Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth....You are the light of the world." The stories contained in this blog are testimonies of the ways that the Holy Spirit is working in and through the congregation of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Landisville, PA, making us salt of the earth and light for the world in Jesus' name.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Day 4: Practicing Peacemaking
The day began with sunshine and clear skies. Kayla, Sarah, Bob and Pastor enjoyed breakfast at Ruby Slippers Cafe, the rest enjoyed a little extra shut eye. We met up at the hotel for our walk to the Convention Center for our morning of practicing peacemaking.
First, we worshipped together with those assigned to this peacemaking day. We began with praise songs. In an interval between the songs, as music continued, the worship leader said, "This is traditional Lutheran worship." When the response was laughter, he continued by saying that Lutheran worship is marked by tradition, even if you call the first songs "praise songs", what we sang was the opening hymn. He continued with a description of what we would do: remembrance of baptism, confession and absolution, word, sermon, closing hymn.
This was no different from the structure of traditional worship. Yet it was different! It was full of energy and motion. The words were familiar, but, somehow, the way they were interspersed with music made them more meaningful.
From worship, we moved to the interactive center where there were a variety of activities designed to increase awareness of global issues and provide ways to respond.
Later, we went out into the city to explore, buy souvenirs, try some traditional cuisine (jambalaya, gumbo,
alligator and crawfish) and experience a little of the atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Then we walked back to the "Luther Dome" for our last evening of music, dancing, stories of faith and encouragement. It was hard to imagine that after tonight we would no longer be with our 33,309 sisters and brothers. We've met so many wonderful people.
The evening began with the "biggest dance party of Lutheran youth ever held in the Dome." During the event, a series of dance moves was taught each night. What and amazing thing it was to see all the crowd dancing together!
Speakers once again brought messages of encouragement and inspiration. Tony Acompanado told us about the importance and risk of speaking the truth about injustice, intolerance, and bullying.
Pastor Andrena Ingram told her story of abuse, addiction, and HIV infection. She shared how pastors of a Lutheran church showed her the amazing grace of God in Christ and acceptance for
who she was. She was encouraged to pursue a call to minister with persons
who are HIV+.
"Be the change you wish to be in the world." (Ghandi) This was the message for the youth throughout the event. Rachel Kurtz's song, "Make a Difference" was the theme song for the Gathering, and the program ended with everyone singing,
"I want my life to make a difference. I want my life to make a change. I want my life to do some good here. I want my life to make a change."
The last treat of the evening was a performance by the band Switchfoot. This popular band plays both Christian and pop music. When they were announced, the stadium erupted into cheering, and many of the youth joined in singing along with their songs.
Just before the concert ended, we left the stadium to walk back to the hotel to pack. At 10:30, we gathered in Cris and Pastor JMe's room for discussion of our experiences in New Orleans and "Candle Prayer." We had so many things to thank God for: new friends and reconnections with old ones, grace-filled messages by the speakers, the fun we had together, what we learned and experienced about the transforming power of Christ, and so much more. There were heartfelt prayers offered for the people of Aurora, Colorado, for safe travel, for the people of New Orleans who welcomed us to their city, for the security and police officers who put in overtime away from their families to keep us safe as we moved throughout the city, and for organization like St. Bernard that continue to help the people rebuild their lives and homes 8 years after Katrina.
ZYM life without Bob as the Guide and church "father" for the youth was also on the hearts and minds of all the youth in the candle prayer circle. We all gave thanks for the years that he has shared his gifts and caring with the youth and families of Zion. Prayers were lifted up for his new ministry of caring as an EMT. By the end of our prayer time, there were tears flowing.
First, we worshipped together with those assigned to this peacemaking day. We began with praise songs. In an interval between the songs, as music continued, the worship leader said, "This is traditional Lutheran worship." When the response was laughter, he continued by saying that Lutheran worship is marked by tradition, even if you call the first songs "praise songs", what we sang was the opening hymn. He continued with a description of what we would do: remembrance of baptism, confession and absolution, word, sermon, closing hymn.
