WINTER 2017 Winter 2017 • $8.95
Journal of Children, Youth & Family Ministry
The
Mental Health Issue
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WINTER 2017
PUBLICATION INFORMATION Published by: ELCA Youth Ministry Network www.elcaymnet.org
CONTENTS Welcome! 4 Todd Buegler Out of the Depths 5 Robert H. Albers, Ph.D. Tell Your Story 7 Tara Ulrich Youth as Caregivers for Other Youth 9 Lyle Griner Wholeness and Connectedness: A Bible Study on Mental Health 11 Elise Seyfried Me—a First Responder? Considerations When Identifying Youth Risk Behaviors 13 Karen Ortloff Interview with Monica Coleman, author of “Bipolar Faith” 16 Christopher Zumski Finke
Subscription Information: call 866-ELCANET (352-2638) or visit: www.elcaymnet.org connect@elcaymnet.org
Design and Layout: Michael Sladek Impression Media Group www.impressionmediagroup.com
Managing Editor: Erin Gibbons
Connect Editorial Board: Todd Buegler, Tim Coltvet, Nate Frambach, Sue Mendenhall, Dawn Rundman, Clint Schnekloth, Michael Sladek
Cover Photo: Michael Sladek www.msladekphoto.com
Help For Youth in Crisis 18 Noami Krueger Growing Old George Baum
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Interview with Paul Amlin Bunmi Ishola
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Calendar of Events 23
UPCOMING CONNECT ISSUE THEMES:
What’s Prayer? (Spring ‘17) Scripture, Practice & Why Nobody Wants To Do Bible Study Anymore (Fall ‘17)
ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK BOARD 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
Sue Megrund: Board Member
Rev. Todd Buegler: Executive Director
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
It was a Wednesday night and I was sitting in my office when one of our building hosts popped his head in and said, “There’s someone here who is looking for assistance. Can you talk to him?” “Sure, I’ll be right down,” I replied. It’s not unusual to have people seeking financial assistance stop by, seeking a gas card or a grocery voucher. I sat down with this individual in the narthex, and pretty early in the conversation, I could tell this was not a typical “ask.” The person’s story quickly took a couple of unexpected left turns, as he started telling me about his grandmother, who was stealing everything he had; about the principal at his high school who sabotaged his academic records and about his brothers, who were out to get him and he was running from. I realized pretty quickly that I was in over my head. This gentleman had issues that no gas card or grocery voucher could begin to touch. And there was no way that I was equipped to assist him. I asked him if it would be ok if I called the police, who might be able to help him in ways I couldn’t. He asked why, and I said, “It seems like you’re kind of overwhelmed right now, and when you’re overwhelmed it’s hard to think straight. I’m sure the police could help you get to people who can help you. Is that something you’d be willing to let me do?” He nodded. I went to the phone and called 911. Thirty minutes later, the police department was kindly and gently escorting this man to their squad car to drive him to our hospital’s ER, where he would be assessed. I think of this man often and wonder about what happened to him. What kind of treatment did he receive? Where is he now? Is he OK? When I think of him, I’m reminded of how little I know. As I’ve encountered people like him, or people struggling with issues of depression, eating disorders, dementia, or as I’ve done funerals for people who have taken their own lives, I’m struck by how much my ministry is affected by mental illness. We’re not counselors nor psychologists. Our task is to refer individuals to those experts when there is a need. But we need to know and understand as much as we can about mental health and mental illness. In this issue of Connect, we are looking at mental health. What do we need to know? How can we learn these things and what kind of resources and tools can we develop so that we hear someone say, “There is someone here who needs assistance,” we can be ready for to help any person who walks in our door. God bless your ministry!
Todd Buegler Executive Director – ELCA Youth Ministry Network Pastor – Trinity Lutheran Church; Owatonna, Minnesota Todd@elcaymnet.org
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Congratulations to Dennis “Tiger” McLuen, who was awarded the 2017 Tom Hunstad Award for Excellence in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at the 2017 Extravaganza. Tiger, who announced his upcoming retirement, serves as the Executive Director of Youth Leadership, based in Minneapolis.
Thanks to Paul Amlin, the Program Director for Youth Ministries in the ELCA Churchwide Offices, who recently took a new call to serve as pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Thank you for all you’ve done to advance faith formation in the church!
Thanks to Scott Maxwell-Doherty, who is stepping down as the Event Director for the Network’s Extravagnaza after serving in that role for 11 years. We’re grateful for your leadership! Welco me to Gray Kawamba, who recently took the position of Program Director for Young Adult Ministries in the Churchwide Offices!
At the Network’s Board of Director’s meeting at the Extravaganza, Tom Schwolert was elected to serve as the board’s chairperson. Tom lives in Dallas, Texas and serves with Vibrant Faith Ministries.
There are lots of opportunities to serve as a volunteer within the Network. If you’re interested in seeing where your gifts might fit, please go to www.elcaymnet.org/ volunteer.
WINTER 2017
OUT OF THE DEPTHS
by Robert H. Albers, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!” Psalm 130:1-2 This plaintive lament is an appropriate biblical metaphor for the experience of someone suffering from a mental illness. Mental illness, with its manifold manifestations, is an “equal opportunity” illness. It is no respecter of age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or identity. It is a reality of existence for countless lives who are in the depths. An attempt to address this phenomenon among young adults is a critically important issue for those who are engaged in ministry as lay persons or clergy. It is imperative to articulate three preliminary concerns prior to considering some of the more frequent diagnoses of mental illness among young adults. First, the reality of social stigma associated with mental illness is still alive and well, as evidenced by the pejorative language used in characterizing those who suffer from these illnesses. Both society and the church have no problems discussing, diagnosing, accepting and praying for those who have other medical maladies, but when it comes to a “broken brain,” silence often prevails. The stigma of an “unsanctioned illness” is such that a sense of disgrace shame and subsequent secrecy or denial of the illness frequently occurs. It is imperative to openly discuss the topic that occasions so much emotional pain and death. Second, as people in ministry, our work is not to be diagnosticians or to make medical decisions on behalf of others regarding mental illness, or any other illness for that matter. It does behoove us to be aware of the symptoms and to encourage young people who are having problems to speak with their parents or guardian and to consult with a physician to allow her or him to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment if needed.
Third, a continuing and supportive relationship with the young adult and her or his family is critical. Since the sense of shame often occasions secrecy and silence, a trusting and confidential relationship of support, acceptance and love is invaluable for the healing process. Ministry can become the good news in action for those mired in the depths! Space precludes consideration of every possible mental illness that afflicts young people. If you wish to secure additional information, it is suggested that you consult “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). In this article, information regarding the more frequently experienced mental illnesses among young adults will be addressed, featuring also identifying symptoms. Following the description of each illness, suggestions will be posited relative to how one might do effective ministry when encountering a diagnosed mental illness.
DEPRESSION Depression is a mood disorder and has been referred to as the “common cold” of mental illness. Statistically it is the most pervasive of the mental illnesses across the life spectrum. It is unfortunate that the word “depression” is so commonly used to describe a “down day” in one’s life. We say that we feel depressed, but a clinical diagnosis of depression is a serious and dangerous illness. As young people mature sexually, depression can be a result of issues having to do with their sexual orientation (lesbian, gay or bi-sexual) or sexual identity (transgender). Entrenched prejudicial social and ecclesial attitudes toward those who are LGBT or who are confused about their sexual orientation or identity is a particularly critical issue for young adults who may concomitantly suffer a depressive episode as a consequence of this life crisis.
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Ministry involves developing a trusting and confidential relationship so that the young person is able to articulate her or his feelings. Acceptance of the illness as one feature of the human condition is important and “legitimating the lament” is a way to signal your sensitivity and understanding. Receiving the assurance that the illness can be treated provides a modicum of hope that the person is not doomed to remain “in the depths.” It is important that the young person understand that this is a treatable illness and that her or his faith is not in jeopardy and the illness is not punishment for sin or failure. Since thoughts of suicide can be entertained, it is important to question, “Have you considered hurting yourself? “If the answer is “Yes,”, then ask, “Do you have a plan?” If so, then “Do you have the means to carry out that plan?” If the answer to these questions is affirmative, then taking the person to the ER or calling 911 is in order, as well as informing the parents or guardian of what has occurred. The safety of the young person is primary and critical. The rate of suicide among teens is alarming and needs to be directly addressed. The rate of suicide for LGBT young people is about triple of that for heterosexual teens. Addressing these issues in a safe educational setting can be a significant preventive measure.
ANXIETY DISORDER Another disorder deals with the phenomenon of anxiety. Anxiety is a “normal” reaction to situations involving any kind of threat or danger that results in behavior that prompts fleeing, fighting or freezing. The “panic attack” is one manifestation that evokes intense fear or terror, or the thought that something cataclysmic is about to occur in the person’s life. Somatic irregularities such as a pounding heart, profuse perspiring, trembling, shortness of breath or the feeling of being choked can occur. Intestinal problems, feeling faint, fear of losing control or fear of impending death are
among the symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack. The various phobias that provoke an inordinate fear of a particular person, place, thing or circumstance can result in disproportionate anxiety. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another category of an anxiety disorder. Young people who have experienced a traumatic event, tragedy or sexual assault—whether by a family member, acquaintance or stranger—are particularly vulnerable to PTSD. Persistent nightmares, erratic behavior and exaggerated, but very real fears are endemic to this malady. Those diagnosed with these disorders are particularly In need of a “ministry of presence,” so that one listens carefully without judgment to horror stories. It is imperative to take their narratives seriously without judgment or interrogation. The young person needs the time and space to confidentially share their deepest experiences and fears that have resulted in an anxiety disorder. Suggesting a biblical passage, such as “Have no anxiety about your life” (Matthew 6:25) and other such admonitions exacerbate the anxiety, for now the person has a sense of guilt added to her or his already troubled life. Listen to the narrative and accept the reality of the anxiety. Reassure the young person that she or he is not condemned to being forever frenetically frantic. If the anxiety becomes debilitating, it is imperative to see a physician and have the malady treated medically and/or therapeutically. The trusted youth pastor or lay leader is in a strategic position to support and encourage the young person to seek the help that she or he needs.
