Dear NE MN Synod Friends and Colleagues,
I am writing with the bittersweet news that I will be resigning my position as Synod Minister, with my last day in the office on February 15, 2023. On March 1st I will begin a new position that has been created within the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, in partnership with the ELCA. The position and focus of its ministry will be formally announced mid-January by the ELCA, so you will have to wait for this exciting announcement for specifics! What I can share at this point is that it will involve equipping and supporting adult leaders and congregations for ministry with young people. As you know, this has been a passion of mine, and the work I have done in this synod has prepared me well for this new role.
I am so grateful for our 23 years of ministry together. Together we have nurtured faith, grown leaders, and shared the journey of life and faith. Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) says, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” The ministry we have done together has far exceeded any imagination I had when I began. None of this ministry would have been possible without the countless youth and adult leaders I have had the privilege of serving with. There are not enough ways to say thank you to all those who served on LYO, Synod Journey teams, Adult Training teams, been part of youth ministry networks and too many other events/consults/conversations to name. Thank you for the trust you have given me to accompany you in ministry, and for your willingness to say yes to serving with me.
We have learned through the Growing Young research that the culture of a congregation is key for tending faith in young people, and the same is true for synodical ministry. This synod has been intentional in cultivating a culture that is Christ-centered and prioritizes young people as you nurture faith through relationships, accompaniment, and deep theology. You have committed to developing leadership skills in youth and adults, and sent them to share the love and hope of Christ in their congregations, schools, communities and beyond. Your investment has made a deep impact on thousands of young people and their adult leaders, and it has been a blessing to serve alongside you as we have dreamed big dreams for our young people.
While there are many unknowns, I want to share what we do know:
-
Cardia Deo will still happen on March 18! I met with the LYO on Sunday and they have a solid plan in place to move forward with this event. We have an amazing team of LYO youth and adults that have all the gifts to make it happen. Please keep them in your prayers as they get ready for this event!
-
Bishop Amy will meet with synod youth ministry leaders in the coming days to begin conversations on what is needed now as you move forward. My departure creates an opportunity to listen and discern how God is calling our synod for this time, and what is needed in a staff position to continue to tend the vision for faith formation and leadership development with those in the first third of life. Please keep Bishop Amy and synod leaders in your prayers as they hold these important conversations and navigate this transition.
-
Leadership Camp and the All Youth Gathering are still on the calendar! Watch for details to be announced, and hold the dates of June 11-14, 2023 for Leadership Camp, and November 17-18 and 18-19, 2023 for the All Youth Gathering.
-
The Synod Journey is still being planned for 2024! I met with synod youth ministry leaders to begin that planning last week. Watch for more details to come.
These events will – and should – look different from the way I gave leadership to them. But I am confident that existing and new leaders will continue to build on the strong foundation our synod has developed over the years, and I am excited to see how God continues to work in and through you in the years to come.
You go with me into this new call I have. You have stretched me, inspired me, equipped me and strengthened me for the ministry in this synod, and now within the larger church. The prophet Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 43:19 that God is “about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” You are in my prayers as God calls and makes a way for both you and me to live into new opportunities for ministry!
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community