This was no different from the structure of traditional worship. Yet it was different! It was full of energy and motion. The words were familiar, but, somehow, the way they were interspersed with music made them more meaningful.
From worship, we moved to the interactive center where there were a variety of activities designed to increase awareness of global issues and provide ways to respond.
Later, we went out into the city to explore, buy souvenirs, try some traditional cuisine (jambalaya, gumbo,
alligator and crawfish) and experience a little of the atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Then we walked back to the "Luther Dome" for our last evening of music, dancing, stories of faith and encouragement. It was hard to imagine that after tonight we would no longer be with our 33,309 sisters and brothers. We've met so many wonderful people.
The evening began with the "biggest dance party of Lutheran youth ever held in the Dome." During the event, a series of dance moves was taught each night. What and amazing thing it was to see all the crowd dancing together!
Speakers once again brought messages of encouragement and inspiration. Tony Acompanado told us about the importance and risk of speaking the truth about injustice, intolerance, and bullying.
Pastor Andrena Ingram told her story of abuse, addiction, and HIV infection. She shared how pastors of a Lutheran church showed her the amazing grace of God in Christ and acceptance for
who she was. She was encouraged to pursue a call to minister with persons
who are HIV+.
"Be the change you wish to be in the world." (Ghandi) This was the message for the youth throughout the event. Rachel Kurtz's song, "Make a Difference" was the theme song for the Gathering, and the program ended with everyone singing,
"I want my life to make a difference. I want my life to make a change. I want my life to do some good here. I want my life to make a change."
The last treat of the evening was a performance by the band Switchfoot. This popular band plays both Christian and pop music. When they were announced, the stadium erupted into cheering, and many of the youth joined in singing along with their songs.
Just before the concert ended, we left the stadium to walk back to the hotel to pack. At 10:30, we gathered in Cris and Pastor JMe's room for discussion of our experiences in New Orleans and "Candle Prayer." We had so many things to thank God for: new friends and reconnections with old ones, grace-filled messages by the speakers, the fun we had together, what we learned and experienced about the transforming power of Christ, and so much more. There were heartfelt prayers offered for the people of Aurora, Colorado, for safe travel, for the people of New Orleans who welcomed us to their city, for the security and police officers who put in overtime away from their families to keep us safe as we moved throughout the city, and for organization like St. Bernard that continue to help the people rebuild their lives and homes 8 years after Katrina.
ZYM life without Bob as the Guide and church "father" for the youth was also on the hearts and minds of all the youth in the candle prayer circle. We all gave thanks for the years that he has shared his gifts and caring with the youth and families of Zion. Prayers were lifted up for his new ministry of caring as an EMT. By the end of our prayer time, there were tears flowing.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 3: Practicing Discipleship
"Christ has destroyed the dividing wall."
Ephesians 2:14
Today, we came together with all the participants from the Lower Susquehanna synod for opening activities and worship. 900 of us poured into a convention room at the Hilton.
It didn't take long to notice that the room was divided by a huge wall of boxes. One half of the folks couldn't see the other.
The reason for the wall became apparent as the words of Ephesians 2:12-20 were read. Throughout the next two hours, we were surrounded by images and stories of Jesus' work to break down the barriers between people. As Pastor Dave Fisher preached, the wall dividing the room was taken down and formed into a huge cross in the midst of the crowd.
Here are some of Pastor Fisher's inspiring words:
"The blood of Christ shakes up and brings down empires." The blood of Christ was shed for the peace of the whole world! No group, religious group, nation or empire can claim this peace for itself alone. "We have Lamb Power!" We are called to embody vulnerable yet strong love. We have as our Lord the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Holy Communion was shared and we exchanged blessings with one another marking the cross of Christ on our foreheads in remembrance of our Baptism.