ADDICTION Addictions are divided into two categories. The first is addiction to “mood altering substances,” such as narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens and cannabis. The second category of addictions are called either “process” or “behavioral” addictions, such as gambling, shopping, the internet, sex or work. Multiple addictions are often the case. Young people are particularly prone to addiction. The earlier one begins the use or
succumbs to the behavior, the more quickly the “addictive cycle” is set in motion. Mood altering substances deliver a feeling of being high and a sense of courage to challenge authority figures. The behavior is dangerous, as seen in the carnage on the highways, the frequent “overdose” phenomenon and the illicit behavior that results in arrests as well as the threat of death. Ministry consists first and foremost of recognizing the reality and the pervasiveness of addiction, eliminating the defense of denial of its presence and deliberately confronting the reality and impact of addiction in the family system. Scare tactics, judgmental attitudes and shaming are inappropriate and an exercise in futility. Education concerning addiction is helpful, but not the panacea that some would suggest. When working with someone who is addicted or with her or his family, the gravity of the situation can be emphasized by stating that there are four inevitable consequences of addiction: death, incarceration as a result of illicit behavior, institutionalization necessitated by the irreparable damage done to the brain and other parts of the body occasioned by heavy and protracted use and recovery. This is one way of impressing upon the addict and her or his family that the situation is grave and hopefully recovery is the path that will be chosen. Sustained recovery featuring “sobriety with serenity” can be experienced with the help of an abstinent peer support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and companion groups such as Al-Anon and Alateen for family and friends who have been adversely affected by the illness. All of these resources have a significant and deep spiritual component and are the most effective resources that one can have for ministry. As youth leaders, contact with persons who have sustained sobriety for several years, can be of immense value in involving parishioners in sustained recovery.
EATING DISORDERS The designation of eating disorders falls into two major categories. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a body 6
weight that is commensurate with the age and development of the person. Anorexia features an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even when the person is under normal weight. A distorted self-image and a false perception of the self accompany this illness. While the illness is traditionally associated primarily with females, young males also can fall victim to this illness. For example, wrestlers who need to “make weight” for a particular weight class can contract the illness. The other basic type of eating disorder is bulimia nervosa. One of the features of this eating disorder is binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting. Those who suffer from bulimia are particularly conscious of the contours of the body. If this behavior occurs twice a week for a period of three months, the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa likely can be made. Ministry with those who are suffering from an eating disorder needs to proceed carefully and with caution. It is important not to be critical of the person or to focus on the eating disorder itself. The sensitivity of those who have this illness is always finely tuned, so care and discretion are critical. If the young person is open to sharing her or his story, your undivided attention to the life experiences she or he has had is important. On occasion, sexual and physical abuse can be factors in this illness. Providing support, care, concern and patience with the person is imperative. Hopefully professional help in terms of time in an eating disorder unit becomes the primary way in which to address the eating disorder issue. As with other illnesses, support and care for those who live in the household is also important, as the singular focus of attention can be on the person with the illness while ignoring or discounting other members of the family system.
AUTISM The diagnosis of autism is sometimes noted early on in childhood, or it may initially be detected later in adolescence. The range of severity is likewise on a continuum from minimal or high functioning to severe with significant impairment, contingent on the presenting behavior in the life of the individual.
WINTER 2017
The symptoms of autism are extremely varied. It might involve difficulties in dealing with nonverbal communication or problems in relationships with peers. There is a strong tendency to isolate and to focus on a singular aspect or activity in life. Sharing personal experiences or feelings is problematic, resulting in limited social and emotional involvement. On occasion there can be severe problems in using language or engaging in a mutual conversation. The inability to empathize with the situation of others is such that the autistic person presents her or himself as being selfcentered. There may be repetitive behavior or rigidity and lack of flexibility with regard to routines. In some instances movement with hands, arms or the entire body is evident. This person is socially considered as being “odd” and not fitting into the social matrix appropriate to her or his age. Young people suffering from this illness are often victims of bullying and exclusion, thus exacerbating the sense of feeling excluded from social interaction. The self-imposed isolation and escape often into fantasy is understandable, as is the indictment that this person is selfish, egocentric and incapable of significant human relationships. A ministry of care and compassion is critical for both the young person suffering with autism as well as the family. A trusting relationship is imperative to establish, even if it may take a little more time, effort and energy to do so. As with all mental illnesses, honoring the person with the illness is paramount. The apostle Paul writes about the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22ff, all of which need to be employed in doing ministry with the young person and her or his family. Perhaps the gift of patience is most urgent in dealing with the erratic moods, attitudes and behavior. Showing patience will help the child suffering from autism senses that she or he belongs to a safe community and that her or his limitations are accepted.
SCHIZOPHRENIA While schizophrenia is not as rampant as are the others previously considered, it may be the most difficult to manage because individuals with this psychotic disorder have very limited insight and often discontinue medications that can be helpful. There are a variety
of manifestations of this illness that employ qualifying adjectives to designate the type of schizophrenia as paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated. There are three categories of primary symptoms associated with schizophrenia: bizarre delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or thinking or extreme or disorganized behavior. Every person who is diagnosed with schizophrenia will exhibit her or his own unique experience and expression of the illness, so there is no way to know how the illness will manifest itself. The behavior can be frightening and confusing for those around the person suffering from schizophrenia. Family members and close friends, as well as the person her or himself, experience extreme grief because the life of a very promising young person with a vibrant personality suddenly disappears. To add to the grief and frustration, the bizarre manifestations can be attenuated with medication, but the individuals with this illness are not able to understand that the medications are responsible for normal functioning and oftentimes stop taking them. Without the medication, the person likely will sink back into the world of psychosis. Families are critically important and can benefit from family support groups that are available through organizations such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Ministry with and for the person suffering from the illness and significant others is a challenge. Support groups for the one suffering the illness as well as significant others are available. The support group becomes a community of love, acceptance and relationships. As you conduct your ministry with a young person who suffers from some form of schizophrenia, it is imperative that your attitude convey love, understanding and acceptance of this person created in the image of God and of inestimable worth and value. The best ministry is to cultivate an unqualified caring relationship and friendship.
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“The bravest thing you’ll ever do is tell your story!” —Brené Brown It took me 18 years to tell my own family’s story because of the stigma associated with the illness. I am the daughter of a woman who daily lives with a mental illness. Shortly after my sister was born, our mom had a nervous breakdown. Growing up, I do not remember a time when Mom was not at least in the hospital once a year. Since I am the oldest, I grew up much faster than I should have had to. The illness has brought about many challenges in my life. During my freshman year of high school, my parents divorced. In the fall of 2003, my sister and I became Mom’s legal guardians and are solely responsible for her healthcare decisions. I’ll admit that I never thought that I would be the one caring for a parent instead of Mom caring for us. Every day I struggle with this responsibility in my life. This journey is not an easy journey. In fact, most days I find myself crying out to God. And other days, I just have to let the tears fall. But it has been through my friends, family and, most especially, my faith that I am able to live as a daughter of a woman who struggles every day with a mental illness. The advice I would give to anyone who wants to walk with families living with a mental illness is to listen to their stories, ask how they’re doing and offer to take them out for a meal. Sometimes we just need a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. And most of all, pray! When Mom has been at her lowest low, the prayers and care of others is what has continually sustained me.
Tara Ulrich is a Deacon who serves as the Director of Home and Family Ministry at First Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota.
CONCLUSION Attempting to capture in a brief article the multiple diagnoses of mental illnesses that can afflict young people, the taxonomy of such illnesses and the efforts that are made to deal realistically with the person who is ill and her or his family is impossible. In closing, here are a few things to keep in mind, when engaging in this ministry:
5. Attempt to normalize the situation by honestly identifying the illness and how it affects the person and family. The situation is dictated by the dynamics of the disease and human volition is often rendered inconsequential as the illness controls the life of the one who is suffering. Thus developing a new normal is necessitated.
1. Unconditional acceptance and unqualified love for the person who is suffering and her or his family incarnates the love of God in the lives of suffering people. People experiencing mental illnesses seem to sense whether others condemn or whether they care about them.
6. Work patiently with both the afflicted and the affected and enable them to accept the reality of the illness, but to also be open to the various modalities of treatment including medication that can attenuate the symptoms and the suffering. There can be an aversion to the use of medication, but under the competent supervision of a psychiatrist or physician, the negative aspects of the disease often can be modified.
