Event
Faith Formation Leaders & Volunteers Retreat
- From Feb 27, 12:00 to Feb 28, 11:59
- First Lutheran, Kearney, NE
Date: February 27-28, 2026
Location: First Lutheran Church, 3315 Avenue G, Kearney
Cost of Retreat: $50 per person
Who should attend?
Anyone who works with children, youth or families in the Nebraska Synod. You do not need to be paid staff to attend. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to come. Come as an individual or come as a team. New leaders and old veterans are all welcome. Let’s learn from each other!
Gather with faith formation colleagues to learn, network, worship, share resources and stories and dream together. Friday, we’ll take time to get to know one another and to share stories of what’s working, talk about the challenges we face, share churchwide updates on the Extravaganza, the gathering expedition and the gathering, hear a keynote message and worship. On Saturday morning, we’ll join the synod’s larger toolbox training in the break out for faith formation folks. Saturday afternoon, we’ll hear part 2 of our keynote and break into smaller groups for in depth learning and conversation around areas of focus including confirmation, Sunday School, youth group activities and cross+gen ministry. There will be time for formal learning and informal conversation.
Continuing Education Hours: 8 hours Faith Formation
Cost: $50.00/person
Includes supper on Friday, lunch on Saturday, snacks and resource materials
***Lodging not included. Please make your own lodging arrangements. There are a variety of hotels and Airbnb’s in the Kearney area.***
Schedule:
Friday February 27
1:30-2:00 Check in
2:00 Welcome, opening devotion, introductions, getting to know one another
3:00 What’s working-Bring a resource or idea to share with the group that works in your setting
4:00 The challenges we face: Keynote message part 1
5:00 Supper
6:00 Updates from the Synod, youth ministry network and churchwide
7:00 Worship
8:00 fellowship time
Saturday February 28
***breakfast on your own or at your hotel
8:30 am: Morning devotion
9:00 am Join Nebraska Synod toolkit training
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Faithful steps forward: Keynote message part 2
2:00 Small group breakout workshops/conversations
Confirmation
Sunday School for small churches
Cross+gen ministry
Youth group activities
3:30 Wrap up and closing devotion
4:00 Safe Travels