After worship we were led in an interactive session about the Seven Faith Practices of the church: pray, study, encourage, worship, invite, serve, give. The youth were divided into groups of 10-12, each with one adult, and the remaining adults formed their own groups.
The session was interrupted by telephone emergency weather alerts and the announcement that due to heavy rains, some of the streets were flooding. City officials had ordered that Gathering folk remain inside until they were given permission to leave. That's the second time that the event has been affected by a rain delay!
Afternoon activities were cancelled due to the weather. The only alternative was to spend the time in the River Walk mall where we competed with all the other participants to get something to eat in the food court. Long lines with 30-45 minute waiting times were the norm. Regardless, we managed to get some sustenance even if it meant eating dessert first because the lines at the chocolate shop were short.
The rain continued to come down in a torrent, but we finally decided to brave the walk to the hotel. Donning ponchos purchased in the mall, we braved the rain and deep puddles arriving back at the Doubletree soaking wet- again.
Thankfully, the rain stopped long enough for us to return to what has now been dubbed "The Luther Dome." for the evening program. Only Sarah Thompson and Pastor JMe were willing to go early enough to get seats on the floor of the stadium. The rest followed later finding seats on the second level with a great view of the stage.
"You'd have to have been there." It's impossible to describe the amazing night we had in the Luther Dome! Before the regular program, Pastor JMe and Sarah enjoyed a pre-event concert by Lost and Found and learned hip hop moves. Streams of youth dancing in "Conga" lines snaked all throughout the floor area. The energy was incredible!
The program began with a light and sound show followed by songs by the stage band that kept us on our feet. Before introducing the theme of peacemaking, the emcees led us in a prayer for the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. This tragedy has been on our hearts and minds throughout the day.
As on previous nights, the speakers' messages were powerful.
Diane Latiker of Chicago told of her ministry with gang members. She began in 2003 with10 kids in her living room, and now her program, Kids Off The Block, has served over 1500 since it began. In 2011, she was recognized as a Top Ten CNN Hero.
Jamie Nabozny encouraged us to speak and act against bullying. As a teenager, Jamie was beaten severely because he is gay. He received no help from the authorities of his high school, even after a beating sent him to the hospital with a ruptured spleen and other internal injuries. He later won a landmark case against his school that established the rights of all students to be safe in school.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Leymah Gbowee. Ms. Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist who was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her organization of Christian and Muslim women in a nonviolent movement pivotal in ending Liberia's civil war in 2003. She told the youth that the gifts they bring to the world are hope for change. At the end of her message, she encouraged the crowd to hold up the lights of their cell phone. With the stadium lights dimmed, the huge space seemed ablaze with light. She commented that when the youth present share their light of faith in Jesus in the world, the world will become as beautiful as the view inside the dome.
WOW!
Ephesians 2:14
Today, we came together with all the participants from the Lower Susquehanna synod for opening activities and worship. 900 of us poured into a convention room at the Hilton.
It didn't take long to notice that the room was divided by a huge wall of boxes. One half of the folks couldn't see the other.
The reason for the wall became apparent as the words of Ephesians 2:12-20 were read. Throughout the next two hours, we were surrounded by images and stories of Jesus' work to break down the barriers between people. As Pastor Dave Fisher preached, the wall dividing the room was taken down and formed into a huge cross in the midst of the crowd.
Here are some of Pastor Fisher's inspiring words:
"The blood of Christ shakes up and brings down empires." The blood of Christ was shed for the peace of the whole world! No group, religious group, nation or empire can claim this peace for itself alone. "We have Lamb Power!" We are called to embody vulnerable yet strong love. We have as our Lord the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Holy Communion was shared and we exchanged blessings with one another marking the cross of Christ on our foreheads in remembrance of our Baptism.
After worship we were led in an interactive session about the Seven Faith Practices of the church: pray, study, encourage, worship, invite, serve, give. The youth were divided into groups of 10-12, each with one adult, and the remaining adults formed their own groups.
