’s a clever animation that lays out all the reasons why a student should “go Lutheran.”
      Camperships
You can help kids go to camp! We encourage our youth to go to attend our Lutheran Bible Camps and experience the love and power of God is new ways. Zion offers camperships to its younger members to help make camp a possibility for everyone. Pick up a Campership form, fill it out, and return it to the church office - one form for each child. The church treasurer will send the campership money to the camp. A campership will cover for half the cost - for a weekend or half week camp , up to $75, or up to $190 for a week long camp


     




Mission Trip 2010:
Milwaukee

On Friday July 16th 20 youth and adults from Zion and Trinity left for an inner city Mission Trip in Milwaukee. They are back and there are photos for you to look at!  The following individuals  participated: Katie Blenkush, Connor Crook, Andrea Dahlen, Jorgen Erickson, Justin Fransen, Ashlynn Harlan, Jake Hoskins, John Knapp, Andy Manoleff, Cole Manthie, Alysa Niedzielski, Orianna Scherer, Spencer Slade, Cameron Sundberg, Anna Totzke, Makayla Wiedewitsch, John Cook, Joyce Sundberg, Dawn Reede and Pastor Stephen Blenkush. 
 
      

ZZ
Topics

9:15 AM Sunday mornings,  the ZZ TOPIC
 (Zion Zone Teens of Power in Christ) group for high school teens meets in the basement.  Join us!


     


Prayer
Blocks

"Passing on the Faith Table Grace Prayer Blocks"
will be available and all proceeds will go toward Youtheran activities.