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Created to be…. Bold, Authentic, Free, Disruptive, Disciples!
+Bishop Dee Pederson
These were the daily themes that united 16,000 youth, young adults, and ministry leaders for the ELCA Youth Gathering July 16-20 in New Orleans, LA. There has not been an ELCA Youth Gathering since 2018 - which means that more than a whole “high school generation” has not been able to attend a Gathering. Now - they have! And they are excited disciples of Jesus.
These events can be transformational! I wonder how many of you reading this story right now attended a Youth Gathering? (Raise your hands! 😊)
I remember the first Youth Gathering I attended as a junior in high school. The impact of our pastor spending days riding on a school bus with us would never be forgotten. The power of being together with thousands and thousands of other Lutheran youth was not something I ever could have imagined: it was amazing! The faith created in my heart through the music, the talks, and the worships changed my life. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the growth of ministry began to take root in my life because of that Gathering.
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod sent over 380 students and 120 adult leaders to participate in this Gathering. Thanks go out to Pr. Jon Wendt who served as our Synod Champion, taking point and providing coordination and guidance for all of our people. Thank you, Pr. Jon!
I am so proud of our Synod Youth Band for providing the music and worship leadership for “Minnesota Day”. This worship service was attended by 2,600 participants from ALL of the 6 Minnesota synods. Under the direction of Pr. Hans Peterson, the band had been practicing and preparing for 6 months. Their musical skills and faith in Christ shined brightly. Click here to read more.
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