July 23, 2024

Last week, Pastor Tim, Kaley, and I took fourteen of our youth to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering. 

We started in Atlanta, where we went to the King Center and talked about how Martin Luther King’s faith led his life and work. We then went to the World of Coke and spent some time relaxing and playing games.

Once we arrived in New Orleans, we learned all about the different ministries in the ELCA, walked around the French Quarter, worshiped with other churches in Ohio and surrounding states, and went out into the Lower Ninth Ward to help put up waterproof siding on a home.

We joined 15,000 others in the Smoothie King Center each night to listen to speakers and sing together around the theme of “Created To Be,” with nightly themes being Brave, Authentic, Free, Disruptive, and Disciples. We got to share what stuck out to each other in our nightly meetings and how we can continue to live these out in our lives beyond this gathering.  

Then, on Saturday morning, we worshiped together, hearing Bishop Elizabeth Eaton share how God calls us to live faithfully these lessons as we return home. We took communion together and joined in prayer and singing. It was one of the holiest moments of the trip. 

I always enjoy seeing what pops up in between the high-energy moments in gatherings like this. I loved seeing this group of youth who were quiet as we were just getting on the road to chatting and laughing together all the time and making memories. They each came out of their shells and brought a side of themselves that sometimes can be missed. They asked questions and shared things that may not always come up in a normal conversation but encourage us, and me, to continue to think about where God is working through our lives and how we can live faithfully each day. 

The youth really came together, which always gives me joy to see and experience alongside them. If you want to hear them share more, we posted videos each night on our Facebook page, which I invite you to check out.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers for us on this trip. I am grateful our kids were able to experience this opportunity and learn more about God and faith at this stage in their lives. 

God’s Peace,

Vicar Jennie