Every three years, the ELCA Youth Gathering takes place. It is a milestone event in the lives of tens of thousands of young people across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is more than an event; it is a pilgrimage that offers profound spiritual growth, community, and inspiration to both the youth and the adults who accompany them. 

The Gathering begins on Tuesday, July 16 and will conclude on Saturday, July 20. Trinity will be sending a wonderful group of young people and adult leaders to be a part of this amazing event.

This year, as we focus on the theme “Created to Be,” the Gathering invites us to explore and affirm our God-given identities and purposes. The theme verse for the Gathering is Psalm 139:14

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. – Psalm 139:14

“Created to Be” is not just an event theme; it’s a declaration of God’s intent for all of us. In Genesis, we read that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This scriptural cornerstone reminds us that each person is crafted with purpose and potential. The Gathering’s theme challenges each young person (and those of us who travel with them) to reflect on this: What have we been created to be? How does understanding our identity in God empower us to live out our faith in the world?

The Gathering has tremendous value. In fact, a recent study identified the four different things that had the deepest impact in the faith of young people: Sunday School, Summer Camp, Campus Ministry (in college) and the ELCA Youth Gathering. For these five days, our young people will experience the Church in its broadest form. They will witness a diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and expressions of faith, all drawn together in the name of Jesus. This experience, broadens perspectives and reinforces the welcoming and inclusive nature of our faith.

The Gathering is also a catalyst for spiritual maturity. Through worship, service, and fellowship, participants delve deep into theological exploration and practical Christianity. They engage with complex topics such as justice, peace, and environmental stewardship, viewing these issues through the lens of Lutheran theology and ethics. This not only educates but also energizes our young people, equipping them with the tools to be thoughtful, active Christians in a complicated world.

Service is another cornerstone of the Gathering, embodying our call to be “Created to Serve.” Our young people will engage in hands-on service projects that put faith into action. They will learn empathy and compassion, as they work to improve the lives of others while learning about systemic issues that require long-term, committed Christians to advocate for change.

Finally, on a personal level, the Gathering is a profound event. It is a place where faith is both affirmed and challenged, where lifelong friendships are made, and where calls to living faithful lives whisper to attentive hearts. Many past attendees speak of the Gathering as a turning point in their personal faith journey; a time when the abstracts of belief became concrete in the practice of community, worship, and service.

As 18,000 people travel to New Orleans this week, I want to invite all of you to also step into the theme, “Created to Be” with open hearts. We are all reminded that our identity is found in Christ, and our purpose flows from this identity. Whether it be as peacemakers, leaders, caretakers, or advocates, we are created to make a difference, reflecting the love of God in every corner of our lives.

Every night, the large, “Mass Gathering” sessions in the arena in New Orleans will be livestreamed. I invite you to watch. The sessions begin at 7:00pm and you can go to https://www.elca.church/gathering-live and then click on the link to watch the livestream. 

We all are on a journey to discover who God has created us to be. This journey is ongoing, rich with discovery and driven by the ever-present grace of God. 

Enjoy the journey!

Peace friends!

Pastor Todd