2. Engage in active listening to the narratives of the afflicted and the affected! Listening attentively conveys concern and respect that otherwise may not be experienced in society. 3. Attempt to understand, insofar as that is possible, the nature of the illness and its symptomatic expressions. One needs to be prepared for possible language and behavior that does not conform to social norms. Remember that it is “the illness� that is speaking and acting out in this person’s life over which the one suffering has no control. 4. Thrust aside the concern that people who are mentally ill are dangerous. It is possible that there are those whose disease expresses itself in violence, but statistically, the person who is suffering the mental illness is far more likely to experience violence than to perpetrate it.
7. Plan educational endeavors that expose the congregation and the larger community to the realities and pervasiveness of mental illness. Accurate knowledge is essential in order to counteract the mythology and misinformation. 8. In your ministry, be yourself! Recognize and legitimate the laments that those afflicted and affected articulate. The tradition of the lament psalms in the Judeo-Christian tradition, provide examples of the honest expressions of human pain. 9. Cooperate with other churches, synagogues, mosques or other worshipping communities in the work of advocacy and education. Consciousness raising and accurate information is crucial in a healing ministry.
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10. In all aspects of ministry with mentally ill persons and their families, employ the golden rule to do to them as you would have them do to you, were you in their shoes. With love and acceptance, hear their cries out of the depths and respond accordingly. When fortified by the love and grace of God that flows through you, effective ministry with those afflicted and adversely affected by mental illness is possible. It is a privilege to walk through the valley of deep darkness with these people and hear their plaintive cries from the depths and be able to respond appropriately.
Robert H. Albers, Ph.D. is a retired professor of pastoral theology whose ministry involved multiple years in the parish as well as in the classroom. He has focused his work in addiction and related fields and has taught globally in both Africa and Asia.
WINTER 2017
YOUTH AS CAREGIVERS FOR OTHER YOUTH by Lyle Griner
YOUTH COUNT “How are you being caring leaders with your friends?” I asked a group of youth. Silence. I kept pushing the question. Finally, one girl said, “I don’t know if this counts, but I went out with a friend last Friday night. I had not seen her for a while. Her parents are getting a divorce. I thought it would be good to just hang out with her.” “It counts!” I was thrilled. “It counts!” One by one, all the others in the group shared acts of kindness, welcoming someone, conversation with friends struggling with various life challenges. “It counts!” My own a-ha moment from that conversation is that youth are already doing ministry. We just forgot to tell them that what they are doing counts. A similar a-ha moment came to Barbara Varenhorst, a school counselor in Palo Alto, California. She would ask her students, “Who do you go to when there is something going on in your life or you see something that concerns you for a friend?” They never said, “You, Barbara!” Instead they almost always mentioned a friend or a peer as one of the first people they confided in. Barbara thought, “Why am I not giving my students the skills to care for, welcome and affirm others?” Barbara began a statewide initiative in California called Peer Counseling that quickly spread across the country, taking on various forms and titles. Churches started asking Barbara to work with them, and so she created Peer Ministry. I am now honored to continue her work with Peer Ministry Leadership (PML). “It counts!” Not only have we not told them, but youth have not connected these acts of caring friendship to their faith. If I ask youth to describe church leadership, it almost always revolves around microphones and committees. What youth understand as church leadership is people who stand up in
front and teach, sing and preach or as people who go to meetings and sit at tables to plan, organize and advocate. These are all good and important roles! The missing leadership image is what I call Good Samaritan Leadership—the daily life leadership of caring for friends and neighbors. This is the image that represents what youth are really good at. I want youth to know just how important they are to the church’s ministry.
ASK YOUR STUDENTS “I don’t want my kids talking about these issues with other kids,” expressed a protective parent after I presented PML to a group. I responded by saying, “They already are!” Teens are keenly aware of the issues around them and desire to know how to help. Here is my challenge to you. Ask the students at your church to think about all the people they know—school, neighborhoods, work, family, teams, choirs, bands, church, wherever they get to be with others. Then ask: Show of hands. How many of you know someone… • whose family is going through changes because of divorce or separation? • who struggles because of overuse or abuse of alcohol or drugs, either their own or a family member’s? • who is grieving recently because of the death of someone? • who is homeless or living in poverty? • who lives with depression? • who has considered suicide? • who struggles with conflict in a relationship? • who is treated poorly by others or bullied? • who is made fun of because of their sexuality? • who is self-harming, such as cutting? • who has an eating disorder?
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Now ask: How many of you wish you knew how to help? It is concerning to watch all the hands go up, especially when it comes to suicide. The value in this exercise is not meant to be dramatic, as these issues are a part of normal life. The exercise quickly illustrates a need for youth to know how to be effective in helping their friends.
HELP YOUTH HELP OTHERS Here is a list of seven ways you can make this type of ministry a priority. 1. Ask about “Spirit Nudges!” “Spirit Nudges” are the things youth hear, see or sense that concern them. They are the things that tug at the heart. Many small groups begin asking participants about highs and lows—a great tradition but also inward focused. I like adding “Spirit Nudges,” which are outward focused and assume youth are participants in everyday frontline ministry. 2. Candle Time Groups Train youth to lead small groups or what I call “candle groups.” Imagine the atmosphere of late-night campfire conversations. I have been helping churches develop youth who lead such groups for years. A youth group talking openly about faith and life is certainly one of the most gratifying outcomes of working in youth ministry. 3. Facilitate Caring Opportunities Always take a caring youth along! If you are visiting a new member family with youth, include one of your youth. When you go on a hospital visit with a young person, take one or two of your youth. If you have a youth who is struggling to make intentional connections, connect two or three youth as informal mentors who can intentionally include, talk with and affirm them.
4. The “WE-CARE” List Keep a visible “WE-CARE” list on a youth board. The list is for issues that youth are listening to and talking to others about. Such a list is a way of claiming the amazing ongoing ministry that youth have every day, everywhere and in every relationship. The list illustrates the meaning and purpose that your youth have.
The results are youth who know how to care for friends. Teams of PML youth often take on leadership of church programs, understanding that it is not just about the tasks, but the relationships with the people are the priority. The culture of programs becomes much more relational.
5. Extra-Curricular Activities Become Your Ministry Opportunities Sports, music, robotics and the essential community chess team are experienced as a crucial part of your church’s ministry. Instead of viewing these activities as conflicting with church participation, youth are valued because they are keenly aware of other participants’ choices, changes and challenges, with the ability to care, welcome and affirm. Turn your church into a place that encourages, offers training, cheers on and checks in on youth’s ministry with others.
I am surprised and thrilled when I learn new ideas. A whole new depth of the Good Samaritan story came while working with a camp this last summer.
6. Connect Youth with Innkeepers In the Good Samaritan story, the Samaritan takes the attacked victim to an innkeeper. The innkeeper does the long-term care. This is good news for caring youth! We don’t have to solve and fix everyone. It is often our job to help people find innkeepers, resource people and professionals. Help youth know who their innkeeper options are. Invite them as speakers. Go and visit them in their settings. Let youth know who at your church they can turn to for help. Equip youth with hotline numbers, such as United Way 211. 7. Peer Ministry Leadership Of course, the value of Peer Ministry Leadership is my personal bias but for very good reasons. PML gives youth the skills needed to be the best friends and helpers they can be. I often describe it as the Good Samaritan story, but instead of preaching and teaching, we give youth the concrete skills to live it. As an organization, we provide the resources and the training to get started. We work with groups of adults and youth, often from a cluster of churches. The group learns the skills and how to implement ministry applications using relational skills.
DO THIS AND YOU WILL HAVE LIFE
The lawyer asks, “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus asks what he has learned. The lawyer quotes a religious standard, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” What is fascinating is that just before Jesus answers with the illustration of the Good Samaritan story and what it means to love your neighbor, he says, “Do this, and you will live.” Notice, he does not mention “eternal life” again but talks about what gives a person life. Life now! Love is what gives life today! Life! Do this and you will live!
JAMIE Jamie, a 10th grader from Ohio, understood what gives real life. After I was with her group for a weekend, she sent me a note: I have a story for you. At lunch my friends and I say a prayer before lunch. We usually say a popcorn prayer or someone volunteers to say it. Well, on Monday we were about to say grace when I saw a girl sitting alone at another table. All she had was a pretzel for lunch, so I invited her to come eat lunch with us. I was surprised when she did. I thought I should explain the grace tradition. She asked if she could say it. I said, “Sure.” She said a prayer: She thanked God that I came over to her table and brought her to mine because she thought that today would be her last day alive. Turns out that all she needed was a friend. I know our school counselor. We walked down to her office after lunch. Noth10
ing felt more fulfilling to me than to know that I helped one girl.
WHAT IF! What if “kids helping kids” is a priority for youth ministry? What if youth know they have meaning and purpose for life today? What if we recognize youth’s everyday relationships as the frontline ministry? What if we tell youth that their caring relationships count? What if we view youth as partners in ministry? What if we give youth the skills to care, welcome and affirm others? To learn more about Peer Ministry Leadership visit peerministry.org. To preview any of the relational resources, send a request to peermin@peerministry.org and you will be sent a PDF copy.
Lyle Griner is the executive director for Peer Ministry Leadership. He is a writer, trainer, speaker and lover of empowering youth to discover they are already doing amazing ministry! AND… he loves, loves, loves when readers want to comment or talk some more. Send a note to peermin@ peerministry.org. We’ll find a time!
