I was walking alone down a street in the French Quarter. I was wearing our synod’s youth t-shirt and my
youth gathering wristband , both of which identified me as being part of the
massive gathering that had invaded New Orleans.
A woman walking in the opposite direction stopped me to say, “Thank you
for being here.” That’s it. It was just a simple word of thanks.
I had heard similar stories, but had not experienced it
myself. It took me by surprise. My son was speaking with the concierge of his
hotel. He too expressed his thanks for
what our ELCA youth were doing for his city.
He told my son that since Hurricane Katrina he had seen many groups come
and go. He was impressed with the ELCA
because “you practice what you preach.”
He no doubt was referring to the 400 service and learning projects being
done across the city. They were done in
the name of justice, but they were also a great example of discipleship.
Practice Discipleship.
One day of the recent youth gathering was devoted to learning more about
and practicing discipleship. In recent
years, the ELCA has emphasized seven faith practices associated with
discipleship. They are pray, study,
worship, invite, encourage, serve and give.
After a morning of worship and study, our youth were sent out into the
city to explore discipleship in a fun way.
I was not part of a group as they discussed “invite.” I wish I had been because the youth discussed
how they could be more inviting personally and in their congregations. They may have ideas to share with you in
their home congregations.
Don’t be surprised if your youth’s idea of invitation is a
bit broader than your own. At the youth
gathering, I believe that the message they heard regarding radical inclusivity
was the most well received of any. If
you would like to hear the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber’s message click here: http://youtu.be/kM9Y5S3UYi8.
Are there ways your congregation could have some fun in
discovering how to be better disciples of Jesus?
I was really touched by Rev. Nadia's message. Our Pastor, Jane McChesney had put a link on facebook, so I listened to it a week or so ago. So happy to hear that she was one of the presenters at the ELCA Youth Gathering!
ReplyDeleteWe pastors have been preaching this stuff about welcoming, inclusivity, grace, and discipleship for a long time. It is good to know that thevyouth of the ELCA are taking it to heart...and outstripping their elders, even their pastors, in putting it into practice.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what would happen if we required all of our attendees at the Church Wide Assembly in Pittsburg to do some sort of service project while we are there. Maybe the adults could follow the lead of the youth...
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