Youth +Family Ministry Update

Group 236

Dear Siblings in Christ,

As I reflect on my time in July with over 16,000 youth and young adults and their leaders at the ELCA National Youth Gathering, I am excited and captivated by what the Holy Spirit is doing through these young people and how God is calling them to change the Church and the world.

During our sixth year of ministry together which begins on September 1, we will continue to prioritize transformational leadership within our synod by intentionally rebuilding and supporting impactful ministry for the youth and families within the Metro D.C. Synod.

As we look to the 2024-25 ministry year, a few priorities are in development for Youth and Family Ministry in our synod:

  • Katharyn Wheeler, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, is in the candidacy process for Word and Service (to become a deacon in the ELCA). This year, she will begin her internship by splitting her time between a yet to be determined congregation and the synod office.

For Katharyn’s internship project, she has been asked to lead the Metro D.C. Synod Youth + Family Ministry over the next year. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry through Luther Seminary and has a passion for empowering youth to serve and participate in leadership positions within the Church.

  • A Metro D.C. Youth + Family Ministry Committee has been assembled and will guide the vision for this ministry alongside Katharyn. This committee began their work with Julie Stecker and will continue to meet regularly to discuss ideas, plans, and feedback received.
  • Plans are in the works to gather together for Metro D.C. conference-based events to engage youth and congregations of all sizes, but especially those with only a few youth or groups in transition.
  • We will continue to partner with the DE-MD Synod for youth leadership opportunities through the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) as well as combined ministry events.

Through our partnership with the DE-MD synod, we have enjoyed participating in the high school and middle school retreats, hosting children and their families at Mar-Lu-Ridge and the Potomac Park Retreat & Conference Center. Last year, we walked alongside 145 youth in grades 3-12, 54 adult leaders, and three younger siblings at these events! The 29 Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) members planned and led the bulk of these these opportunities for faith formation and service, supported by 31 adult mentors and event staff.

We are grateful for the willingness of the youth and adults leaders to experience something new and serve alongside their siblings in Christ and look forward to continuing this partnership through the upcoming opportunities listed below! Check out more details at www.youngfaithmatters.com.

Because of this transition, Katharyn’s current synod staff responsibilities will be changing. She will continue to serve as the assistant to Bishop Ortiz, as the liaison for the Bishop Election/Transition and Reconciling in Christ Teams, as well as serve on the Synod Assembly Planning Team. Other previously assigned responsibilities will be shared with staff and other synod leaders. Katharyn will also be taking a break from supply preaching.

Learn more about the plans for the coming year alongside the Youth + Family Ministry Committee as they host an informational meeting on Tuesday, September 17, at 7:00 PM on Zoom. Katharyn is also available to visit your congregation and meet with youth and leaders to discuss upcoming opportunities and hear how the synod can best support you. Contact Katharyn directly at kwheeler@metrodcelca.org to schedule a date and time.

This transition will take patience and grace as we encourage Katharyn and the Youth + Family Ministry Committee to dream and dream big. Please join us in prayers for all the ways the Metro D.C. Synod’s Youth + Family Ministry will grow and expand to share the transformative love of Jesus with all of God’s beloved people.

 

En Cristo,

Bishop Leila M. Ortiz

 

Current Joint Ministry Calendar of Events
Metro D.C. Synod Specific Events Coming Soon!

August 16–18, 2024 – LYO Organizing Retreat
Weekend event for LYO youth
Mar-Lu-Ridge, Jefferson, MD

November 15–17, 2024 – Middle + High School Event
Weekend event for youth in grades 6–12
Potomac Park Retreat & Conference Center, Falling Waters, WV

March 15–16, 2025 – Seekers
Event for children in grades 3–5 and their parents/guardians
Mar-Lu-Ridge, Jefferson, MD

April 4–6, 2025 – Unlikely Leaders
Leadership event for youth in grades 6–8 (maximum of four youth participants and one adult leader per congregation)
Mar-Lu-Ridge, Jefferson, MD