But the angel said, “Do not be afraid…”
Dear Friends,
The “Fear Not” stories have caught my attention in new ways this season. Like us, the angel visited people who had very real reasons to be full of fear and anxiety. They were living in challenging political and cultural times, and what God was calling each to do was no small thing. Set aside doubts. Embrace uncertainty. Live with the judgment of others. Abandon what they have always known.
What strikes me this year as I hear the angels say, “Do not be afraid”, is that the challenges don’t go away.
- Do not be afraid, Zechariah…but you still have to live with the doubts rattling in your head.
- Do not be afraid, Joseph…but you still have to wonder how to move forward in life with a pregnant Mary.
- Do not be afraid, Mary…but you still have to bear the judgment and shame of this pregnancy.
- Do not be afraid, Shepherds…but you still have to decide if you leave the sheep – your life, or take them with you.
But the tiding of good news the angels brought was not that these beloved characters were stuck with the challenges they were called to face, but that they did not face them alone. With every announcement of the birth of Emmanuel, the angels reminded these essential characters to the Christmas story, “Do not be afraid…God is with you.”
I wonder if you need to hear those words again this year as much as I do?
And I wonder if we need to hear them as Mary does. Hers is the only story where the angel begins by reminding her that God is with her…and then assures her that she does not need to be afraid. We do not conquer our fear - perhaps experienced as change…uncertainty…doubts…judgment…anxiety…loneliness…grief…and so many other faces – on our own. We move through fears when we know God is with us.
This Advent, I invite you to remember that God is with you…do not be afraid.
- God is with you, ministry leaders…you still have to make program decisions amidst new variants, parents who agree with your decisions and those who do not, while exhausted from endless months of pivoting and reimagining ministry…do not be afraid.
- God is with you, parents…you still have to navigate a pandemic and school and quarantines, while working and wondering what is best for your children…do not be afraid.
- God is with you, young people…you still have to grow up in a world filled with anger and division, with mental health challenges, racial inequity, and environmental concerns – all while trying to figure out your identity, place of belonging and purpose in this crazy world…do not be afraid.
No matter the fear or challenge you are experiencing this season, may you remember with each breath that...
God is with you.
You are not alone.
Do not be afraid.
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
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Middle School Gathering Alternative |
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January 29, 2022
Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids
The LYO Leadership Initiative is planning a Middle School Gathering one-day event as an alternative to our cancelled November gathering. Registration will be limited due to space and COVID-19 protocols. We will monitor COVID-19 rates and make a final decision on whether or not we can hold this event before registration opens in early January.
We know this date will not work for everyone, and we might not be able to accommodate all who are interested in attending. We encourage congregations to also consider the Middle School Winter Retreats offered by these camps:
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March 5, 2022
Camp Onomia
The LYO Leadership Initiative has decided to modify Cardia Deo in response to COVID-19. We will hold a one-day event on Saturday, March 5 at Camp Onomia. Options to stay overnight March 6, providing your own programming, will be available.
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Why go to the Extravaganza? |
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One live event in
two expressions for 2022.
Onsite in Minneapolis!
Online - wherever you are!
Intensive Care Course: Feb. 10-11
Main Event: Feb. 11-14
Register today before rates go up December 16!
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The Synod Journey Worship and Resource Team has adapted the ELCA Getting Ready Curriculum into 5 easy to follow, low prep sessions for you to use with your group of youth or adults, whether or not you are attending the Synod Journey!
The sessions follow the ELCA Youth Gathering themes of LOVE, CREATION, FORGIVENESS, INVITATION, AND PROMISE. Each Session follows the format of the Synod Journey theme:
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WE ARE: Each session begins with an opening prayer, group activity, and highs and lows. This is where the group can bond and form the identity of WE ARE.
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DEEPLY ROOTED: Holy Scripture keeps us rooted in faith. We will look at the scripture lesson and take some time to wonder and talk about how it relates to us.
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CONNECTED: Digging a little deeper, we will explore how Scripture connects us to God, to each other, to our congregation, to the community and to the world.
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BOUNDLESS: How can we live out God’s boundless love for us? Where is God calling us to go beyond our own boundaries of the church walls, friend groups, biases, and comfort zones?
The sessions are designed to last about 45 minutes with some “if you have more time” options. They are written so you could easily hand some or all of it to one or more youth to lead.
Supplies needed for sessions are minimal: Pens, markers, post it notes, strips of cloth, and paper.
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The "Grab and Go" curriculum is not just for those attending the Synod Journey! Click here for a Top 10 List of ways you can use these resources with all ages, and with those not attending the Synod Journey!
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Growing Young Book Study
First Thursdays
Online, 10:30am - Noon
Join Catherine Anderson in a monthly book study to discuss the 6 Core Commitments from Growing Young research and how to integrate them in your ministry. This book study is free, but you must register to get the link. We will be reading Chapter 5, "Fuel a Warm Community" for January 6.
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Start Thinking about Summer Camp! |
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Need something else to think about while shoveling and pushing the snow blower back and forth on your driveway?
Now is the time to invite young adults to work at camp this summer! Young adults are already thinking about summer jobs, and camps are already hiring! As you meet with young adults during their winter breaks, invite them to consider using their gifts at camp while they grow in leadership and develop life skills. Share the Camp Matchup App with young adults in your community to help them find the right camp and position they are looking for!
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Director for Youth and Family Ministry: Full-Time
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, MN
Come and join us in the Brainerd Lakes area. Lutheran Church of the Cross is looking for a full time Director of Youth and Family Ministry, providing primary leadership for developing and implementing a Christian-based ministry with youth. The Director will lead by organizing and administering events that build strong relationships throughout the church. The Director of Youth and Family is responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of the volunteer staff of teachers and assistants required for a successful ministry.
The Director develops a close communication with, and mutual support from the youths' families, collaborates with other community and congregational organizations, and the church staff.
If you are interested please contact Pastor Drew Bakken at 952-451-5628 or send an email to pastordrewlcc@gmail.com. |
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Youth and Family Minister: Full-Time
First Lutheran Church, Little Falls, MN
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Director of Youth and Family Ministry: Part-Time (20 hours per week)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Two Harbors, MN
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Youth Ministry Network Meetings |
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All adults who work with youth are invited and encouraged to attend youth workers network meetings! Network meetings are typically informal gatherings for mutual support, networking, learning and resourcing for ministry. Expect laughter, inspiration, new ideas and holy conversation. We are better when we do ministry together!
*If this is your first time attending an in-person network meeting, please email the contact person to verify the group is meeting and/or to be added to their email list for updates!
First Thursdays,, 10:30am - Noon: Growing Young Book Study
On Zoom.
Free, but must register to receive the link.
Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Duluth Area Network Meeting*
Second Thursdays, 10:00am: Brainerd Area Network Meeting*
(Northern Caribou, next to Grizzly's)
Third Thursdays, 10:30am: Online Network Meeting
Southern Area Youth Workers*
on youth ministry networks in our synod!
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