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!
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