WINTER 2017
WHOLENESS AND CONNECTEDNESS: A BIBLE STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH INTRODUCTION (10 minutes) Go around the circle, and invite everyone to introduce themselves. Build Trust Form pairs and ask pairs to stand facing each other, 10 paces apart. Looking in each other’s eyes, pairs take one step closer to each other. Continue, one step at a time, until discomfort is felt. Stop. Reverse until once again 10 paces apart. Discuss: When did you feel discomfort? What is uncomfortable about being physically close to one another? Why is eye contact important in connecting with one another? Introduce the Topic Pass out index cards and pens. Invite youth to list five qualities of good mental health. Share. Flip the cards over. Invite youth to list five qualities of someone who is experiencing mental illness. Share. Discuss: How do you know when someone is experiencing mental illness? Do you think you can always tell? Why or why not? Brainstorm a list of mental illnesses and write them on a whiteboard. Examples include bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), cutting or other self-harm, suicidal thoughts or attempts, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Invite youth to raise their hands if they know someone who has experienced one of the mental illnesses listed. Give youth some background information on mental illness: • 43 million, or 1 in 5 people, in the United States experience mental illness each year • More than 20 percent of young people under age 18 have a serious mental illness • Many mental illnesses are first recognized in the teen years
Many people who experience mental illness worry about losing friends, family or even their job, so they choose to hide their symptoms or self-manage their care. Discuss: Why might people experiencing mental illness want to hide their symptoms? Who do you go to if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mental illness? Who are your resources at home, school or church?
by Elise Seyfried it mean to say that Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out? How does Jesus heal people experiencing mental illness today?
Mental illness is like any other illness—when you experience symptoms, it’s important to get help. Mental illness, like diabetes, can be managed with the proper support, care and medication.
Read together about the healing of a man born blind in John 9:1-12. In this passage, we see that Jesus did not blame people for getting sick. Jesus emphasized that their condition was not the result of anything they did wrong, or any sin they committed. Discuss: How did the disciples react to the man’s blindness? When you are sick, physically or mentally, do you ever feel like it’s your fault? Why or why not? How can we help people realize that their illness is not their fault?
DIVING INTO SCRIPTURE
CHURCH AS REFUGE
(15 minutes) Experiencing mental illness can make people feel isolated, alone and abandoned. Whether it’s fear of sharing what’s going on or belief that no one cares, people with mental illness often keep their experiences to themselves. In biblical times, people experiencing mental and physical illness were often isolated. Those showing physical symptoms of illness, like leprosy, were isolated for fear of being contagious. Those experiencing mental illness were often said to be infected with a “demon,” which was brought on by sin. But Jesus crossed these boundaries to reach out to and heal people whom others feared.
(10 minutes) Jesus reached out to, defended and healed people experiencing mental and physical illness, even though the society he lived in forbade him to do so. Discuss: How does our society treat those experiencing mental illness? How does our church treat those experiencing mental illness?
Read together about the healing of the Gerasene man in Mark 5:1-20. Discuss: What does “legion” mean? Why do you think the man called himself “Legion”? How was this man treated for his mental illness? How does that compare with how we treat people experiencing mental illness today? How does the man react when the demons are driven out? How do you think the rest of his life will be? Read together about Mary Magdalene, who was healed of seven demons in Luke 8:1-3. Discuss: In the Bible, seven is an important number, meaning completeness. What does 11
Pass our index cards, and ask youth to write anonymously about someone (it could be themselves) who has experienced a mental health struggle. Collect the cards and read them aloud one by one. For each situation, discuss: How could you support this person? How could our church support this person? Who else could support this person and how? The Bible tells many stories of people facing difficult experiences, including physical and mental illness, loss, violence and so on. But the Bible also offers many passages that give us comfort and hope. The Bible reminds us that we are not alone. Split into five groups and have each group read one of the following passages aloud: Psalm 46:1-3, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:27, and Galatians 6:2. Discuss: Do you think scripture can help
someone experiencing mental illness? Why or why not? Why do you think it’s important to also seek medical help?
Invite youth to say to their partner: “(Name) You are a precious, and much loved, child of God.”
CLOSING
Continue praying aloud: Jesus, each of us faces challenges each day. Help us to remember that you are with us in those moments, as you are with us in each moment. Be with those struggling with mental illness, and help us to recognize the challenges that they are facing. Thank you for your unending love. Amen.
(5 minutes) Form pairs and ask pairs to stand facing each other, five paces apart. Have pairs take one step toward each other in faith and trust. Pray aloud: May God bless you, however you are feeling right now. May God give you courage to share your struggles with others and the compassion to reach out to others who are struggling. You are each a precious, and much loved, child of God.
Elise Seyfried is Director of Spiritual Formation at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland, Pennsylvania. She is also a writer (three books of humorous spiritual essays and numerous freelance articles), actress, mom of five and grandma of two.
www.MartinsList.org NEW, IMPROVED AND AWESOME! Martin’s List has been under construction with a major overhaul! The ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s greatest assets are you, the members and the experiences and resources you have created and curated over the years. With this update to Martin’s List you will now have the capacity to: • easily upload resources to share • easily download resources created by fellow network members • connect with network members and see how they use different resources • find resources on the fly with mobile-friendly access
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: This is user-driven content, so we need your participation. These resources can only be helpful if they are shared. As network members there are at least a few things you can do to help this reach its full potential: • upload resources that you have created • encourage others to share their resources through Martin’s List • comment on resources you’ve used and how you found them helpful • provide feedback on how Martin’s List is or is not working for you so we can continue to make improvements that matter for you The possibilities are endless! See you on Martin’s List!
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ME—A FIRST RESPONDER? CONSIDERATIONS WHEN IDENTIFYING YOUTH RISK BEHAVIORS The importance of psychological well-being in children and adolescents is well recognized. The growing mental health concerns of today’s youth are contributing significantly to the social and economic burden of society. Prevention and early intervention contribute to improved resiliency and outcomes for youth and their families. As youth workers in ministry, you may play a key role in early identification of mental health issues among this most vulnerable population.
THE GENERAL PICTURE Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, cognitive, psychological, social and emotional development. This is a time of developing a sense of identity and growing independence from family. Because their brains are still developing, adolescents are particularly receptive to the positive influences of youth development strategies, social and emotional learning and behavior modeling. But their developing brains, coupled with hormonal changes, also make them more prone to depression and more likely to engage in risky and thrill-seeking behavior. Young people also lack the ability to appreciate the full consequences of their actions. Due to these factors, it is important that adults working with youth learn to recognize and support the needs of their mental and physical health. Some facts about current child and adolescent mental health: • 20 percent of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition. • Mood disorders first emerge during adolescence; 11 percent of youth have a mood disorder. • 50-75 percent of adolescents with anxiety disorder and impulse control disorders (such as conduct disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder) develop during adolescence. • Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24; between 500,000 and one million young people ages 15-24 attempt suicide each year.
• 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24. • The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is eight to 10 years. • Approximately 50 percent of students age 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of high school. • 70 percent of youth in state and local juvenile justice systems have a mental illness. • Substance abuse or dependence was the most common diagnosis of young people, followed by anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder. There are multiple situations which contribute to the likelihood of increased incidence of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, isolation and suicide. Three of these situations include: 1. The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in our culture is problematic at all age levels. Peer pressure for children and teens and the desire to fit in or feel grown up continue to be underlying reasons for the developmental phenomena. Consequences of drug and alcohol abuse undermine motivation, interfere with cognitive processes, contribute to debilitating mood disorders and increase the risk of accidental injury or death. (Car accidents and other unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death for teens and are often precipitated by chemical abuse.) Substance abuse can also increase the risk of brain damage, legal problems, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections because of unprotected sex. Students using substances must be addressed about the problem openly, nonjudgmentally and honestly. The level of treatment depends on the chemical and level of use. 2. Electronic bullying was reported by 15 percent of high school students in the past year. In one study, 49 percent of children in grades four to 12 reported being bullied by other 13
by Karen Ortloff
students at school at least once during the past 12 months, whereas 30 percent reported bullying others during that time. There are many kinds of bullying, including physical, verbal, emotional and cyber bullying. Effects of bullying can include the obvious physical problems but also can lead to depression, drug use, feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, decreased academic achievement, stunted social development and sometimes suicide. There is also the encouragement of retaliation, which can be the continuation of likewise behavior or escalation to what is witnessed in our society as violence and school shootings. There are complicated and sometimes elusive facts contributing to those events, but it is notable that bullying was reported in the majority of the cases. 3. An addiction to technology devices and social media is a very real concern for parents and youth workers alike. Pew Research Center reports 92 percent of teens go online daily, and 24 percent are online “almost constantly.” Young people today have grown up with technology and use it almost exclusively to communicate with each other. Counseling offices around the country are seeing the consequences of the increase of cyber bullying and smartphone addiction, which is the inability to be away from their smartphone without considerable internal discomfort. The term “nomophobia”—no mobile phone—refers to the fear of not being able to communicate, losing the connectedness that smartphones allow, not being able to access information and giving up the convenience smartphones provide. A research study out of the University of Missouri found that being separated from your smartphone can have real psychological and physiological effects, including impaired thinking, feeling a lessening of “self” and a negative physiological state.
