Posts tagged Youth and Young Adult
Youth Gathering 2024: Transformative Encounters in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans has transformed participants through deep conversations, community engagement, and inspiring worship. Highlighted by Bishop Eaton’s powerful closing message and a living Good Samaritan story, the week exemplified discipleship and the call to see Jesus in every neighbor. As we return home, we embrace the Spirit of courage and authenticity, ready to serve and love as disciples of Christ.

Read More
Accompaniment Day: Building Bridges in New Orleans

On July 18, over 5,000 participants at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans took part in “Accompaniment Day,” engaging in community service and building meaningful relationships. Despite torrential rain, the day concluded with an inspiring Mass Gathering. Highlights included powerful speeches on justice and freedom, emphasizing the theme “Created to Be Free.”

Read More
‘Created to Be Authentic’: A Day of Unity and Discovery at the ELCA Youth Gathering

During the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans on July 17, 2024, participants explored the city’s rich culture through a scavenger hunt, engaging in activities that highlighted local history and embraced the theme “Created to Be Authentic.” Highlights included Bishop Eaton’s interactions with youth, powerful worship led by Bishop Regina Hassanally, and vibrant discussions on identity and faith. The day ended with an uplifting Mass Gathering, reinforcing the call to authenticity and inclusion within the church.

Read More
16,000 Youth Ignite New Orleans with Spirit of Bravery at 2024 ELCA Gathering

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans brings together over 16,000 Lutheran youth and leaders, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of worship, play, and community. As the Gathering kicked off for the first time this week, the event featured engaging activities, powerful Mass Gatherings, and inspirational speeches from church leaders and speakers.

Read More
The Spirit Moves in New Orleans: Closing Moments of MYLE and the tAble

The 2024 MYLE and the tAble events concluded on a high note in New Orleans, marking an impactful four days of spiritual growth and community building. Bishop Felix Malpica inspired the youth with messages of inclusion and God’s miraculous disruptions. Participants explored diversity and acceptance, with activities like building Lego figures reflecting their unique identities. As these events wrapped up, the connections formed promise to inspire further gatherings and continued faith journeys. Let’s carry the spirit of these moments forward as we step into the broader 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. Be sure to watch the MYLE 2024 Recap Video the tAble 2024 Recap Video.

Read More
Embracing Freedom and Diversity: Highlights from the Final Full Day of MYLE and the tAble 2024

The final day of MYLE and the tAble at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community. Highlights included Dr. Moses Penumaka’s inspiring sermon on freedom in Christ, a variety of creative and cultural showcases, and a field trip to the Smoothie King Center to prepare for the Mass Gathering. As the events concluded, the community’s spirit of inclusivity and support was evident, with participants and volunteers alike sharing moments of joy and gratitude.

Read More
From Lego Art to Dance Parties: Creative Expressions at ELCA’s Youth Gathering

Day 2 of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a vibrant celebration of faith, identity, and community. Participants at MYLE created a Lego art installation reflecting their unique selves, while those at the tAble prepared disaster relief kits and enjoyed a spirited masquerade dance. Highlighting the day were workshops and worship sessions that emphasized the Lutheran values of inclusivity and personal expression, empowering our youth to shine brightly in their diverse identities. Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories of young Lutherans living their faith out loud in the heart of New Orleans.

Read More
Day One Highlights: Celebrating Wholeness and Grace at the ELCA Youth Gathering

Day 2 of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a vibrant celebration of faith, identity, and community. Participants at MYLE created a Lego art installation reflecting their unique selves, while those at the tAble prepared disaster relief kits and enjoyed a spirited masquerade dance. Highlighting the day were workshops and worship sessions that emphasized the Lutheran values of inclusivity and personal expression, empowering our youth to shine brightly in their diverse identities. Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories of young Lutherans living their faith out loud in the heart of New Orleans.

Read More
The magic of the Crescent City is waiting at the ELCA Youth Gathering

“Friends, it’s here. Our teams have started to arrive, and the city is ready for us. I can’t wait for each of you to experience all that the bayou has to offer while being affirmed that you were created to be — you. Safe travels, dear ones. Let’s have a Gathering!” — Deacon Tammy Jones West, Director of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

Read the latest email gNews from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering here.

Read More
ELCA Youth Gathering to bring thousands to New Orleans

Meeting under the theme "Created to Be," nearly 16,000 youth, adult leaders and others from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, La., July 16-20. The Gathering brings together high school age Lutherans from across the country and overseas for faith formation, worship, fellowship and service. Read full press release at ELCA.org.

Read More
2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: In-Kind Offering

In the aftermath of a storm, hurricane, or tornado, New Orleans residents regularly find themselves without electricity. This quickly becomes a health crisis as people try to manage life in the hot, humid Gulf Coast summers. City leaders and community organizers identified the eight most-requested items to help residents as they wait for the power grid to be restored.

Our goal is to create 3,000 disaster relief kits filled with these items to help New Orleanians get through the days immediately following a natural disaster. It takes about $100 to create an entire disaster relief kit. We encourage you to collect the items for your region or raise funds to complete an entire kit! Click here to learn more.

Read More
Draw Your Dreams: Submit Art for a Better Future at Youth Gathering

Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation art contest to envision a better future through your artwork! Open to youth and young adults, this contest encourages participants to reimagine their communities in harmony with the environment. Submit your art by June 30, 2024, for a chance to have your work displayed at the Youth Gathering in New Orleans and turned into advocacy postcards. All levels of art skills are welcome. Click to learn more and submit your vision of a sustainable tomorrow!

Read More
Empowering Spiritual Bonds: Introducing ‘DUOble Faith’ Bible Study for Mothers and Daughters

Introducing ‘DUOble Faith,’ a new Bible study by Melissa Nesdahl designed for mothers and their elementary-aged daughters, focusing on deepening their faith together. Alongside this, Melissa offers consultation services to enhance Children, Youth, and Family programs within our congregations. Discover these enriching resources and how they can benefit your ministry by visiting Melissa Nesdahl’s website.

Read More
Navigating the ELCA Youth Gathering: Encouragement and Tips for Leaders

In her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.

Read More
Faith Lens: The Holy Trinity

This week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Read More