Northern Illinois Synod leaders gathered with others across the ELCA in St. Louis for the 2026 ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Extravaganza. The Extravaganza is a four-day leadership event focused on renewing, educating, and connecting. Each day of the event was grounded in theological learning from Rev. Joseph Yoo, workshops that educated leaders on a variety of topics, presentations from a variety of keynote speakers, and time spent connecting with others doing this work across the church.
Conferences like this are a tangible reminder of the diversity that our church holds and the gifts that each of us uses in our daily ministry. There is so much to say about what happened throughout the event, but the reflections from our leader are a great summary of the learning that came back from St. Louis.
Kurtis Arndt, Alleluia! Lutheran Church, Naperville
This was my first Extravaganza - and it is one that I won't forget. The best way I can describe this event is a gathering of people who actually understand what celebrations, challenges, and questions the youth leader has. Being able to connect with 500+ people in various ways gave me the needed rest, energy, and motivation to continue connecting with others in the synod and greater churchwide. I fully plan to be at the next E and hope more of my peers in the Northern Illinois Synod join for the worship, workshops, information, ideas, and fun!
Nicole Judkins, Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore
By removing me from the day-to-day hustle of life, the Extravaganza allowed my mind to wonder and dream about the future. The speakers and presenters then inspired me. These don't have to just be dreams; they can be reality. Now it's time to act and make it so!
Tracey Bulau, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rockford
The ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza is always a phenomenal experience, and this year was no exception. It is not only a chance to learn through some amazing workshops, but also an opportunity to have your cup filled as a faith leader, when so often, we prioritize filling other people’s cups. I loved the speakers this year who spoke not only to what life is like in ministry these days, but also the fears, laments, and anger people have with what is happening in our country currently. It was a reminder that none of us are alone, and we have a community of people, spread all across the country, who are here to support us through the struggles we have and celebrate us in our successes. I highly recommend it for anyone who works with and cares about young people in their congregations.
Julie Eshleman, St. Mark Luthearn Church, Rockford
This was my first Extravaganza Conference, but it will not be my last! I found it so energizing to spend time with other CYF professionals. We learned so much from workshop instructors and general session speakers. Those discussions then spilled over into conversations and brainstorming sessions at meals and in quiet corners. Most importantly of all, we built relationships between each other, our ministries, and with the wider church.
Renee Guse, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rockford
Attending the Extravaganza can benefit anyone who loves or works with children. As a lay leader and a public school teacher, the sessions this year were all applicable to my work with the youth of my church, as well as the students in my school and community. Today, I shared with several people what I learned from Dr. Niki Elliott in her general session and workshop. By sharing my experience and new knowledge, I have sparked their curiosity to find out more. I have been sent links to more trainings and videos by Dr. Niki Elliott. We have been discussing her all day. Information I learned from other sessions I attended, “Caring for Hurting Students,” and “Welcoming Neurodivergent Children in Children’s Ministry,” also gave me ideas to use with working with all children regardless of location. The Faith Formation workshops I attended gave me insights on how to strengthen programs at our church. As a lay leader, I found a session to attend during every time slot. I walked away with so much more knowledge than I went with.
