OSLC Youth and Young Adults Attend 2024 ELCA Gathering!

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. 

Along with 16,000 others from across the country and beyond, our youth learned new ways to serve and advocate for others, tried new experiences at the Interactive Learning area, and met and worshipped with friends from around the Virginia Synod. Young adults had events suited to their needs throughout the week as well, but we found time to spend together. They shared in the daily Mass Gatherings each day, as well.

We are still waiting to hear the results of the offerings given for ELCA World Hunger on the last day. But we can tell you that using our in-kind offerings, over 3500 Hurricane Emergency Kits were assembled for New Orleans! A parade with a brass band was held inside the Convention Center to present the kits!

Attend the Gala on August 16, at 7 pm to learn more about the gathering experience directly from our participants! And, try our gluten and nut free vegan desserts!

RSVP here!