POP Youth and Family Ministry

Have you had a family member leave home for school, work, or other life event? It can be hard. It is our prayer that it helps you know you're not alone. Take a look at some advice from someone who's been there. Read Heidi's reflections... I’ve been thinking about it, and here are a few thoughts, after going through it with my two kids.  Our son moved to LA (Calif) for a couple years after college, and that was a similar experience (as a parent) — also hard at first.  (He’s back in the Cities now, but I remember those days like it was yesterday) 1) Know that saying bye and the first few weeks are going to be hard.  Plain and simple.  But it will get better, it really will.  Super helpful if you have a friend/neighbor that you can talk to who is going through the same situation/separation.  I have to say, once I got used to them being away, it was so exciting and rewarding to listen to them talk about all of their new experiences on the phone!  I ju...

Fuller Youth Institute - The folks from Fuller did a live chat on Parenting in a Digital World that you can  view here.  You can find more related resources from them  here.  This is good stuff!  (October 17, 2018) Luther House of Study  - For an in depth look on just about everything Luther/Lutheran theology, LHS is the place to be! Parents, ever feel like you've forgotten everything from confirmation? Brush up with these handy episodes. Or use them to go deeper with your family on topics we cover in Axis. These would also serve a DIY small group series! The Bible Project  - " The Bible Project creates videos that show the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus." www.thebibleproject.com. Don't understand what all of these Bible stories have to do with Jesus & our faith today? The Bible Project is a superbly well done take on making the Bible accessible & easier to comprehend.

YouVersion  - It's on my phone. There's a daily verse, loads of reading plans, & of course the entire Bible in a variety of translations. Bonus, you can also create Bible verse images! d365  - A devotion every day, 365 days a year. Broken into 5 easy parts. Echo  - Forget to pray? There's an app for that too. Echo is clean & simple. From their website, "Echo's number one goal is to help people pray. Whether it be to simply keep track of prayer requests, give space to engage with God, or simply help remind people to pray... Echo is a tool to help Christ-followers engage with God." Insight Timer  - Meditation, or mindfulness, is a practice popular around the world. The benefits are far beyond spiritual. Clear your mind, relieve stress, you name it. Personally, I just like to sit in God's presence & be still. 

Access them whenever you want, wherever you are! Blogs & Podcasts are a great way to hear a variety of voices. Holy Cr***!  - For parents who want to raise kids and follow Jesus but aren't sure how exactly to do either. Drew and Sara are Pastors of Faith Formation at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI. music by bensound.com The Bible Project  - We use the Bible Project to prep for our Bible content nights & so can you! Mentally Strong  - There's a big difference between acting tough and being strong. Spiritual & Religious  - A message from Bishop Eaton on prayer. "For Luther, God was real, and this real God wants real people to be in real communication with God. We are not to fret about elegant phrases or creative and original prayers. We shouldn’t worry about folding hands or raising hands or standing or kneeling. It’s not about technique. Prayer is about relationship with God. God has created us for God’s self and we are not who...

A Cartoonist's Guide to the Bible  - Wouldn't the Bible be better with pictures?! Well now it is. This awesome site adds engaging illustration to the scriptures. We highly recommend using this for your Bible exploration at home!  Growing With (book)  - "One day they seem content to hang out with you. The next, they’re too busy. And even if they weren’t busy, you aren’t sure they would want to. As parents, we often feel the gap between us and our kids widening when they become teenagers and young adults. Maybe it’s just that they’re growing up. But we fear that gap is a symptom that we’re growing apart. Filled with brand-new research and real-life stories from remarkable families, Growing With shows you how to close the family gap, giving parents courage to take the next faithful step on a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform you all. Discover strategies to help you invite doubt, rather than avoid it. Growing With will show you how to help ...