The session was interrupted by telephone emergency weather alerts and the announcement that due to heavy rains, some of the streets were flooding. City officials had ordered that Gathering folk remain inside until they were given permission to leave. That's the second time that the event has been affected by a rain delay!
Afternoon activities were cancelled due to the weather. The only alternative was to spend the time in the River Walk mall where we competed with all the other participants to get something to eat in the food court. Long lines with 30-45 minute waiting times were the norm. Regardless, we managed to get some sustenance even if it meant eating dessert first because the lines at the chocolate shop were short.
The rain continued to come down in a torrent, but we finally decided to brave the walk to the hotel. Donning ponchos purchased in the mall, we braved the rain and deep puddles arriving back at the Doubletree soaking wet- again.
Thankfully, the rain stopped long enough for us to return to what has now been dubbed "The Luther Dome." for the evening program. Only Sarah Thompson and Pastor JMe were willing to go early enough to get seats on the floor of the stadium. The rest followed later finding seats on the second level with a great view of the stage.
"You'd have to have been there." It's impossible to describe the amazing night we had in the Luther Dome! Before the regular program, Pastor JMe and Sarah enjoyed a pre-event concert by Lost and Found and learned hip hop moves. Streams of youth dancing in "Conga" lines snaked all throughout the floor area. The energy was incredible!
The program began with a light and sound show followed by songs by the stage band that kept us on our feet. Before introducing the theme of peacemaking, the emcees led us in a prayer for the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. This tragedy has been on our hearts and minds throughout the day.
As on previous nights, the speakers' messages were powerful.
Diane Latiker of Chicago told of her ministry with gang members. She began in 2003 with10 kids in her living room, and now her program, Kids Off The Block, has served over 1500 since it began. In 2011, she was recognized as a Top Ten CNN Hero.
Jamie Nabozny encouraged us to speak and act against bullying. As a teenager, Jamie was beaten severely because he is gay. He received no help from the authorities of his high school, even after a beating sent him to the hospital with a ruptured spleen and other internal injuries. He later won a landmark case against his school that established the rights of all students to be safe in school.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Leymah Gbowee. Ms. Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist who was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her organization of Christian and Muslim women in a nonviolent movement pivotal in ending Liberia's civil war in 2003. She told the youth that the gifts they bring to the world are hope for change. At the end of her message, she encouraged the crowd to hold up the lights of their cell phone. With the stadium lights dimmed, the huge space seemed ablaze with light. She commented that when the youth present share their light of faith in Jesus in the world, the world will become as beautiful as the view inside the dome.
WOW!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 2:
Day 2: Practicing Justice: out on the town.
"The bible doesn't say, 'God bless America., The bible says 'for God so loves the world'."
These were words spoken at the end of the day- a day of learning about and practicing justice. "We don't work to win salvation. We work because we are saved," the speaker, Shane Claiborne of Philadelphia, said.
After an early breakfast of beignets (traditional French doughnuts or, as Cris Burfete calls them, "funnel cake on steroids"), we went back to the hotel to prepare for our work project. Work gloves and goggles in our backpacks, we arrived at the Dome along with at least 3000 others. We were the last of three groups to go out into the community today. As we arrived at the Dome, there were lines & lines of buses waiting to transport the group before us. Groups of gathering folks are doing various service projects all over the city.
Before getting on our buses, our group met in a conference room for presentations (live and video) on the impact of previous Gathering projects in NOLA. A live band led singing, and we blessed one another's hands and feet for service. Then, we picked up lunches that were packed for us and headed to our buses.
Emily was our guide and Jack was our driver. As we ate our lunches, Emily told us what we'd be doing. Our community partner was the St. Bernard Project located in the western area of the city where Katrina destroyed most of the homes. Even now, 8 years later, there are many abandoned houses and empty lots. Our task was to clear several of those vacant lots in order to make the neighborhood safer and look better for the residents.