It is obvious to see that the field of mental health care for children and adolescents is both complicated and expansive. As adults working with young people, it is good to be aware of the multiple factors involved in assessing mental health concerns for young people, but for the practical purposes of this article, I would like to focus primarily on depression and anxiety as two areas of mental health which often developmentally surface during adolescence and contribute to behavioral problems, including risk-taking behaviors. Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety and depression may create for you a basic understanding of the inner world of the adolescent and how to respond.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY Mandy is 16 and enjoys school and being with her friends. She is a good student and plays on the school volleyball team. She has a few select friends but doesn’t feel like she really fits in, nor does she stay in long-term friendships. She is the third child in her family where the parents struggle in their marriage, and her two older siblings have been launched from the home. Despite her friends, sports participation and academic success, she is sad and lonely. She spends more and more time alone in her room and also struggles with her sleep. Her motivation drops for doing homework, and she drops out of volleyball. Her parents urge her to participate in the church youth group, which allows for an open-ended commitment for their daughter. They know she is better when she is with peers. While attending a youth event, Mandy appears aloof, rarely speaks and is reticent to join in the activity. Later in the evening after some engagement, Mandy strikes up a conversation with one of the other students and admits she is depressed and is contemplating whether her life has purpose. This is a typical scenario for youth with depression. Youth face multiple pressures with which they have neither the motivation nor energy to cope. Unidentified or untreated, the symptoms become chronic and more severe. Young people are not quick to admit their problems or even recognize they have a mental disorder, which belies the root of their misery. It is important to note the symptoms
of depression and seek intervention when there are multiple symptoms occurring: • Sadness or hopelessness • Irritability, anger or hostility • Tearfulness or frequent crying • Self-injurious behavior, such as self-cutting • Withdrawal from friends and family • Loss of interest in activities • Poor school performance, changes in eating and sleeping habits • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure and the need for excessive reassurance • Trouble concentrating, making decisions and remembering things • Sense that the future is grim, frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide Mandy had many symptoms of depression, and her acknowledgement of her feelings of hopelessness was a “red flag” to the listener. Symptoms of depression are actually quite visible, even though the causes are not. Whether the depression is “situational,” caused by some precipitating factor or event, or “clinical,” where the brain chemistry of the adolescent is inadequately supported by hormones, it is necessary to respond and get the child or adolescent assessed and appropriately treated. If Mandy’s depression went untreated, her mental health and quality of life would be compromised. Toby is 15 and in the seventh grade. He is shy and socially awkward but loves baseball, is a good student and attends his church youth group. He is not as tall as some of his teammates, but his speed and enthusiasm are respected by his peers. He has two neighbors with whom he feels comfortable, and they walk to school together. These peers do not share his lunch period at school, so Toby dawdles at his locker or goes to the library during lunch. He plays the trumpet but is uncomfortable in the band because of seating auditions, and he doesn’t like his English class where he has to stand up in front of the class and give book reports. He also is starting to avoid youth group because he does not feel friends readily pick him for their activity partner. Recently, he has been feeling nauseated at school and 14
has started skipping classes when he feels overwhelmed. One day at a ball game, he drops a fly ball and is teased by a teammate. Toby obsesses about this mistake for weeks. His anxiety grows to the point that he does not want to play ball or go to school or youth group. Anxiety is tricky to identify. Adolescents will try to hide their discomfort or disguise it until it manifests itself in physical symptoms: nausea, headaches, etc. It can be “generalized,” where the individual has no idea of the source of their discomfort, or it can be brought on by a past trauma. A panic attack is sudden and has intense physical symptoms that include a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness and tingling feelings caused by the body’s overactive fear response. Anxiety can also surface when multiple stressors are present without the individual’s confidence in managing the situation. Adolescence is a time when youth want to fit in, be seen as kind and exceptional and be competent and socially adept, all the while their brain is still growing to maturity and their bodies are undergoing hormonal changes. Who wouldn’t be anxious? Never the less, a diagnosis of anxiety requires the following understanding: • Generalized anxiety is characterized by an ongoing sense of worry or nervousness, seemingly without a cause. • Social anxiety is characterized by an intense, irrational fear of social situations that goes far beyond simply being shy and includes nausea, dizziness, avoidance of situations triggering anxiety and extreme discomfort. • Panic Disorder is the fear of experiencing panic attacks, a physical response to an overwhelming fear that may have no apparent cause. • Signs of anxiety can include constantly being on edge or paranoid, avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, frequent stomach aches or headaches, inability to concentrate, emotional ups and downs, a feeling of being out of control and an inability to calm oneself. They may engage in behaviors such as self-harm or drug abuse as a coping method. They also struggle maintaining relationships and employment. Toby’s anxiety grew with each unpleasant
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encounter or social challenge that he felt unable to master. His symptoms also intensified, which is the nature of anxiety. Untreated anxiety can morph into high anxiety, panic, phobia and, ultimately, total isolation. Treatment for anxiety involves a thorough assessment of its nature and cause. One must learn coping skills, practice social interactions and changing their negative thinking to something more productive and positive. Multiple treatments are available depending on the nature and severity of the anxiety.
INTERVENTION Learning symptoms of troubled behavior is helpful, but it is also essential to know your relationship duties and boundaries within the scope of your job or environment. Depression and anxiety are highly treatable, and the goal is always to get an intervention early in the stage of its development and bypass more severe symptoms and negative social outcomes. Treatments and interventions are multidisciplinary and are likely to be outsourced from your organization of the church or school. However, you are the front line of defense, often the first responder who can recognize there is a problem needing intervention. Most youth who visit the counselor’s office are referred by concerned parents, doctors, teachers, youth workers and their peers. It is a rare student who is immersed in psychological pain that reaches out for help by themselves. Also states have varying laws when it comes to seeking therapy as a minor. The objective for an adult recognizing something is troubling a youth is to access help for them in a way that is both ethical and compassionate. The following recommendations are made when considering accessing help for a youth exhibiting signs of depression and anxiety: • Symptoms which interfere with daily life and create extreme avoidance or isolation need intervention • Depression that lasts longer than two weeks, creates self-injurious behavior or voices suicidal ideation need intervention • Anxiety that manifests as chronic physical or emotional symptoms In working with adolescents, consider the following objectives for your own professional
obligations to the youth and your organization: • Know your professional ethics and status as a mandated reporter of abuse. • Be aware of the risk factors and early warning signs for mental health disorders in youth. • Take care that the student is safe and supported. • Identify members of the community who have competence in providing youth mental health care. • Consider the duty of care and duty of confidentiality you owe the youth and when duties may conflict and how to deal with those scenarios. • Have you obtained consent to share personal health information with others members of the youth services team? (Note, in emergencies, specific information can be shared without consent.) • If there is an incident of concern, report it to your manager or supervisor as appropriate. • Maintain good documentation in relation to the youth and care provider. • Debrief and review the process of care. • School workers generally contact the school nurse or counselor for a general lifestyle assessment to assess the need for mental health services. Parent participation and additional health services are notified as appropriate. • Church youth leaders are generally best directed to discuss concerns with parents when mandated reports of abuse are not imminent. Follow-up care, prayers and notes of support are generally well received. • Generally building trust, creating small group experiences with rules about confidentiality and discussing mental health issues approved of by the organization and parents, like sex or drugs and alcohol or depression, makes it easier for youth to share their problems. There should be no bullying or teasing in your youth group. You will need to enforce this to protect the vulnerable. Building trust is core to having teens seek help through you. • Signpost areas you are not competent, 15
and be sure you do not cross boundaries giving unsolicited treatment. Offer moral and spiritual support and leave the treatment of mental health problems to practitioners. Well-meaning paraprofessionals get into trouble with boundary-crossing good intentions.
