2012 Youth Gathering in New Orleans

Blessed to be a blessing to the city of New Orleans. Thank you.

Weather & Practicing Justice

It is good to know that the weather person in NOLA are the same as in Rochester.  On Friday, they forcasted a 70% chance of rain.  Yippie, Saturday was rain free for our Practicing Justice Day.  We working in a section of NOLA that has not had any clean up done since Katrina hit in 2005.  We were taking down over grown grass and trees.  Little did we know there was a sidewalk underneath it all.  As people drove by, the thanked us and beeped their horns.  A resident bought us a case of water to thank us.  GREAT DAY!!! 

God's work, our hands...

Messiah youth working with others today & the American Red Cross to help educate on hurricane evacuation.

Panoramic of the Mississippi

Jimmy Hartmann

Friday - Practice Peacemaking

Yesterday we practiced peacemaking which we learned was about bringing groups together and breaking down the walls that separate people based on their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, etc. We went to the convention center where there were interactive learning areas, and got a chance to go to booths that were dedicated to a camp for children with mental and physical disabilities; to a group working to plant grass for wetlands and restore homes; to an art exhibit where people showed their talents by creating different selections of art that represented God and Christianity, etc. Along with these support groups, there were some areas reserved for just having fun such as, taking a group photo, a ropes course, sports, playing four square, etc. Overall, it was a very fun and enlightening day.

Cece & Annie

Saturday

Well after an entire Friday of rain it was good to see some sun!  Today our group went to help a school by building bookshelves.  Unfortunatly our tour bus became lost and it took us a little longer than expected to get there.  When we did arrive we found the school locked, with no one inside.  Our leader for the service project was as surprised as we were, and after waiting about and hour for someone to show up, we all left for a different project.  At our new destination we help with a fun type camp for kids.  Our church help hand out books and convinced kids to read them too.  Now we plan to go out to dinner and get some more of that New Orleans cookin!  Also super excited for the gathering today, everyday it feels so amazing to listen to people who have made such a difference.  Looking forwards to it!!!!!!
-Ben

Justice!

Awaiting debriefing for our community service in the American Red Cross

Jimmy Hartmann

Servant day!

Orange as far as the eye can see.

Team work

Putting together a red solo cup pyramid with a rubber band and strings and NO HANDS!

Jimmy Hartmann

Hot spot challenge

Different stations set up among the interaction center and you complete a "virtual scavenger hunt"

Part of it was to combine some money and buy something for someone else!

Jimmy Hartmann

I got the world in my hands

Jimmy Hartmann

Justice Day

Keep Upstate NYSynod youth in your prayers today as they go out in to the city to practice justice. They might be painting a library or reading to kids... Or something else equally important to the people of New Orleans. Messiah, St. Timothy's, Immanuel, Bethlehem, Atonement and St. John's will be among approx. 10,000 youth being sent out today. Yesterday the weather was so bad that they pulled the groups in off their assignments. Here's hoping they have better weather today. Everyone I've talked to here is so appreciative of our presence and are willing to tell their story. Join your prayers with ours as they experience the power of reaching out and helping others. Kristin

Practice Discipleship (Thursday)

Yesterday (Thursday), the focus of the day was "Practice Discipleship". We spend the first half of the day with all of the kids from our synod (group of lutheran churches from upstate New York), going over the seven aspects of Discipleship; what they were and what they meant. After that, we spend  the rest of the day with Bethlehem Fairport Lutheran Church, eating lunch with them and what not. The night's gathering at the Superdome was just as amazing as the previous night; all in all it was a great day.

-John

100 Well Challange

Today we made our donation to the 100 Well Challenge at The 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering.  The funds were raised through a dunk tank ticket sale, World Hunger Lenten collection and our Congregation.  It was GREAT to be able to deposit the check in the tank.

The 2012 Youth Gathering from Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Webster NY

Morning worship

And this is the SMALL venue

Another night in the Super Dome.

Another exciting night in the Super Dome.  Floor seating tonight and no rain.  Music, inspirational speakers and praising God. 

I'm stealing a post from Justin Johnson on Facebook "Remember the Palm Sunday story? We are just the asses that get to bring Jesus in."-Shane Clairborn

Elegant breakfast at the hotel

Jimmy Hartmann

Really Wet!

What an amazing opening for The 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering!!!!

Great Music, Great Speakers and Lots of Excitement!  Even dancing in the stands!

We had a taste of what Hurricane Katrina residence dealt with having to hold up in the Super Dome.  Severe thunder and lightning kept from leaving the Super Dome on time.  A little wet and tired, but all arrived safely back to the hotel. 

More fun and learning Thursday!


Linda Belmont

Sorta wet.

After a long stormy 1.6 mile walk from the Mercedes Benz Super Dome to the Inn on Bourbon, we're back and all safe!
Today was quite an experience, lots of fun with friends and friends that I will probably never remember and/or meet again.
Can't wait for the rest of the week to come.
Peacing out for final 15 then nighty night.

Jimmy Hartmann

Music

Free music education for 9-13 year olds in NOLA.
That's what I'm talking about.
Jimmy Hartmann

Totally missed this.

So awesome to see so many people here for the same reason.

Superdome!