For several hours we chopped down high weeds, pulled up kudzu and poison ivy, and removed weeds and grass that covered the sidewalk in front of the lot. We battled yellow jackets, fire ants ("come on, Kayla. Do the ant dance!"), lizards and beetles, but we managed to whack most of the weeds down and bag them up. When we finished, there was a cleared sidewalk, too. Several of our Zion group worked on a team that put the final touches on a lot that had been cleared previously by pulling vines off a fence, edging and mowing.
Neighbors came out to thank us for our work. One man who lived near by told Pastor JMe that he really appreciated what we were doing. "It's a beautiful thing," he said. When told who we were, he said he knew about us because he remembered when people came came to his neighborhood before to work.
We were tired and dirty when we finished, but we felt really good that we made a difference for that neighborhood.
After showers back at the hotel and a quick take-out dinner, we made our way back to the Dome for the evening gathering. There seemed to be more people there than the night before! The result of our late arrival was seating in the "nose bleed section."
As on Wednesday, the speakers we heard were amazing. The emphases were Global Mission and bullying of those who are "different". We were on time to hear Valerie Rivas, who served as a Young Adult in Global Mission in South Africa, and Meghan Stubbs, whose parents serve as missionaries in Tanzania.
Pastor JMe knew Meghan and her family from her time in Africa. She was so excited to see Meghan that she called the ELCA Gathering Help Line to find out if there was a way to contact her.
Although last night's post evening gathering activities were cancelled due to the storm, tonight, there were concerts, dances, and other activities to choose from. Part of our group enjoyed one of the dance venues. The remainder decided to return to the hotel. It was a long, tiring, yet purposeful day!
"The bible doesn't say, 'God bless America., The bible says 'for God so loves the world'."
These were words spoken at the end of the day- a day of learning about and practicing justice. "We don't work to win salvation. We work because we are saved," the speaker, Shane Claiborne of Philadelphia, said.
After an early breakfast of beignets (traditional French doughnuts or, as Cris Burfete calls them, "funnel cake on steroids"), we went back to the hotel to prepare for our work project. Work gloves and goggles in our backpacks, we arrived at the Dome along with at least 3000 others. We were the last of three groups to go out into the community today. As we arrived at the Dome, there were lines & lines of buses waiting to transport the group before us. Groups of gathering folks are doing various service projects all over the city.
Before getting on our buses, our group met in a conference room for presentations (live and video) on the impact of previous Gathering projects in NOLA. A live band led singing, and we blessed one another's hands and feet for service. Then, we picked up lunches that were packed for us and headed to our buses.
Emily was our guide and Jack was our driver. As we ate our lunches, Emily told us what we'd be doing. Our community partner was the St. Bernard Project located in the western area of the city where Katrina destroyed most of the homes. Even now, 8 years later, there are many abandoned houses and empty lots. Our task was to clear several of those vacant lots in order to make the neighborhood safer and look better for the residents.
For several hours we chopped down high weeds, pulled up kudzu and poison ivy, and removed weeds and grass that covered the sidewalk in front of the lot. We battled yellow jackets, fire ants ("come on, Kayla. Do the ant dance!"), lizards and beetles, but we managed to whack most of the weeds down and bag them up. When we finished, there was a cleared sidewalk, too. Several of our Zion group worked on a team that put the final touches on a lot that had been cleared previously by pulling vines off a fence, edging and mowing.
Neighbors came out to thank us for our work. One man who lived near by told Pastor JMe that he really appreciated what we were doing. "It's a beautiful thing," he said. When told who we were, he said he knew about us because he remembered when people came came to his neighborhood before to work.
We were tired and dirty when we finished, but we felt really good that we made a difference for that neighborhood.
After showers back at the hotel and a quick take-out dinner, we made our way back to the Dome for the evening gathering. There seemed to be more people there than the night before! The result of our late arrival was seating in the "nose bleed section."
