ELCA NEWS SERVICE
June 29, 2009
37,000 Lutherans Heading to ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans 09-140-FI
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Tens of thousands of teenagers will converge on New Orleans for the Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a triennial event for the high school-age members of the 4.7 million-member church, and to work alongside those who build, teach and live in the area still recovering nearly four years after Hurricane Katrina.
As many as 26,725 teenagers are registered to attend the gathering July 22-26. They will be accompanied by 8,593 adult leaders, including 37 bishops, and another 1,700 volunteers.
"Jesus Justice Jazz" is the gathering theme. Worship, Bible study and Christian community will bolster the participants as they work in about 150 community service projects across the area and engage the unique culture of the region.
"We have done some research and have determined, to the best of our ability, that the ELCA's service effort in New Orleans is likely to be the largest servant ministry ever attempted in a three-day period of time," said Heidi Hagstrom, director for the ELCA Youth Gathering. "We have 300 buses taking young people -- about 12,000 per day -- to 154 service sites, organized around six interest areas: housing, environment, wealth and poverty, health and wellness, the arts and culture, and literacy."
"We know that by choosing to hold the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering among the people of New Orleans we will be richly blessed by their experiences of God's embrace during hard times, and we hope to embody the church's commitment to stand with them for as long as it takes," Hagstrom said.
In advance of the gathering, each participant picked one of the six interest areas. The program in New Orleans was developed to help the youth practice what they've learned when they return home.
Two events will precede the gathering and one will follow. A Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE) and a Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) will be held July 19-22 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. About 30 young Lutherans with disabilities and their adult companions will attend DAYLE. MYLE will attract about 900 youth. A convention of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) will be held July 26- 9 in Hattiesburg, Miss.
The gathering kicks off the evening of July 22 at the Louisiana Superdome. Wednesday night speakers are:
+ Marc Kielburger, chief executive director of "Free The Children,"
+ which
has built more than 500 schools in Asia, Africa and Latin America
+ Liz McCartney, a "CNN Hero of the Year" for 2008, founder of the St.
Bernard Project, to help Hurricane Katrina survivors in St. Bernard Parish, southeast of New Orleans
The three full days of the gathering will include time in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, an evening event at the Superdome, music and other evening activities in the hotels, and a "Final 15" to conclude each day with 15 minutes of small group devotions.
A third of the participants will board buses for community service or "ServantLife" projects each of the three full days; another third will take part in learning programs along "Krewes Boulevard" in the Convention Center; and the other third will join in physical activities at the Interaction Center. Each third will rotate each day to a different servant learning experience based on the participants' six interest areas.
ServantLife projects will include working with staff and volunteers at New Orleans' City Park, the St. Bernard Project and various Habitat for Humanity sites.
Thursday night speakers at the Superdome are:
+ Becca Stevens, Episcopal priest and chaplain, St. Augustine's Chapel,
Vanderbilt Campus, Nashville, Tenn.
+ Viola Vaughn, another 2008 "CNN Hero of the Year," who founded the
Women's Health Education and Prevention Strategies Alliance and "10,000 Girls," to benefit schoolgirls in Senegal
Friday night speakers at the Superdome are:
+ Spencer West and Michel Chikwanine, representing "Me to We," a sister
organization that supports Free the Children through socially responsible choices and leadership experiences
Saturday night speakers at the Superdome are:
+ Donald Miller, author of "Blue Like Jazz," Portland, Ore. Anne Mahlum
+ who started "Back on My Feet" to promote the self-
sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population
+ Venice R. Williams, executive director of Milwaukee's Kujichagulia
Lutheran Center
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, will preach at closing worship the morning of July 26 at the Superdome. An offering will benefit selected international and domestic ministries.
An online catalog is receiving donations toward supplies for the ServantLife projects. Gifts will be collected in the Interaction Center throughout the gathering for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
ELCA Global Mission's international companion program is bringing about 50 young Lutherans to the gathering from as many as 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe and South America.
Pages
▼
Monday, June 29, 2009
Pope says bone fragments found in St Paul's tomb | Science | Reuters
Pope says bone fragments found in St Paul's tomb | Science | Reuters
Wow. Blessings to all on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul.
Wow. Blessings to all on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Book Review - 'The Evolution of God,' by Robert Wright - Review - NYTimes.com
Book Review - 'The Evolution of God,' by Robert Wright - Review - NYTimes.com
Maybe the single best sentence ever for a book review. "God has mellowed."
