On July 15, 2024, 5 high school and 2 young adults left for New Orleans to participate in the ELCA Youth and Young Adult Gathering. What a week it was! In addition to the many engaging activities provided by the gathering staff, there was much time for fellowship, silliness, and growth.
The theme of this gathering was Created To Be, and it featured many powerful speakers. Through their stories they reminded us that we are all made exactly the way God made us to be, that God loves each of us deeply as we are, and there is plenty of room for each of us to be who we are. We are created to be Brave, Authentic, Free, Disruptive, Disciples of Jesus. This means that we can step out bravely even when it is uncomfortable. It means that we don’t need to try to be like someone else, but we are free to be ourselves. It means that when we see injustice, we will do what we can to make changes happen. And we belong to our always loving and accepting Savior, who teaches, leads, and loves us.
Click here to see the ELCA “Week in Review” Video! You will find other videos recapping various days and events at the same site.