As on Wednesday, the speakers we heard were amazing. The emphases were Global Mission and bullying of those who are "different". We were on time to hear Valerie Rivas, who served as a Young Adult in Global Mission in South Africa, and Meghan Stubbs, whose parents serve as missionaries in Tanzania.
Pastor JMe knew Meghan and her family from her time in Africa. She was so excited to see Meghan that she called the ELCA Gathering Help Line to find out if there was a way to contact her.
Although last night's post evening gathering activities were cancelled due to the storm, tonight, there were concerts, dances, and other activities to choose from. Part of our group enjoyed one of the dance venues. The remainder decided to return to the hotel. It was a long, tiring, yet purposeful day!
Day 1: Dinner at Bubba Gump's & Super Dome Extravaganza
Alec Martin was Gump Trivia champion during our dinner at Bubba Gump's. Do you know what sports Forrest Gump played?
A long walk to the Super Dome followed. But most of us had no idea what we would encounter there. The stage band welcomed us with great music that kept us on our feet. Band members were from various, known Christian Rock groups. Tyler turned to PJ and asked, "can we get these songs for church?"
Close to 35,000 Lutheran youth and adults almost filled the Dome. "The Wave" circled the area repeatedly. Lights flashed in the crowd, on screens, and around the walls. All these young people, and we're all praising Jesus!
Inspiring speakers included ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson ("Are you ready to be surprised by Jesus?"); Pastor Yahirl Curry ("Gumbo is welcome food. we area great big bowl of gumbo. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here!"); and Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, aka "the sarcastic pastor" ("Nobody believes that I am an ordained Lutheran pastor. there are some who think someone like me shouldn't be speaking to you. I have a few tattoos and I swear like a truck driver.") Even SIRI made an appearance! Try asking her about "ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson."
Emcees were Josiah Williams, a young leader in ELCA-LYO and hip hop artist and Kaelie Lund, another LYO leader who is newly graduated from high school.
When asked what the highlight of their day had been to that point. Pastor Nadia's presentation was the top choice. "She was amazing!" said Duncan Brady. For Alec, the priest with the tattoos was his choice: "her rough life and how she thought she would be dead by the rime she was 30 and she overcame everything and now is a successful woman... That was pretty inspirational." Kayla Gromen and Andrew Sherwood agreed that it was amazing to be with so many other young people from all over the US, "Even Alaska!"
Many of us have experienced rain delays when attending events. Last night, after our emcees had said good night, an announcement was made that , due to a severe thunderstorm, our departure from the dome would be delayed. We hung out for over an hour waiting for the storm to abate. While waiting, Bob led our "Last 15" and devotional time in the midst of the awaiting crowd.
When we finally made our way out of the Dome, it was still pouring rain and lightning was still flashing. It was a very wet, mile-long walk back to the hotel! yet there were no complaints after the awesome evening we had with the saints.
A long walk to the Super Dome followed. But most of us had no idea what we would encounter there. The stage band welcomed us with great music that kept us on our feet. Band members were from various, known Christian Rock groups. Tyler turned to PJ and asked, "can we get these songs for church?"
Close to 35,000 Lutheran youth and adults almost filled the Dome. "The Wave" circled the area repeatedly. Lights flashed in the crowd, on screens, and around the walls. All these young people, and we're all praising Jesus!
Inspiring speakers included ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson ("Are you ready to be surprised by Jesus?"); Pastor Yahirl Curry ("Gumbo is welcome food. we area great big bowl of gumbo. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here!"); and Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, aka "the sarcastic pastor" ("Nobody believes that I am an ordained Lutheran pastor. there are some who think someone like me shouldn't be speaking to you. I have a few tattoos and I swear like a truck driver.") Even SIRI made an appearance! Try asking her about "ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson."
Emcees were Josiah Williams, a young leader in ELCA-LYO and hip hop artist and Kaelie Lund, another LYO leader who is newly graduated from high school.