Whooooo! So many people. For real.
Jimmy Hartmann

Wednesday Walking

Since Tuesday, 5 pm CST, we have walked 19,000 steps in NOLA.  We met groups from Minnesota, Virginia, North Dakota, Virginia, Illinios and ALASKA to name a few.  Alaska wasn't a fan of the heat and humidity.  We are eat jabalaya last night for dinner.  Opening Worship is tonight at 7 pm.  Go to the ELCA website to watch the live streaming.  Keep us all in your prayers.

Linda Belmont, Immanuel Webster

Atonement first day

Ben, John, Cece, Annie & I had a smooth trip here yesterday to New Orleans.  Our first sign of what was to come were very big groups of Lutheran youth from  NY & NJ  at LaGuardia.  We walked for several hours last night around the city and after registering for the Gathering today...soaked in the sights and music, sampled the food (including beignets from  Cafe Du Monde!), and have been meeting friendly Lutheran youth from  across the country.  We have received a warm  welcome from  folks who live here, and have tried to do the same with warm  hellos and sharing our food.  We are amazed by all of it and so excited for the opening ceremony at the Superdome tonight, eager to learn and serve.  We are very blessed to be here and can already tell this experience is going to be quite special.
<3
Vanessa

Messiah Flamingos

And it all begins

Anyone who didn't arrive yesterday is pouring into the Convention Center to register today.
It's a sea of colorful tshirts, excited (some nervous) youth, hugs, games, music- quite a sight.
I found the group from Messiah (it's hard to miss those crazy flamingo hats!
I'm still looking for Atonement, Immanuel Webster, BLC Fairport, and St Tims.

Justin, Rick, and I are upstairs for our volunteer training.

Kristin
Sent from my iPod

Testing

Trying to post from my phone

Sent from my iPod

Playing "the duck" game with new friends!

Registration!

Just a fraction...

Jimmy Hartmann

A Day of Travel

While I traveled alone today, there were many, many groups traveling today. I met folks from Green Bay Wisconsin, several from Minnesota, and several bishops from South Dakota. As I sat in the orientation this evening, I was amazed at the planning, logistics, and manpower it takes to make this Gathering happen. I am one of thousands of volunteers here, and I feel lucky and blessed to be here. But now I am tired from a day of travel- and from walking a mile and a half from the Convention Center to my hotel with my luggage in tow. And the 75% humidity. :-) Good night. Kristin Sent from my iPod

Hello bourbon!

Crazy....

Jimmy Hartmann

Bus driver

People are so nice here!
Very outgoing and talkative.
Puts a smile on your face.

Off to the inn on bourbon!

Jimmy Hartmann

Messiah hanging out playing Skipbo in Baltimore.

Messiah playing Apples to Apples dice while waiting for the plane to arrive.

Immanuel Webster - on their way!

Safe travels!

Messiah people READY to go

Jimmy Hartmann

Messiah people waiting to leave!

Jimmy Hartmann

All packed up and ready to go!

So pumped!

Jimmy Hartmann

Welcome!

You'll be hearing from a number of voices on this blog. 


Folks from Bethlehem Fairport, Messiah in Greece, and Immanuel in Webster will be contributing their thoughts and photos during this incredible experience.


Welcome! I can't wait to hear from you all!
Kristin

Million Book Project!

     Part of the program at the Youth gathering is a "Practice Justice Day" where the kids will be hosting book fairs, visiting rec centers and reading with kids and building libraries in rec centers to help improve literacy in New Orleans and surrounding areas. 

    The ELCA is attempting to donate one million books while there to provide a BIG impact! 

      If you'd like to donate, you can make a financial donation through scholastic books - $15 will purchase 4 books - or bring books to church this Sunday for the kids to carry with them. ONLY NEW BOOKS ON THE LINKED LIST are welcomed. 

     You can donate at www.gulfcoastsynod.org/books.html or get the list of requested books at http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/YOUTH_LYO/BookList.pdf

(Thanks Karan for the reminder!)

35,000 people in the SuperDome!

Wondering what we'll be doing when 35,000 people gather in the Super Dome?

Check out this link with details about the artists and speakers who be be entertaining and addressing us:

In the Dome

Have you heard of Rachel Kurtz? Lost and Found? Switchfoot?

How about Nadia Bolz-Weber?

Shane Claiborne?

Bishop Mark Hanson?

Pastor Andrena Ingam?

The list goes on! 

So many great artists and speakers to motivate and inspire us!

Check them out!

What to expect?

We'll be updating you folks at home on our experience in New Orleans next week - our adventures, our reflections, our joys... but until then.... let us hear from *you.


What words of wisdom do you have for our young people embarking on this journey?


What prayers do you offer up for us? 


What would you like to know about our trip?


Don't be shy - jump into the conversation!

Can't wait!

Check out this promo video about the Gathering

We're expanding!

We're expanding this blog to include others from the Genesee Finger lakes Conference so that you can get updates, reflections and viewpoints from many people in and around Rochester who will be together in New Orleans.


I'm excited to be sharing all of this with you all!
Kristin

Are you excited?

NINE more days'til lift off! At this time on the 17th, we'll be in the air on our way to a life-changing adventure! 


If you want to follow along on our journey, subscribe to this blog for updates from our New Orleans experience.
You can also follow along on twitter   https://twitter.com/elcagathering or  https://twitter.com/kristinlyo   hashtag #CWTS12


Who's going?
From Atonement:

• Vanessa
• CeCe
• Annie
• John
• Ben
• Kristin

Keep us in your prayers and follow the journey!