Your work as a youth leader and mentor will put you front and center in observing adolescent behaviors, symptoms and challenges that will often need some evaluation and intervention. You are the first responders in these situations. Vulnerable young people need your wisdom and careful processing. It is a place of privilege and responsibility. As a counselor of teens for 26 years, I often encourage struggling youth to attend their church youth group because they can encounter the kindness and acceptance of Christian young people and activities modeled and supervised by moral, law-abiding adults. Both depressed and anxious youth need to practice being in settings that challenge their fears of outward or inward ridicule. By providing safe, structured, supervised settings for them to challenge their fears, you help move them out of their state of fear to a place of acceptance, calm and hope. Sources: US Department of Health and Human Services National Association of Mental Illness/NAMI.ORG Youth and mental Health Issues: National Survey on Drug Use and Health Youth Suicide: cdc.gov Mental Health Statistics: samhsa.gov/data Bullying: Stopbullying.gov Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA National Institute of Mental Health (nimh.nih.gov)
Karen Ortloff, MS, LP is a licensed psychologist and specializes in areas of anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, marriage and parenting. She works at Bluestem Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
INTERVIEW WITH MONICA COLEMAN by Christopher Zumski Finke Monica Coleman’s new book, “Bipolar Faith,” starts with a harrowing family story of a suicide and the child who witnessed it. It is a dark scene and difficult to process, but Coleman’s story of her early years is filled with hard things, including mental illness, sexual violence and racial injustice. Writing about family history, her own depression and bipolar disorder, Coleman displays her willingness to confront complex matters personally and head on. She told me she wanted “to show the complex relationship of faith and race and culture and class and history—that among these a variety of factors exist and there aren’t any simple answers. In “Bipolar Faith,” Coleman succeeds. Dr. Monica Coleman is a minister ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She’s also a professor of Theology and African American Religions at Claremont School of Theology in Southern California. Her writing focuses on the intersection of theology, faith and social issues facing the church. Intersections are apt for understanding Dr. Coleman. She describes “Bipolar Faith” as “a spiritual autobiography, a memoir of mental illness and a coming of age story.” It’s an intimate, sometimes disturbing, journey. There are episodes in the book that are light and energizing, such as Coleman’s turn in the Kleenex Ministry—“I would look to see who was crying during the service and appear surreptitiously next to them and offer them Kleenex.” There are other episodes that are exceedingly difficult, such as when Coleman recounts being raped by her then boyfriend and fellow seminarian. But Coleman writes as someone who has found her way to a healthy life—spiritually, physically and mentally. She laughs easily and opens up about the complicated path her life
and faith have brought her on. “Everyone has a complicated relationship with the church,” says said. “But it is what sustained my family.” Coleman spoke to me on the phone about her teenage years, the challenges today’s young people of color face and why adults are reluctant to be vulnerable with the youth in their classrooms. This conversation has been lightly edited. Christopher Zumski Finke: You said in an interview that one of the things you like doing most is talking to young people who are dealing with similar mental health challenges to your own. What do you think is step one in having a conversation like that with a young person? Monica Coleman: It’s kind of the same way we talk to kids about sex. We can’t have “the talk” till they’re 13, right? You have to always be talking to young people about their bodies and relationships and what it means to treat people well. Create an atmosphere where it’s not a special conversation, where we are always talking about what it means to be mentally well, where we are talking about people having disease in their cells or diseases in their hearts or diseases in their brain. It’s one of many kinds of illnesses. CZF: In your book you write that you wanted somebody to know what was going on, how serious your mental illness was, but you didn’t want to speak it out into the world. When you did find somebody to confide in—your friend’s mother—she told your mom, who told your dad, and then a series of events unfolded that you were hoping would not happen. MC: I knew that (my friend’s mother) was working around mental health so it wasn’t like I told her accidently. I gave it to somebody who would know that something needed to be done. If a young person talks to an adult, a youth worker, they are confiding—but not confiding in your best friend, they wouldn’t know what to do. They are confiding in an
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adult, thinking this person has some wisdom and can help you. But my parents—and it’s probably true of many people—they weren’t raised like “here are the signs of depression and here are the signs of anxiety.” It’s hard to tell what’s a mental health challenge and what’s adolescence, what’s being a teenager. I don’t think that’s easy for a regular parent or a regular person to sort out. CZF: Teenagers can be vulnerable and emotional, especially around people that they think they can trust, like their youth pastor. MC: Most of ministry and youth ministry is paying attention—looking around you and noticing if somebody isn’t okay. Who is sitting by themselves? Who do you have to check in on and say, how are you doing? Or how are you really doing? Because if you ask how are you doing, they won’t really tell you. They’ll tell you things that are happening. Not how they’re doing. Or how they’re feeling. CZF: One part of your story is about mental health, and another part of it is dealing with these issues in the African-American community. You write about the stigma for black youth who are trying to talk about mental health. Do you think there’s been progress in that area? MC: People talk about it more. There’s some great activists in communities of color, in African-American and Latino communities. Social media has been great; people are blogging. So I think a young person could find a lot more than when I was growing up. But this is still challenging. There are still ideas like, therapy is what white people do, and we are strong. Or, black people cope with this in different ways. We don’t see shrinks. I still hear that. The stigma is still there, and it becomes even more complicated with the kind of grief people are experiencing with incidents of police brutality—Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin. It creates this culture of fear and anxiety for
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parents, for young people, that is horrible for mental health. It’s a setup for poor mental health: You don’t know what you can do when you don’t really know if you can go to school or walk down the street and not get killed. CZF: There are so many issues involved in this discussion. Teenagers are vulnerable just because they’re teenagers. African-American teenagers have an additional vulnerability. Then you have mental health challenges that add a layer of complexity. That’s a lot to carry and a lot to confide. What opportunities are there for confidantes, teachers or church workers to help young people who need it? MC: If you’re that youth worker and someone’s talking to you, be proactive and learn about mental health through groups like National Alliance For Mental Illness. They have a program called FaithNet that does training and has information. You can say “I want to know about this on the front end.” But every minister should know therapists. You should have therapist friends and social worker friends in your community. It’s part of being a minister and religious leader. We always get stuff way beyond our pay grade. CZF: You write about your loss of faith when your grandmother died and your return to faith as a teenager and how it has shaped your life ever since. I think a lot of teenagers can relate to a shifting and changing faith experience. MC: I grew up in church. I was acculturated. It was what you do. You brush your teeth; you go to church. Then as you get older you think for yourself. Even though I didn’t share with people what I was thinking, I had this kind of loss of faith. In part, that was due, I would say now, to a less than great reality. It’s so important to tell young people that faith changes. It waxes and wanes. You lose it, and you get it back. You get it back, and you get something new. You don’t have to have these perfect faiths. Life happens. And as life happens, faith grows and changes. That’s what’s so great about Tillich. A great deal of new traditions say that doubt is part of faith; it’s an indication that you take your faith seriously.
I wish I would have heard that at 13. To hear that doubt is part of your faith journey, not an abandonment of my faith. CZF: The idea that faith comes and goes— that’s something people could benefit from hearing, especially for young people who deal with mental illness and spend a lot of time in their head. The waxing and waning is a part of what it means to be a person of faith, not a sign of failure. MC: I had to wait until grad school to hear that. I was like, this rocks! I think that religious leaders, including youth leaders, want to be examples of what it means to do the right thing and have faith. Sometimes it’s really hard. I question God. Sometimes I don’t understand. But I’m still here. I’m still showing up. I still trust that somewhere in here, there’s God. And even if not, I’ll still show up anyway because there’s still community. People don’t say that. Not from the pulpit, not when we’re teaching. I think sometimes religious leaders are afraid to say that to themselves. It’s liberating just to hear that. CZF: Why do you think that people are unwilling to say that to their youth? MC: That’s a good question. There’s probably two parts to it. First, you have to say it to yourself. Theologically we get that we all screw up. We think that fits, instead of saying, like, sometimes it is part of one’s faith journey not to get it and to doubt. If we can be honest with ourselves and have adult community where that idea is affirmed, that’s a big part of it. The second part is that overall—and this is a tough line to walk—but how much do you share with young people about your own experiences? I think it’s an important part of the vulnerability. We talk about tough things with young people. We can say, I know what it’s like to wonder if you’re in the in crowd or to like someone who doesn’t like you back. They could be like, oh, okay. Those were the breakthroughs in ministry for me; they just happened when I was older. They happened in my 20s, when I met people who said, you don’t have to have it all together. You can just show up. When those experiences happened, they
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were people who were working in very vulnerable communities. CZF: These issues don’t disappear, but “Bipolar Faith” reads like someone who has come out on the other side and has learned how to live healthy and whole. If you were talking to your 13-year-old self, struggling with depression and bipolar disorder, what do you wish you had known that might have helped you realize, “I can live with this”? MC: What I would tell myself is you’re not losing faith because you’re questioning or angry or mad or don’t understand. It’s okay; it’s part of being faithful. I thought this was my secret, the thing I didn’t want anyone to know—even my friends. I would want myself to know that you don’t have to hide this from people. Keep asking for help in your own ways; cry for help. Don’t stop telling someone until someone sees you. It’s hard to do; it’s hard to do as an adult. It’s hard to keep looking for doctors. It’s hard to keep looking for churches. But the only way to live well is to keep talking, to keep looking for people who understand you and not to give up on the process. Because that community and those people are there.
Christopher Zumski Finke is a freelance journalist and editor of TheStake.org. Follow him on Twitter @christopherzf. He resides in St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife and two children.
GROWING OLD by George Baum At my new parish, I’ve been trying to get to know the members, of course, and that also includes the folks who can’t get to church anymore. Some of these “shut-ins” are unable to drive, and some are unable to walk, and some are physically or mentally failing. In most cases, they’ve been pillars of the parish for decades, and I love hearing their stories and am honored to bring them the sacrament. Of the many people I’ve been able to visit, one couple stands out to me—Ralph and Mary. Ralph is 91 and uses a walker but has a mind as sharp as . . . whatever a sharp thing is. Mary, a couple years younger, suffers from fairly advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Back in the day (when I was a teenager), they went to Washington D.C. because Ralph became the local congressman. He served for a very long time and did all sorts of wonderful things for his constituents. Mary served the country alongside him, in ways that—according to Ralph—turned out to be more impressive than what he was able to do. Ralph tells me all sorts of fascinating stories (I love politics!) and often turns to Mary for confirmation. Sometimes she is following along, and sometimes not so much. One day, Mary takes my hand, as if she has something important to say. (And she does.) “Grow old along with me! The best is yet
to be,” she says. I look at Ralph, and he says, “Robert Browning.” Then Ralph tells me about the ways they’d helped the church over the years—how he’d served on vestry and how Mary headed up various boards and missions. I turn to Mary, as she reaches out to caress my cheek, and she says, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” Mary grew up a devout Catholic and somehow got her parents to allow her to marry an Episcopalian. Her faith has carried her throughout her life, and she still spends an hour a day in prayer, usually using the rosary. I ask if they’d like communion. Ralph looks to Mary to see if this new parish priest would be accorded the honor so early. She smiles and nods. Mary watches my preparations carefully and knows all the responses to the things I say. When it comes to the Lord’s Prayer, her soft voice leads the way. When I hand her the host, she begins to weep. I cannot move. Ralph and I sit silently, as Mary quietly thanks God with tears streaming down her face. I have been invited into one of the most holy moments imaginable, and I am going to intentionally step outside of it. Mary mumbles a prayer I do not recognize, crosses herself and opens her eyes again. She looks at me with a smile and a hint of concern that seems to hope I will understand what she was going to say. She looks into my eyes and says, “I have some-
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thing very important to tell you.” I say, “Please do.” She leans closer and says, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” I return her gaze, smiling, and say, “Indeed, Mary. Indeed!” George Baum is an Episcopal Priest who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his family and their cats. He spent 29 years playing in the band “Lost And Found,” which stopped touring in 2015, but is still available for parties (if they’re good ones).
