Youth Gathering Wrap-Up

We have begun a new theme "One Loaf, Many Tables," which was inspired by Jesus feeding of the 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This story is all about how God's love is abundant and for everyone. It really reminds me of the time we spent at Youth Gathering. Imagine a massive group of youth and leaders all together, experiencing the love and grace of God in so many ways.

At the gathering, we saw the theme "One Loaf, Many Tables" come to life. Whether we were waiting in long lines, adjusting our plans on the fly, or rolling up our sleeves for service projects, each moment showed us how we're all part of one big community in Christ. We learned to be patient, flexible, hardworking, and generous. These experiences helped us grow in our faith and see how we can make a difference together.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Patient” - Arlo

16,000 youth and leaders attended the youth gathering in New Orleans.

Just about anywhere we went a line was involved. A line to enter the convention center, a line to enter the Smoothie King center, and lines to order for many of the restaurants. Even though waiting isn’t easy the group stayed calm and positive.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Wet” - Easton

The weather in New Orleans was 90 degrees or above with high levels of humidity every day we were there.

We encountered daily storms. Whether you were covered in sweat or walking through a rainstorm you could predict that by the end of the day you would be wet. On a positive note, the hotel had a pool so you could be wet for fun.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Flexible” – Evan

While the group tried to plan activities, food and travel plans sometimes had to change. Restaurant wait times were too long, the weather turned into a severe storm, or we needed to go back to the hotel for an unplanned stop.

No matter what the circumstances the group managed the changes with smiles on their faces.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Hard working” – Mia

Each group that attends the gathering has an opportunity to perform service. Our group was assigned to help the Edgewood Park Neighborhood association. Bethany was part of 103 ELCA volunteers. We trimmed hedges, pulled weeds, and cut down bamboo trees in hot and humid weather.

The Edgewood Park Neighborhood association extended a big thank you for the wonderful energy, positive attitude and smiles on all our faces. You can see their statement and a few pictures on the Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association Facebook page.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Friendly” – Trey

The gathering is the perfect place to meet Lutheran’s from across the United States.

We met new people from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Utah, Colorado, Montana and North Dakota.

We also had a chance to meet an old face from Minnesota – Pastor Paul.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Adventurous” – Natalie

New Orleans is known for the many different restaurants where you can try new and interesting dishes. The group had a chance to sample oysters, Po-boys, beignets and alligator. The consensus was that alligator tasted a lot like chicken. The oysters we tried were fabulous and you can’t go wrong with a hot fluffy beignet covered with powdered sugar. The group also had a chance to tour an above the ground cemetery. A little unnerving to say the least.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Tenacious” – Lucy

Getting from point A to point B was a deliberate act. We were fortunate that the Meridien hotel where we stayed was centrally located. That did not lessen the amount of walking to get from point A to point B. The step counter on Pastor Cathy’s phone was averaging 18,000 – 20,000 steps per day which we think equated to 7 – 9 miles walking each day. The walking certainly helped burn off some of the wonderful food we had been eating.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Energetic” – Evan

The nightly gathering in the Smoothie King center had a variety of speakers, videos and music. The music had us on our feet clapping, dancing and singing along.

There were different musical artists as well as a band who played every night. It is so exciting to see the whole group up on their feet participating.

On the last day of the youth gathering there is a church service for all youth and leaders. Bethany had the opportunity to assist with the church service by providing communion. We arrived at the Smoothie King center at 07:30 AM to pick up the elements needed for communion. 16,000 people received communion during the church service. Our group 

served communion to anyone sitting in section 322. We had two teams providing the bread, wine, blessing and ushering.

“In New Orleans we were created to be Giving” – Mia

Youth gatherings offer a chance to give away, trade and receive tokens. Bethany ordered 450 rubber ducks that we hand labeled with “Be you, Be Kind, Bethany LC Crystal Lake Illinois”.

In return for giving our Bethany ducks to others we received bracelets, wrist bands, stickers, crosses, buttons, rings, pigs and miniature ducks. Bethany ducks were certainly a favorite item to receive.

Whether you are 14 or 62, or somewhere in between, you are never too old to learn. The group took a bus tour of the city to learn the history of New Orleans. We learned New Orleans was governed by the French, then the Spanish, then French again and finally by the United States due to the Louisiana Purchase.

In addition, the Gathering provided new insights and learning for all ages. Everyone had a chance to experience some very powerful speakers. We all experienced the ELCA’s only deaf pastor who spoke through an interpreter. The lights had to be turned on so she could see our hands being waved to show her our applause. We learned from another pastor that people from her church who are homeless, drug dependent and experiencing mental health issues are still God’s children. The first female Palestinian Pastor spoke about the risks, fears and dangers of living in occupied Palestine and the West Bank. We had an African American pastor speak to us about racism and where to focus our efforts to improve race relations. Last, there was an incident where a child of God was made to feel they didn’t belong at the Gathering. Bishop Eaton apologized to the whole gathering on behalf of the ELCA. She made a comment that we all have to remember that it is not the intent of what we say it is the impact of what we say to others that truly matters.

In New Orleans we were created to be Thankful – Easton

At the end of every day the group would gather to talk about the day. We discussed our favorite events and where did we see God in our activities. At that time, we would also open the gifts that our prayer partners sent with us to New Orleans. The gifts were a fun way to connect the group to Bethany back home. The group considered itself truly blessed. It was not only the gifts but the prayers we felt directed our way for the week. The group was truly thankful for all the support Bethany provided to make this trip possible.

As we wrap up, let's think about what "One Loaf, Many Tables" means for us. The story from the Gospel today and our experiences in New Orleans show us that even the smallest acts can make a huge difference when we share them with love. Just like Jesus turned a small meal into a feast for thousands, we can trust God to take our efforts and do amazing things with them.

Remember, no matter where we are—whether in a huge gathering or our local church—we're all sharing in the same love of Jesus. Let's keep looking for ways to bring God's abundance to everyone we meet, celebrating the diversity and unity that make our faith so special. As we continue with our “One Loaf. Many tables” theme, let's go out and make a difference together! Amen.