Jesus, Justice, Jazz- this summer!

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

Bring Your Parents This Sunday

Hey Everyone-
Don't forget this Sunday is the Parent's Meeting for families with youth in 7-12 grade. Come with your parents to learn about all the cool stuff that we are doing this year in EPIC and to sign up. Lunch will be served!

At 1pm we'll "dismiss" all the Junior High parents, and anyone interested in learning more about the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this July is welcome to stay!

We nabbed us some 7th graders!

On Saturday we got up at the crack of dawn to "kidnap" the 7th graders for a morning of cinnamon rolls and goofiness on the Pismo Beach Pier! Now I know how that sounds, but we did not actually "kidnap" them in scary ways- although some of them looked a little freaked out when they opened their eyes and saw several, unbathed older kids staring at them. No, their parents knew we were coming, but for the kids it was a surprise.

Some highlights from the morning include Madison's older sister repeating over and over "Are you serious!?!?!," Jeremy opening, then closing, then reopening his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things, and THE MOST IMPORTANT, NOT A SINGLE PERSON GOT STUNG BY BEES, YELLOW JACKETS, WASPS, OR EVEN MOSQUITOES!!!

Hopefully you feel welcome 7th graders! We are glad to have you all join the EPIC!

God Bless and Protect You from Bees!
Pastor Sarah

New Fall Schedule!

Beginning on Wednesday, September 10 we will have a new schedule for youth night! Last year we had a blast being all together, but we've decided to try something a little different for the fall.

Wednesday Nights
4:30-6pm Confirmation/Jr. High EPIC
6-7pm "I Like Snacks" Time (Time for people to hang out, have a snack, etc.)
7-8:30pm High School EPIC

We are going to have a great time- you won't want to miss it!

FINAL FAMILY BEACH BONFIRE TONIGHT!

Don't forget that tonight is our last Family Beach Bonfire of the summer! We'll meet at the end of Grand Ave. Bring a side dish or dessert to share! All ages are welcome!

Pastor Sarah with Nellie

Here is a picture of me with John "Nellie" Nelson. He was our keynote speaker in Session 3. The theme of the Session was "Your Network." Nellie was born in Singapore with severe physical disabilities. He has lived his whole life in a wheel chair and has always struggled in feeling love from others. But God is a big part of who he is now. And his message is one of acceptance and love. He believes that God is using him to spread hope to others, especially in his part as one of the Assistant Coaches to the Pacific Lutheran University Football Team. He shared that he would never change a thing about himself, because he knows now that God loves him inside and out!

More from the Western States Youth Gathering

Here's another shot of us goofing off after Session 3 (Your Network). Allie- looking good and I believe that is one of Leslie's eyes in the corner.

There are tons of pictures available at www.wsyg.com. You can also get a highlights video if you want one!