WINTER 2017
HELP FOR YOUTH IN CRISIS by Naomi Krueger
When someone in your congregation is experiencing a crisis, you may be one of the first to know about it. Aside from connecting with their parents and other leaders in your church, what can you do? Below is a form which contains the types of resources you might turn to in your community. Find out who your go-to people or organizations are and fill in the contact information in the form below. You can refer to this list when a crisis arises. You will also find a list of national crisis helpline phone numbers and websites. This list is not exhaustive but will hopefully save you some time when you need these resources most. If this is a medical emergency or you think someone might be in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
School Counselor’s name, school name:
Family Therapist/Counselor:
Attorney who can help with legal questions:
Local homeless shelter information:
Local Domestic Abuse center information:
Eating disorders clinic/specialist:
County Child Protection:
Local Police non-emergency number:
See other side for resource websites and phone numbers. 19
NATIONAL CRISIS RESOURCES SELF-HARM THE PROBLEM WITH WWJD AND COLLEGE STUDENTS National Youth Crisis Hotline: S.A.F.E Alternatives 1-800-448-4663
800-DONTCUT (300-366-8288) selfinjury.com
National Mental Health Association Hotline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS/DISEASES AIDS AND HIV
BULLYING AND CYBER BULLYING
National AIDS Hotline
Stop Bullying.gov 1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.stopbullying.gov
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center http://www.pacer.org/
National Herpes Hotline 919-361-8488
CHILD ABUSE
National HPV and Cervical Cancer Hotline
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Cyber Tipline:
919-361-4848
www.cybertipline.com
CDC National STD Hotline
1-800-843-5678
800-227-8922
National Child Abuse Hotline
800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Alcoholics Anonymous
800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)
aa.org Alateen
EATING DISORDERS
al-anon.alateen.org/for-alateen
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders:
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Helpline
630-577-1331 anad.org
800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
National Eating Disorders Association: 800-931-2237 nationaleatingdisorders.org
UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY
National Council on Problem Gambling
National Council for Adoption Hotline
800-522-4700 ncpgambling.org
1-866-21-ADOPT (800-212-3678) Planned Parenthood Facts of Life Hotline
HOMELESSNESS
800-967-PLAN
National Runaway Switchboard 800-231-6946
SUICIDE PREVENTION:
National Center for Homeless Education helpline:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-308-2145 nche.ed.gov/
1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ Crisis Resources
Youth Suicide Prevention Program
The Gay & Lesbian National Hotline: 800-850-8078
800-273-TALK yspp.org
The Trevor Project: Crisis support for LGBTQ youth.
National Hopeline Network
Trevor Lifeline
800-SUICIDE (800-784-2473) hopeline.com
1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org/
SEXUAL ASSAULT: PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Youth Pornography Addiction Center
800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673); rainn.org/
800-584-4629 ypacenter.com
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WINTER 2017
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL AMLIN by Bunmi Ishola Paul Amlin has worked in youth ministry for more than 25 years. He started out as a volunteer at a church in Florida, simply because someone invited him to do it. From there he was led to attend seminary and work in youth ministry full-time because he “fell in love with youth ministry and the notion of the relationships you build with young people as you share the gospel with them and accompanying them in the journey.” Amlin is currently serving as the program director of youth ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This interview has been lightly edited. Bunmi Ishola: How did you end up being the Program Director for Youth Ministry? Paul Amlin: After seminary, I started out as an associate pastor and was in charge of faith formation for children, youth and families. And while I was in that call, I was asked by a member of the synod staff to apply for a position that was being newly created churchwide. I applied figuring that they would have many really quality applicants and honestly didn’t think I’d get an interview. When I did get an interview, I went in and just laid it all on the line because I figured they had better candidates than me, and I had nothing to lose. Turns out, what I had to say was exactly what they wanted to hear. So I took that call, and now I’m in my fourth year in this position. BI: How would you describe what you do? PA: The old way things were done—back when the church-wide organization was much larger—they had much more capacity to do things. They had entire departments dedicated to children’s ministry and youth ministry. The new reality is that there is not the financial capacity for that kind of staffing level. And so as the organization was thinking about how to respond to requests from those
in congregations and in synods for youth ministry resources, they crafted my role. I see it as a hybrid position which is really about connecting the networks, being a voice, and advocating for youth ministry around the Lutheran center and elsewhere. I also curate the resources. My department isn’t specifically tasked with creating resources or curriculum, like it would have been in the past. And so what I do is spend a lot of my time looking at what’s already out there, and as people ask questions or are looking for things, I can provide them with the information they need. Shortly after I began working in this role, I started the website youthministrylinks.org. It’s nothing but links and annotations of the resources that are already out there. It was a side project, but is really a big part of my work—to provide curated links and resources for ministry. BI: What are some of the ways your department helps connect the church and synod networks? PA: One thing we do annually is the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit. It’s a partnership event with church-wide ministries and the SYMBOL (Synodical Youth Ministry Band of Leaders) network. The event brings two youths from each synod of the ELCA, who are identified by the synods as people who have potential or are passionate about the church and the idea of being leaders in ministry. We bring them together for intentional leadership development and faith formation. During the most recent summit in November, we spent our time talking about: How does our church answer the call to social justice? So, we had leaders from the church come in and address how the ELCA does things in advocacy. What we hope is that by explaining all the ways our church works, that young people might catch a glimpse of something that they may see themselves doing.
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My favorite story to tell is that at the inaugural summit, three years ago, after a speaker had shared their work in advocacy, we had had a young lady stand up and say, “I never knew what it was called, and I didn’t know our church did it, but that’s what I want to do with my life.” One of the big challenges we face as the church is that most people in congregations don’t know all that we do and all the ways that we are engaged nationally and globally. And so, if we can teach young people how that happens, and they can be a voice in that, then that’s a win. I want them to leave feeling empowered and educated and ready to go out and make a difference. But, I also want them to go out and tell the story, to talk to their peers and their congregations and synods about what we do as a church. BI: Why is hosting something like the Youth Leadership Summit so important to the growth of the church? PA: I always challenge the leaders in the church to encourage young people to take ownership of the ministry. Because there is a point when, I think, we are going to be tragically understaffed in the ministry. We’re going to be short on pastors, and many of the nonprofit ministries run by the Lutheran Church have executives who will be retiring soon. So, we are very mindful of not just saying, “You’re responsible for ministry in everyday life, and you have these gifts to live in response to what Christ has done for you,” but also that some of you are going to feel the strong call of entering professional ministry— whether ordained ministry as a pastor, rostered ministry as a deacon or lay ministry and serving as a CEO of some nonprofit. We want young people to know that we value who they are, that we identify in them gifts and strengths. We want them to think, “Yeah, I could do that.” And if we can accomplish that, then we are doing what we can to guarantee the future but also hearing the voices of the youths in the church.
BI: How do you encourage congregational and synodical leadership to make sure their youth are engaged in the church? PA: I spend about 40 percent of my time traveling—I go to various synod events, different regional events, and I listen to what’s going on to figure out the best practices and what’s happening with young people. But I am also there to advocate for youth and provide training for those involved in youth ministry. I think it’s just a matter of tirelessly and ceaselessly lifting up the importance of ministry with young people. BI: What are some of the best practices you share or see in your job? PA: I keep hearing this over and over again from people who have been in youth ministry for 15 or more years, “It sure doesn’t look like it used to.” And what I see and hear, more often than not, is that churches are trying to recapture the “old days” of how youth ministry was. It’s the “Field of Dreams” concept—if you build it, they will come—when the reality these days is if you show up, they will come. So we need to be out in the world and walking alongside young people to the best of our abilities, by showing up where they are— whether that’s school activities, extracurricular activities or important life events. One of the things that pains me is when I hear people talk about how people in the church don’t understand why they aren’t sitting at their desk in an office from 9 to 5 every day doing youth ministry. And if I hear somebody telling me that that’s how they are doing youth ministry, I want to say, “You’re not doing youth ministry.” Yong people aren’t going to walk into a church office during the day, and even during after school hours, there isn’t much activity happening at church to have anybody walk in. So, what does it look like to be out in the community and to be where they are? And that’s kind of a brave new world. For people who have been doing youth ministry for a long time, they’ve probably figured that out and adapted to it. But for people who are starting out, the most effective way to do youth ministry now is relationships. It really comes down to having effective relationships.
But for people who are starting out, the most effective way to do youth ministry now is relationships. It really comes down to having effective relationships. BI: How does a youth leader, or anyone involved with youth, develop effective relationships with young people? PA: A lot of it is about giving them the opportunity to do what they are passionate about. To get to that point, what I would do is challenge any congregation that wants more young people around to add up the ages of the people who are on your church council, ministry teams or committees. What’s the average age? And if the average age is 50 or 60, then you need to seriously invite young people to be a part of this. If we are genuinely concerned about what young people have to share, then we need to be willing to say that we want them a part of the planning teams. I’m not saying we change everything to suit their tastes, but if we allow the voice of our young people to inform our choices, then young people will begin to take seriously what it means to be a part of the church. It comes down to being willing to listen and being serious about those relationships with young people so that we can say, “What’s important to you? And how can we come alongside you to make that happen?” I think young people want to be taken seriously. They want to be challenged. They want to know that if they are going to be a part of something, that it matters. What I spend a lot of my time doing is saying to those I work with, please understand that our young people are serious. And they have passion to share, and they love Jesus. And they are just waiting for someone to take them seriously.
