The story of Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones has been on my mind a lot this year. The prophet is brought to a valley filled with the essence of a people who are dried up, whose hope is lost, and who are cut off completely. God asks the prophet, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I wonder how many of us have asked that question in the last year, for ourselves and for those we serve?
 
I wonder that question for young people. You’ve heard me share the research on how young people report record rates of isolation and loneliness, and often don’t have adults in their lives to support and mentor them. We see the impact of anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns have on the lives of youth. How can youth live when they are dried up, without hope, and cut off from others?
 
The story of the dry bones continues by God telling Ezekiel to prophesy – to share God’s story – with those who are dry and disconnected. This is our work and calling as we keep the promises we made to youth at their baptism. When Ezekiel complies, the bones rattle, ligaments are connected, and flesh is restored. Sharing the hope and love of Christ connects us. We are restored when we are connected to God, to ourselves and to each other.
 
My favorite and most hope-filled part of the story is what happens next. The bones are connected, but they don’t have breath and live until God breathes into them. Tiger McLuen often says, “It’s all about you. And it’s not about you.” We are called to be prophets – connecting people to God’s story and the love of Christ. We have a crucial role to play, and we need to show up in the lives of young people. But it’s not about us. It’s about what God is up to in and through us. God is the one who brings life, not us.
 
The question I hear most from both youth and adults is, “Am I enough?” Perhaps you’ve asked that as well, especially this year as we have lived in the valley of dry bones. This is why Ezekiel’s story gives me hope. I am enough. You are enough. Because it’s not about us. It’s about the work God is doing in and through you. I need to show up and be present so we can be connected to God and each other.
 
This coming year, NE MN Synod youth ministry events will focus on being connected to God and each other.
  • The Synod Journey will explore what it means to be deeply rooted to be CONNECTED to a boundless God beyond measure.
 
  • The Middle School Gathering’s confirmation theme is the Lord’s Prayer. We will use that as a foundation to talk about how we are connected to God and each other through relationships.
 
  • Cardia Deo returns to the theme, “Called”. How are we called to connect with God and each other?
 
  • Adult Leader Trainings will connect and equip us to prophesy to young people. Join us for an online book study, Network meetings, the Extravaganza and more.
 
  • Resources will give opportunities to deepen connections of faith and process the changing world.
 
The Fall Resource Packet will be mailed this week and posted online. We are hopeful and optimistic that in person events will happen. Synod leadership will continue to monitor COVID-19 and follow local and CDC guidelines to make decisions and set protocols in the best interest of participants.
 
Mortal, can these young bones live? Let’s spend this year prophesying – sharing the hope and love of Christ to connect our young people to God, to themselves and to each other so together we can say, “We are enough because our God is enough.”
 
Together in Christ,
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community