This July 19-23, 67 congregations from the Nebraska District will send 998 teens and 270 adults to the LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Additionally, 36 young adults will serve the Gathering as Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs), 7 will serve on Team Flex, and 10 will serve as Ambassadors. The theme for this year’s Gathering is “Endure” and is based in the verses, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Seward will also be the host for a Higher Things conference July 8-11 at Concordia University, Nebraska.
We are excited to share three different stories from three very different people who have one thing in common: they are all excited to attend this summer’s LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
“What’s it like to take nearly 20,000 teenagers and adults to New Orleans? Before any participant arrives in the host city, parents, congregations, and coordinators partner in year-round youth ministry, developing children’s understanding of Christ. They provide the logistics and spiritual guidance that get kids signed up and traveling across the country to the LCMS Youth Gathering. And when thousands of teenagers return home, it is their community of faith that shepherds them for years to come, as they become the adults guiding the next generation.” Read more about the LCMS Youth Gathering from Rev. Mark Kiessling, director of youth ministry for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, in the article linked here.
“On Father’s Day, I’m eternally grateful that I get to spend yet another one with my dad, the man who held me as a baby and also when I was being loaded into an ambulance. And I’m even more grateful to the Heavenly Father, who is still the other hero by my side.” An incredible story from one of our Nebraska teens who is preparing to join her congregation as they travel to the LCMS Youth Gathering in July. Read Saige’s story at this link.
As he prepares to lead a group to the LCMS Youth Gathering Rev. Caleb Kruse (Lord of Life, Elkhorn) reflects on how cell phones can be a help and a challenge for teens. “Cell phones will be a significant part of the experience for the group of Nebraska teens I’ll be taking on a trip this summer. Not only will they help us stay in touch with parents and coordinate travel, but the five-day trip will use a mobile app to manage scheduled sessions, engagement activities and community service opportunities. However, the in-person participation value is a great illustration of how livestreams and videos can’t replace giving high fives, sharing stories and worshipping together.” Read Rev. Kruse’s editorial here.