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Bunmi Ishola is a graduate of Texas A&M and Northwestern University. She currently lives in Houston, Texas and teaches 8th grade English.
WINTER 2017
To unpack the relationship between college students, campus ministries and local congregations, one need only ask about food. Everyone in campus ministries will tell you: Food is a big deal. Free food works like Pavlov’s bell. If you cook it, they will come. But not always for the same reason. Ask a minister working on campus, and they’ll tell you that students are looking for a place of their own. Out of the house for the first time, they’re solely responsible for their time: getting to class, getting their work done and fulfilling their educational and physical needs. During those first years on your own, even the most basic needs, like feeding your hunger, can be overwhelming. Come to the local ELCA campus church, and you’ll find food meeting all of students’ needs. Often this food is literal: We all have to eat. But in the words of campus ministers, the food they serve is just as often metaphorical. Sometimes it’s both. Whether it’s for fun or service, feeding yourself or another, the measure of campus ministry can be extrapolated from how they talk about food.
FOOD, SHELTER, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING Among the student body of the University of Florida, 10 percent suffer from food insecurity. “That’s a huge number,” says Sharon O’Brien, diaconal minister of the University Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida. The problem is not just students. “We have staff that are hungry too,” O’Brien says. “The minimum wage is high, but the cost of living is higher.” Food insecurity is a growing problem on America’s campuses. The inability to secure a reliable source of nutrition leaves students struggling “to reach milestones, such as yearto-year persistence and certificate or degree completion,” according to recent Higher Ed research. As a result, these students “need additional institutional support to continue their studies.” National data on the number of students going hungry is difficult to gather, in
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part because self-reporting food insecurity comes with stigma and shame, according to the Washington Post.
wiggle their way over like monsters.” This is how Pastor Scott Maxwell-Doherty described the event, anyway.
The monsters he mentioned were Cal LuThe problem was only noticed at the univerNow experience ELCA Youth Ministry Network anytime, theran students, drawn to the scene by the sity level in recent years. O’Brien noted that anywhere . . .renew your faith…experience powerful edufamous In-N-Out Burger. “The overwhelming “UF only discovered in the last few years that cationacademically opportunities wherever you are, anddoing connect question was: Who’s this,with why are you students were being affected peers who share the same joys and struggles in ministry. doing this, and does it cost me anything?” because they were hungry.” To address the Turns out it didn’t cost anything; Lord of Life problem the school created Fork and Field was just putting the out free “We know food pantry, which provides healthy foodatand Yes, put all this your fingertips--with stateburgers. of the art food brings young people to the table, education to all Gators “about how to make app for your iPhone or iPad. This app is free and gives you ” Pastor Maxwell-Doherty told me during our phone balanced food choices.” The food secuunlimited access to these great features: call. Being a food truck, I knew the table was rity issue is a big one for Lutheran Campus metaphorical. Ministries at UF. They organize food drives · with Streaming and service opportunities Fork andvideos Field of education events--watch and listen Evangelical from home or anywhere! keynote BringingInstantly people toaccess the table is a theme of at the 65-year-old University talks from past Extravaganzas, webinars from 3rdTuesday Maxwell-Doherty’s ministry this year. Room at Lutheran Church. the TableDiscipleship was Cal Lutheran’s chapel Conversations and the Practice Initiative. All theme for last year, and Pastor Maxwell-Doherty says I spoke with Pastor O’Brien about her work these resources are literally in the palm of your hand! the chapel ministers and speakers have helped on the University of Florida and around the everyone wonder, “How big is the table? How synod’s colleges. And our conversation con· News and Events - stay up to date on Network happeninclusive is it? What do we do when we recogtinually returned to the need to feed hungry ings. Add events ownthat calendar, set reminders, it’s become exclusive?” get students and staff, though their efforts alsoto yournize directions, and share with friends-on the spot! reach into the local community as well. Those were the same questions that wanderingVision, hungry students to the In-N-Out University Evangelical Lutheran Church · Discover Our Mission, History,brought Leadership Burger event. Bring people to the table hosts Family Promise, which allows homeless Teams and More - it’s a “Network Leadership Directory” in with free burgers, but let them know why you do it. families to live in the church for a week. These 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 worships every Sunday night and let them for work and meet other basic needs, while know they’re always welcome.” campus groups providetogether! meals and make connections with the families. Sometimes, · families ContactasInfo e-mail usisdirectly IdentifyingCall as aor faith group the purpose of students will visit with the they- Got questions? move from church to church the page. these “fun food events,” Maxwell-Doherty from around the contact says. But the point is not to put butts in pews. Gainesville area. “We don’t do these things to build attendance. · Support the Network Easily! - With just two clicks! Attendance might be the result of, but not a Pastor O’Brien was clear that Lutheran CamCompletely secure, you can make gifts or donations to precondition for. We want to do this because pus Ministries at UF goes beyond the reach of thehomeless. Network simply and it’s fun. ” quickly. food drives and servingsupport food to the But the reality remained clear: Hunger was · about Inviteit,Others - Shareput, content effortlessly onthe Fun, simply appears to be one of the issue. “Make no bones ” O’Brienand Share central goals of campus ministries and Lord of told me as we wrapped your up ourfavorite conversation. social site: Facebook, Twitter, SMS, and e-mail. Life on the Cal Lutheran campus. It’s not their “Food is a big issue. You“Go will always find stuviral” with anything and everything, and help others only effort; issues oriented work drives their dents are interested in astay freeconnected! meal.” ministry as well. For example, this year, a wider HOW BIG IS THE TABLE…AT YOUR ELCA effort to aid Syrian refugees energized free app todaycreated in the App Store campus. Students school packs for FOOD TRUCK? Why wait? Download this and Google Marketplace. children and collected clothing and blankets At the beginning of last semester, Lord of Life, for Syrian refugee families. The charity event the campus church of California Lutheran was anPut attempt to combat the impulse, comUniversity, hosted a food truck from In-N-Out Renew, Educate and Connect. the entire Network in mon in the face of global crises, to “throw our Burger. “That smell goes out, and people just
your pocket!
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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:
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Extravaganza fees cover approximately 2/3 of the cost of the event. The remaining 1/3 is covered by organizational and partnership gifts.
Thrivent Members Can Now Choose The ELCA Youth Ministry Network is now a recipient of Thrivent Choice
extravaganza
ION
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Funding for developing our future vision comes from financial gifts from individuals, and organizations.
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make your designation! Thank you to all
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Vibrant Faith Ministries Wheat Ridge Ministries Youth Leadership
WINTER 2017
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: www.elcaymnet.org/calendar Start Date
End Date
Name
Location
Contact Person
09/17/17 5:00pm
09/22/17 3:00pm
Certificate in Children, Youth & Family Ministry Leadership`
Wartburg Seminary
Tom Schwolert
tschwolert@vibrantfaith.org
Adult Volunteers, Adult Professionals
10/15/17 5:00pm
10/20/17
Certificate in Children, Youth & Family Ministry Leadership`
Bear Creek Camp - WilesBarre, PA
Tom Schwolert
tschwolert@vibrantfaith.org
Adult Volunteers, Adult Professionals
01/25/18 1:00pm
01/26/18 4:00pm
Intensive Care Course - Extravaganza 2018
The Hyatt Regency - Houston, Texas
Terri Elton
telton@luthersem.edu
Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals
01/26/18 7:00pm
01/29/18 12:00pm
Extravaganza 2018!
The Hyatt Regency - Houston, Texas
Todd Buegler
todd@elcaymnet.org
Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals
06/27/18 7:00pm
07/01/18 12:00pm
ELCA Youth Gathering
Houston, Texas
Molly Beck Dean
gathering@elca.org
2018 ELCA Youth Gathering Leaders Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals
01/30/20 1:00pm
01/31/20 4:00pm
Intensive Care Course - Extravaganza 2020
The Hyatt Regency - Anaheim, Terri Elton California
telton@luthersem.edu
Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals
01/31/20 7:00pm
02/03/20 12:00pm
Extravaganza 2020!
The Hyatt Regency - Anaheim, Todd Buegler California
todd@elcaymnet.org
Adult Volunteers Adult Professionals
3rd Tuesday Conversations are monthly gatherings of friends. They are great continuing education events. They are opportunities to hear from, and interact with experts in the field. 3TC conversations are free for Network members. We are currently on hiatus: Stay tuned at www.elcaymnet.org/3tc for information
Our conversations: We use online webinars. You can log in to a special webinar site and listen to the conversation while watching images on your screen. Or, you can watch on the computer while calling in and listening on your phone. You will have opportunities to ask questions as well.
All 3TC conversations begin at: 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 25
Yo u c o u l d i n v e s t i n a n o r d i n a r y I R A . 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 finance 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 financed 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 nonprofit 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 Offering Circular. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described here.
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WINTER 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
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ELCA Youth Ministry Network 150 Oakwood Lane Owatonna, Mn 55060
The
Mental Health Issue
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