Theme Verse: “If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.” Philippians 2:1-2
This summer our high school youth have the amazing opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event: the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Over 35,000 high school youth from all over the nation are projected to come, and as of today over 20,000 have already signed up. National Youth Gatherings happen every three years, but this year is going to be especially unique for a few reasons:
1. This year the gathering is focusing on Service. There is going to be a lot of fun, great speakers, and amazing music, but the heart of the event meant to encourage and inspire young people to share the way Christ’s love can and does make a difference.
2. The people of New Orleans need our help now more than ever after the devastation of this year’s hurricanes. Each day 12,000 high school youth and their sponsors will be out in the community serving God through helping the citizens of New Orleans.
3. As far as I know, this is breaking new ground for the youth of our church—this is the first time in anyone’s memory that our youth will be going to the National Gathering!
I get chills imagining our youth being surrounded by 35,000 people who share the same Christian faith, rooted in the Lutheran lens, the same heart for serving, and the same mission of hope. Please pray about going and consider signing up!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Sarah
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