Happy New Year!
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:15-17)

Dear Friends,

At our staff meeting yesterday we spent time reflecting on this text from Luke. What caught my attention was how the people were filled with expectation…and questions. But their questions were moving them forward, rather than keeping them stuck. Might this be the Messiah? Might God be up to something? Do you sense the boundless work of God in this text? How about the boundless work of God in your young people on this Journey…and in you?
 
I am also struck by the contrast of living within the knowledge of a boundless God while living within a bound world. It’s easy to feel bound with the rising infection rates of Omicron that are filling hospitals and stressing schools. It’s easy to feel bound as we wonder how to move forward with ministry programs in the midst of this current spike of COVID in addition to all the flu and other crud going around. It’s easy to feel bound when kids and families don’t show up or follow through. It’s easy to feel bound when deadlines loom and you can’t get responses you need.
 
I know how much extra work Omicron has added to synod youth ministry planning this month, especially as we move forward with the Middle School Gathering. And I’m pretty sure it’s done the same for you and your planning. With the February 1 payment deadline coming up, I’ve been thinking of all of you and how this has been impacting your ability to track down youth and parents to get payments. Not to mention to do the fundraisers to get the money to make those payments. So let me loosen the pressure a bit…

I am moving the deadline for the second payment to March 1. Payment reminders, along with forms that will be needed and other updates (including the background checks) will be sent to Primary Leaders by February 18.
 
I pray this lets you experience more fully the boundless work of what God is up to as you meet with your young people in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to be in touch!

Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson and the Synod Journey Planning Team
Next Payment Due: March 1, 2022
As mentioned above, the second payment of $300 per person will be due March 1. A "Payment Reminder" showing the amount due will be sent to Primary Leaders by February 18. Included in that mailing will be forms that will be due May 1, Adult Leader background check information, Spring Adult Leader meeting dates, and other updates.
Upcoming Key Dates
March 1: Second Payment Due ($300 per person)

April: Spring Adult Leader Meetings

May 1: Final Payment Due ($425 per person)

May 1: All Forms Due

July 21-28: Synod Journey and ELCA Youth Gathering!
Monthly Meetings and "Grab and Go" Resources
We hope and pray that your Synod Journey meetings are going well!

We also hope you and your congregation use these resources beyond your Synod Journey group. To help you consider ways to do this, the Worship and Resource Team have put together a "Top 10 List" to inspire you to think of different ways you can engage your congregation in being deeply rooted to a boundless God this year!

Synod Journey Adult Leader Facebook Group
We have a closed Facebook Group for adult leaders. Search for “NE MN Synod Journey: 2021-22 Adult Leaders” and request to join. It will ask for your church and church city so we know any additional adults you want to have added are legit!