What a Youth Gathering! A sleepless, hot week of walking, sweating, laughter, and deep conversations about faith, the church and ‘what?’ tell me more about that! Simply, it was a transformative week that started with the excitement of taking the first Amtrak train ride to connect with 16,000+ Lutheran youth from across the country. The experience was amazing and the host city of NOLA, (that is - New Orleans, LA), did not disappoint. From text messages of “Bro, I’m lost” to “What section did we sit in?” to “Where’s Pastor Nate? Oh he’s ‘chattering’ again with someone.” to “How many more blocks do we have to walk? My feet are killing me!” We endured a lot, but never as much as Jesus. All of it was worth it!
Every speaker we heard connected with us and our human story. Yet each speaker was unique and relevant for our hearts to hear. Each story pulled us in, and thanks be to God, God’s love shows up! Somehow, they overcame the pain and confusion this world can dole out to make sense of how God is at work within their life. We engaged the streets of NOLA through a service project of helping a community clean out their sewer drains with a heat index over 104 degrees! We preserved with many ‘thank you’ greetings shared by the residents as we systematically went through the neighborhoods. We enjoyed interactive learning and community life through play, a scavenger hunt throughout the French Quarter, and evening dances. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton challenged our faith lives to think about where we were brave this week? Authentic? Free? Disruptive? And disciples? She reminded us we are in times when the Church cannot be silent for the sake of justice and proclaiming the gospel’s Good News!
Our youth (and adults) learned a lot about themselves, our CtK community, and their Lutheran faith. We hopped the train headed back to WI exhausted, excited, and transformed! I look forward to hearing the stories of faith the groups experience on Sunday, August 4, 10:30am at our Annual Church Picnic under the big tent on the front lawn. If the weather is inclement, we will gather in the sanctuary. Sloppy Joes will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass - fruit, salad, dessert or something else that goes with a picnic.
Christ’s blessings and peace throughout your week,
Pastor Nate
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