Maybe the single best sentence ever for a book review. "God has mellowed."
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Origen on Prayer and Action
Origen of Alexandria (185–254 AD). In his book Against Celsus, Book VIII, Chap. 73, he writes:
And as we — by our prayers —
vanquish all the demons that stir up war,
and lead to the violation of oaths,
and disturb the peace,
we in this service
are much more helpful to the kings
than those who go into the field
to fight for them.
And we do take our part in public affairs,
when along with righteous prayers,
we practice self-denying disciplines and meditations,
which teach us to despise pleasures,
and not to be lead astray by them.
And none fight better for the king
[and his role of preserving justice]
than we do.
We do not indeed fight under him,
although he demands it;
but we fight on his behalf,
forming a special army of piety
by offering our prayers to God.
And as we — by our prayers —
vanquish all the demons that stir up war,
and lead to the violation of oaths,
and disturb the peace,
we in this service
are much more helpful to the kings
than those who go into the field
to fight for them.
And we do take our part in public affairs,
when along with righteous prayers,
we practice self-denying disciplines and meditations,
which teach us to despise pleasures,
and not to be lead astray by them.
And none fight better for the king
[and his role of preserving justice]
than we do.
We do not indeed fight under him,
although he demands it;
but we fight on his behalf,
forming a special army of piety
by offering our prayers to God.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
THE TEN PERCENT THING (Barb Debski)
THE TEN PERCENT THING (Barb Debski)
This is a great short video that explains the concept of tithing. I love it that she points out that our giving to church is, in a sense, paying for our share, covering services we benefit from, like having a youth program for our kids, a church to worship in, etc.
She then gives additional gifts to things like ELCA World Hunger, etc. We have been trying to grow in this practice in our own household. We are moving steadily towards tithing to the church, and then we make regular monthly gifts to Lutheran World Relief, LIRS, and NPR, to name a few.
This is a great short video that explains the concept of tithing. I love it that she points out that our giving to church is, in a sense, paying for our share, covering services we benefit from, like having a youth program for our kids, a church to worship in, etc.
She then gives additional gifts to things like ELCA World Hunger, etc. We have been trying to grow in this practice in our own household. We are moving steadily towards tithing to the church, and then we make regular monthly gifts to Lutheran World Relief, LIRS, and NPR, to name a few.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sestets
Charles Wright's new volume, Sestets: Poems, is remarkable on a number of levels. The poems accumulate, recurring themes deepen as you move along. The nature of description; the function of time; faith and poetry, etc. The poems are very wise, and reminiscent of some of the wisdom poetry of Scripture.
Since we are in the longest days of the year, I offer this selection. I don't know if it is the best poem in the volume, but it is the most appropriate for today:
Music for Midsummer's Eve
Longest day of the year, but still, I'd say,
too short by half.
The horses whacked, the dog gone lost in the mucked, long grass,
Tree shadows crawling toward their dark brothers across the field.
Time is an untuned harmonium
That Muzaks our nights and days.
Sometimes it lasts for a little while,
sometimes it goes on forever.
--
The following excerpt from another poem, "No Entry," is probably one of the truest things I've read in poetry in a long time.
"It is not possible to imagine and feel the pain of others.
We say we do but we don't.
It is a country we have no passport for,
and no right of entry."
Since we are in the longest days of the year, I offer this selection. I don't know if it is the best poem in the volume, but it is the most appropriate for today:
Music for Midsummer's Eve
Longest day of the year, but still, I'd say,
too short by half.
The horses whacked, the dog gone lost in the mucked, long grass,
Tree shadows crawling toward their dark brothers across the field.
Time is an untuned harmonium
That Muzaks our nights and days.
Sometimes it lasts for a little while,
sometimes it goes on forever.
--
The following excerpt from another poem, "No Entry," is probably one of the truest things I've read in poetry in a long time.
"It is not possible to imagine and feel the pain of others.
We say we do but we don't.
It is a country we have no passport for,
and no right of entry."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sotto Voce
Sotto Voce
If you didn't have enough reasons to like Sonia Sotomayor, here are a few more. Great in depth reporting!
If you didn't have enough reasons to like Sonia Sotomayor, here are a few more. Great in depth reporting!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Generation B - A Child Turns to the Fold - NYTimes.com
Generation B - A Child Turns to the Fold - NYTimes.com
I've seen this happen quite a few times myself. What is it about this era that children have to go it alone or, in some instances, be the evangelists to their parents?
