Greetings Synod Siblings!
What a delight to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 in the vibrant city of New Orleans! The week was filled with profound moments, deep conversations, jazz music, torrential downpours, multicultural experiences and a powerful sense of the diversity and the strength of the communion of Lutherans across this country.
We arrived in New Orleans on a humid, sun-drenched afternoon. The city’s energy was palpable, with its rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit setting the perfect stage for our gathering. The opening worship that evening was a powerful experience. 16,000 young voices filled the air with hymns and prayers, creating a tapestry of t-shirts, faith, laughter and hope.
The theme, “Created to Be,” reminded the gathered that each of us is created by the Holy One to be brave, authentic, free, disruptive disciples on the Way of Jesus. That way is, after all, the Way of peace, the Way of justice, the Way of compassion, the Way of hope.
What did I learn?
Swahili – Three young teens from Minneapolis whose first language is Swahili taught me that if I ever lead worship in their language I must learn to pronounce Bwa-na Ye-suu As-eee-fi-we which means “Praise the Lord” or “God’s love be with you.”
“Drip” means style or confidence, as in “Did you see Bishop Eaton’s clergy outfit? She’s really dripping tonight.”
Scavenger hunts through the French Quarter can be instructive, exciting and VERY competitive, and are more fun when they involve photos with their bishop. At least for the bishops.
Unexpected frustrations can also mean surprising bonding. The travel delays, flooding one day, constant humidity, also meant more time for the teens to connect, listen and support one another and their chaperones. They come home more mature and more connected than ever.
Spiritual hunger – Given the chance, many youth took time out of their days to slow down and walk a labyrinth, write prayers for people in their international companion synods, donate to Lutheran World Hunger, add color and prayers to a wall erected to tell the story of Palestinian Lutherans living under occupation, and light candles in solidarity with those who aren’t often seen or understood.
As a bishop at her first ELCA Youth Gathering, witnessing the growth and enthusiasm of our young people was inspiring. Their commitment to living out their faith with bravery and authenticity gives me great hope. We are indeed created to be in relationship with one another, to love and learn from our neighbors, and to make a positive impact in our broken and beloved world.
With you on the Way,
Bishop Laurie
