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Anya Burt (center) with her pastor Rev. Meredith Lovell and TEY director, Chandler Carriker, after worship at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Washington, DC.

As we wind our way through the rough and unpredictable months of winter, some of the joys of previous summers seem so far away. Part of what I believe to be crucial about the ministry of Theological Education with Youth is that it is equipping and empowering youthful disciples for their central part in the mission of the Church…NOW! Because of their memories of their experiences this past summer at TEY’s Crossroads Event, two young leaders in the Church are stepping into that rough and unpredictable word to bring the word of Christ’s care and concern for the poor and hungry. Anya Burt (St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Washington, DC) and Michelle Flaherty (Prince of Peace Lutheran, Erie, PA) both received TEY Crossroads Ministry Grants this past fall after submitting proposals for ministry projects they planned on starting in their home congregations. The grant provides $200 of seed money to begin a new ministry for the sake of the world, reflecting many of the callings and vocations which the youth explored during their week long Crossroads Event.

Anya was moved by the stories of those she had encountered at Earl’s Place in Baltimore. “At TEY,” writes Anya, “talking to people who were formerly homeless had a big effect on me. I came home wanting to help people like them.” Her home congregation of St. Paul’s already had a thriving ministry to the homeless in their area, and Anya hoped to add to that in a very specific way. She saw the often forgotten needs of those who were transitioning from homelessness into new housing. She has gathered her congregation together to assemble housewarming baskets for those who are making this big step. Anya saw the need to continue to follow the calling of Christ, even when the worst might seem to have past, and to never abandon a child of God.

Michelle Flaherty (back center) and her bandmates in Unspoken Sacrifice.

Michelle came to the Crossroads Event in the summer of 2007 with a flame already lit for the ministry of music. When she encountered those called to ministries like that of Lutheran World Relief, she saw an intersection between her passion for music and Christ’s call to serve the hungry. Through performances by the band Unspoken Sacrifice, which she formed amongst members of Prince of Peace, Michelle hopes to not only raise funds in the fight of hunger throughout the world but to raise awareness of the need right there in her community (you can catch up with the work of Unspoken Sacrifice at www.myspace.com/unspokensacrificemusic). “We will be reaching the local community,” writes Michelle, “and also the world as a larger community.” Truly a ministry for the entire Body of Christ!

Michelle and Anya’s work are just two examples of the many incredible youthful theologians who have taken part in Theological Education with Youth over the past 8 years. It is their voice and passion that we here at LTSG and LTSP hope to help open for the sake of the Church’s witness and work for the world. If you know of other stories such as these, please continue your support and prayer for TEY, and if you are new to this and want to hear more, drop us a line or give us a call. While the winter may have us wrapped up for now, and new and glorious dawn is not far off.

In Christ,

Chandler Carriker

Director, TEY

Director's Links

Theological Education with Youth

Offices located at:
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Chandler Carriker, Director
(717)338-3038, ccarriker@ltsg.edu

Sherry Rippman, Coordinator
(717)338-3005, srippman@ltsg.edu