With all of the New Orleans focus lately with the Superbowl last weekend and Mardi Gras coming up soon I have been reflecting back on my time in New Orleans this past summer at the ELCA Youth Gathering. The Youth Gathering is always a wonderful experience but also a great reminder of how important it is to find ways to bring people together to strengthen both their individual faith as well as their connection to the world around them.

Seeing the Smoothie King Stadium on TV (located next to the Superdome) brought back many amazing memories. This is where we spent every night for a week singing together, dancing together, learning together and worshiping together. The building was full of young and young at heart enjoying the connections and experiences that built us into a community that I know will continue long into the future. There is something very unique about church youth community events that stay with you forever. 

Recently I participated in some virtual continuing education with youth leaders from across the country. We are all trying to find the best ways to keep young people connected to the church and each other.  I heard some wonderful stories of how church leaders are discussing with each other how they can work together as a larger faith community. We have been seeing this new community shift among youth groups across the country. Churches are collaborating more and more to create community connections with activities that invite young people from all around the area to join in the faith centered activities that used to be more "in house."

A great example for us is the Lutheran Lakeside Middle School Lock-in that is being held this week at RLC. There will be about 20 students from 8 churches (and a few not currently connected to a church) gathering for 13 hours of food, fun and faith formation. Our Vacation Bible School (held this year in July) is also a wonderful example of RLC being able to be a space for children from anywhere to gather, connect and learn more about God’s love. Connecting and collaborating with the community is one of many beautiful ways RLC lives its mission “to love and serve." Well done. You are all very much appreciated for all you do to help make a huge difference in the lives of young people from all around the community. 

Thank you.