Thanks

The youth and adults from Emmanuel who attended the 2009 Youth Gathering would like to thank you for your support by inviting you to a dinner on September 20, 2009 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Yesterday and today

Yesterday, July 24, 2009, we went out to Joe Brown Park in east New Orleans to clear our the area around the lagoon and to pull invasive plant species. It was hard, hot work – but very satisfying. The local residents fish from this lagoon to help supplement there food sources and by us cleaning it out, we help them get fresh fish as well as have a safe and healthy park.
The ELCA’s Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson was also out there with us. He and Jennifer were pulling old logs out of the lagoon together. Jennifer did not even realize that it was Bishop Hanson, she just knew that she and Mark were working together.
Later in day, after we had finished, New Orleans Mayor, Ray Nagin came out to thank us for the work we were doing. He started by thanking us and then said, “God is Good,” and all of us responded with “All the time.” See the news release at http://www.wfn.org/2009/07/msg00163.html
The city council woman,Cynthia Willard-Lewis, who represents that part of New Orleans also thank us. And she could really preach it. She told us that while most churches “evangelize within their own walls, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was showing the world what it means to be loving Christians.” What she had to say was so inspiring that Bishop Hanson commented that he would willingly give up his pulpit on Sunday to her. Bishop Hanson also gave both of them the backpacks we received with a copy of the new Lutheran Study Bible in it.
Today, July 25, 2009, we spent the day in the Learning Center. We began by attending a workshop together learning about Gender Issues. Kyle got up to help act out a scene that was so funny, that you had to be there because it would not translate to mere writing.
We then went off to different workshops. Some of us talked about the images of Jesus, the story of the Samaritan Woman, and exploring what it means to be a leader in the Church. Some of us also wrote letters of hope to the people of New Orleans, letters to ourselves that we be delivered to us in a year to remind us of promises we made to ourselves.
Today we saw more about what it means to be God’s Hands in the world.

Thursday nigbt in the Dome

We arrived at the dome a little later tonight than last night due to the long wait in the heat yesterday. That means our seats are further up in the Dome, the real nose bleed section #645. This is even a better view of the crowd. Today we got to talk to the Presiding Bishop and Evelyn won our “clothes pin” game by putting a clothes pin on his beard.
Today we were In the a interaction center and got to some hands on Work and learn about many issues that are important to the ELCA, and the world.
One of the things we learned was about community and how we can be God’s hands no matter where we are and no matter who we are.
We also have more certain things other than death and taxes, we have death, taxes and love.

First mass gathering of 38,000

Here we are at the first large gathering of 38,000 Lutheran youth and adult leaders. Standing in heat was well worth it. Seeing all these people in one place worshiping Christ is beyond words.

Final 15

Those who will be at the Youth Gathering will set the last 15 minutes of each day to ‘touch base,’ hear the Word of God, reflect on the day, care for each other, and pray together. It is a time to take a deep breath, pause, give thanks, and prepare for the crossing from today to tomorrow — together and individually.

We invite you to do the same during the Gathering, as those who are the Home Team, supporting us with your love and prayers.

As you reflect on each day, you’ll dig deeper into what it means to follow Christ, to serve others, and to hear the Word of God that helps us better understand compassionate justice — from God’s perspective. Some of the conversations may not be easy, they may even be filled with tears and frustration, but trust in God’s presence and your ability to care for each other; trust that there is something to learn in every situation and experience. And, some times of reflection and discussion will be loud with laughter and energy spilling over from the day.

Fifteen minutes may not seem like much after a long, busy day, but don’t be tempted to skip it.

Thank you for your support and prayers,

Emmanuel’s “Away Team”

Goal Reached

We reached our fund raising goal. Thanks to everyone at Emmanuel and beyond who helped.

A week away

The 11 youth and 3 adults from Emmanuel will be taking off Early Tuesday Morning for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering. Please keep us in your prayers.

Change for Change

So far, with your help, the youth have collected $388.06 in loose change for the Change for Change collection.  We will still have the collection bucket out until the end of June.

Carwash

Despite the cloudy Skies, the carwash went well. Thanks to all who came out.

Gathering Away Team writes convenant

The Youth and Adults have agreed on a covenant to follow during the Gathering.  This covenant covers expectations (such as being at all events), safety issues, respect for self and others, and being aware that we are living the week in a Christian Community.

We are also still strive toward our fund raising goal.  If you would like to help, please contact Pastor Lewis at rllewis<at>elcbethesda.org or call him at the church office – 301-365-5733.