I've seen this happen quite a few times myself. What is it about this era that children have to go it alone or, in some instances, be the evangelists to their parents?
CWAUpdate - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
CWAUpdate - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
CWA stands for Church Wide Assembly. This link offers a variety of resources to plan for the assembly, and to pray for it...
CWA stands for Church Wide Assembly. This link offers a variety of resources to plan for the assembly, and to pray for it...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay Wisconsin
Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay Wisconsin
Ran laps here today after eating at Kroll's across from Lambeau Field. Samuel loved all the trails, and we took notes on what to plant in our yard--firewitch, striped maple, Kentucky Coffee Tree, stonecrop, clematis dawn, and creeping sedum topped the list. Gorgeous botanical garden, and fun to see Lambeau Field.
Ran laps here today after eating at Kroll's across from Lambeau Field. Samuel loved all the trails, and we took notes on what to plant in our yard--firewitch, striped maple, Kentucky Coffee Tree, stonecrop, clematis dawn, and creeping sedum topped the list. Gorgeous botanical garden, and fun to see Lambeau Field.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Singled Out | Publishing Commerce | Brazos Press: A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Singled Out | Publishing Commerce | Brazos Press: A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Interesting book in relation to my recommendations for the sexuality study document of the ELCA.
Interesting book in relation to my recommendations for the sexuality study document of the ELCA.
ELCA Video Contest
I'm sending out invites to ELCA bloggers to generate buzz for the
upcoming ELCA video contest.
Feel free to post it, with or without comments... and encourage someone
in East Koshkonong to take up his/her camera and follow...
Here's the official scoop:
Win a $5,000 Ministry Grant or $2,500 in Cash! Enter the First Video
Contest from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!
How is God at work in this world through your hands? And how would you
illustrate it through a 30-to-90-second video?
The churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) is inviting members, ELCA congregations, and individuals
of all faith to submit their videos to a contest inspired by their
tagline: “God’s work. Our hands.”
Prizes include a $5,000 ministry grant for ELCA congregations or a
$2,500 cash prize for individuals. Second prize in both categories is an
HD flip video camera.
The contest runs from June 15, 2009, through July 15, 2009.
To learn more about the “God’s work. Our hands.” contest, visit
http://www.elca.org/videocontest.
Thanks! Keep on blogging!
Ben McDonald Coltvet
Associate Director for Marketing | Managing Editor, ELCA.org
Communication Services
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 W Higgins Rd
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
upcoming ELCA video contest.
Feel free to post it, with or without comments... and encourage someone
in East Koshkonong to take up his/her camera and follow...
Here's the official scoop:
Win a $5,000 Ministry Grant or $2,500 in Cash! Enter the First Video
Contest from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!
How is God at work in this world through your hands? And how would you
illustrate it through a 30-to-90-second video?
The churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) is inviting members, ELCA congregations, and individuals
of all faith to submit their videos to a contest inspired by their
tagline: “God’s work. Our hands.”
Prizes include a $5,000 ministry grant for ELCA congregations or a
$2,500 cash prize for individuals. Second prize in both categories is an
HD flip video camera.
The contest runs from June 15, 2009, through July 15, 2009.
To learn more about the “God’s work. Our hands.” contest, visit
http://www.elca.org/videocontest.
Thanks! Keep on blogging!
Ben McDonald Coltvet
Associate Director for Marketing | Managing Editor, ELCA.org
Communication Services
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 W Higgins Rd
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
Make it Simple - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Make it Simple - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
We may use this for our fall stewardship appeal.
We may use this for our fall stewardship appeal.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Journal of Lutheran Ethics - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Journal of Lutheran Ethics - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
My review of the ELCA Sexuality Social Statement is now live at JLE, along with some solid essays from two other pastors. Each of us takes a different approach, but it seems a solid collection.
My review of the ELCA Sexuality Social Statement is now live at JLE, along with some solid essays from two other pastors. Each of us takes a different approach, but it seems a solid collection.
Monday, June 01, 2009
The B90 Daily - Bible in 90 Days
The B90 Daily - Bible in 90 Days
Starting the read the bible in 90 days challenge. Anyone else doing this?
Starting the read the bible in 90 days challenge. Anyone else doing this?