Thankfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving, it seems like a good time to consider how thankful we are.  Our youth this past weekend volunteered to fast for thirty hours to gain awareness of hunger. They also raised funds for children in the horn of Africa. These children can go without food for thirty hours or longer only to receive food that is not always nourishing.  As we completed our famine we were graciously served a wonderful meal. It was the best meal ever, we all agreed. We genuinely felt thankful. Thankful for something we often take for granted. So this Thanksgiving let us remember to give thanks to God the giver of all that is good and to share that thankfulness with others.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Weave Us Together

Coming together can create amazing results.

A few weeks ago our confirmation students wrote their “God thoughts” and names on pieces of cloth. Then we prayed. Praying with a group of forty-five teenagers in silence is an incredible experience. We were weaving the strips together to create an alter cloth for Wednesday evening worship. As I began to load the loom, I wondered if I would have enough cloth to cover the table when completed—surprisingly it was just right. The small strips were beautiful by themselves; unique as the students who made them, but when they all came together—well then something amazing happened.

We as a community of faith are also unique and beautiful individually. As we come, each weaving our own unique gifts together with others, surprising things begin to happen. Things we cannot imagine alone and we see that it is just right.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

All Saints Day

As I sat in the pew today, I can’t help but think of those saints who went before us; some completing a well-lived life, some leaving too soon, some not yet having the chance to experience what life has to offer.  I miss them.  Not only the ones I knew, but the beautiful and crazy stories their loved ones tell. It reminds me of a saying a dear friend of mine has repeated to me many times:  “God is just one step away; they (our loved ones who have died) are just one step away.”  The closer we are to God, the closer we feel to those saints who are now with God.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Welcome--again!

Hello Everyone,
We created this blog for our trip to New Orleans this summer for the National Youth Gathering...now it is evolving.
I can not wait to see what happens!
Stay posted (that was a little blog humor!)
Peace,
Cathy Jones

We were up and out early this morning!  6:30 AM is early for teenagers and some of the adults.  Today is Practicing peacemaking.  We started our day with a worship service in the convention center.  Afterwards, we were able to choose between many different topics to learn about.  Some chose yoga and others visited the prayer labiryth.  From there we were able to utilize our peacemaking skills through various activities.  There were Lutheran colleges with information, a ropes course to test our trust in God, a winding wall that had people from many countries that told their stories of war and peacemaking.  At the end of this, we were able to write a prayer on a ribbon and then take someone else's pray to pray for them. 

Just a little demographics for you......we walk a mile to get to the convention center and then a mile back.  We stopped at Subway for lunch to fill our bellies.  We are now back at the hotel for some much needed down time.  Depending on the person, it could be sleep, homework, reading, or just socializing and meeting new friends.  Tonight we will again be at the SuperDome for another evening of super music and awesome speakers.  Watch for the boys in the conga line that seems to be their new favorite activity.

Come back for more of our journey tomorrow!!
Jolene Botten 

Greetings from New Orleans and the National Youth Gathering!

We are SO glad to be here! After some very interesting adventures yesterday we are finally here. I want you all to know what outstanding youth we have, they are amazing, flexable and positive. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers as we travel. We will continue to need strength and enthusiasm sent our way from Minnesota!

Today we are checking in at Convention Center, exploring the "Big Easy" and practicing for Mass Cast tonight at the Superdome. Make sure to check us out on the live feed straight from worship at 7pm... we will be the ones in green shirts and black bottoms (haha)!

Tonight we have Community Life at our hotel the Hyatt Regency. There are dances, "Gathering Idol", inflatables and other fun activities to keep us busy during the evening hours.

We are excited to share more after our activities tonight and look forward to keeping you updated throughout our trip. Please let others know where to find us!

Blessings and Excitement from NOLA,


Sarah S.

Welcome to Our Fathers Lutheran Church Blog!