When asked what the highlight of their day had been to that point. Pastor Nadia's presentation was the top choice. "She was amazing!" said Duncan Brady. For Alec, the priest with the tattoos was his choice: "her rough life and how she thought she would be dead by the rime she was 30 and she overcame everything and now is a successful woman... That was pretty inspirational." Kayla Gromen and Andrew Sherwood agreed that it was amazing to be with so many other young people from all over the US, "Even Alaska!"
Many of us have experienced rain delays when attending events. Last night, after our emcees had said good night, an announcement was made that , due to a severe thunderstorm, our departure from the dome would be delayed. We hung out for over an hour waiting for the storm to abate. While waiting, Bob led our "Last 15" and devotional time in the midst of the awaiting crowd.
When we finally made our way out of the Dome, it was still pouring rain and lightning was still flashing. It was a very wet, mile-long walk back to the hotel! yet there were no complaints after the awesome evening we had with the saints.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 1: New Orleans, here we come!
Day 1 We're on our way to New Orleans! In the pre-dawn darkness, the group gathered In front of the church. Parents and their blurry- eyed sons and daughters had all arrived by 4:15 am. Each participate received a pair of work gloves and goggles that will be used during the servant project on Thursday. After stowing their gear and choosing their seats, fond farewells and hugs were exchanged before Pastor JMe said a prayer for our travel.
Our Student First bus driver made good time on the highways to D.C., arriving at Reagan International Airport by 6:45. Bob gave a quick reminder of airport protocol ("There are certain things you don't say or even joke about when you're in an airport."), and boarding passes were distributed. Because of Bob's preparation for the trip, we were able to go directly to the security checkpoint.
"That looks like a group of good Lutherans!" While waiting to go through security, these words greeted us as a group from Good Shepherd Lutheran, Woodbridge, MD joined the line. Pastor Mike, Rachel and 6 youth were on the flight with us.
Pastor JMe felt her age when she asked Pastor Mike if he had attended a previous Gathering. "Well, I went when I was a youth," he replied. Ouch!
Arrived in NOLA about 10:45 am (9:45) LA time. After saying goodbye to Amy and Jeff Thompson, who were traveling with us on their way to a few days in FL, we were guided towards buses that were waiting to take us to our hotels. Imagine arranging transport for 37,000 Lutherans that have descended upon your city! Actually, the Gathering planning team has done a phenomenal job preparing for the event. There even was a huge billboard welcoming the Gathering participants to the city as we left the airport.
We were welcomed at the Doubletree Hilton by Michael and his team of Community Life volunteers. While the rest f the group enjoyed the Gathering hospitality room and delicious, ice cold lemonade, Bob and Pastor JMe registered the group. Believe it or not, all our rooms were ready for us within 15 minutes of our check-in time. We are in the "Pennsylvania Hotel." All the groups from synods in PA are at the Doubletree- and there are a whole lot of us!
After dropping off things in our rooms, we headed over to the Convention Center to register. It was like walking through a river of Lutherans. Everywhere we looked there were groups in various colors of t-shirts. Many groups,like ours had designed shirts specifically for the event. Others were wearing their congregation shirts or shirts from previous gatherings. IMHO, our t-shirts are the most original. Of course, our own Cory Paternoster designed them!
As we walked by other groups, they would ask, "What State ?" we met groups from South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, and even Alaska. In typical youth fashion, a lot of high fives were going around. Already, there is a community of the saints building in New Orleans. While our adults attended their special orientation and picked up all the registration materials, including blue backpacks and orange t-shirts for "Practicing Justice Day" (on Thursday when we participate in a service project out in the community), the youth enjoyed the displays and activities in the interactive area of the convention center (more about this venue later). As we gathered to return to the hotel, an old fashioned New Orleans jazz band marched through the center, horns blaring out "Yessir, That's My Baby." Spontaneous dancing broke out all over the place, including among the members of our group. More to come!
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