July / August 2009

In a couple of weeks, "Jesus, Justice, Jazz" will be on the hearts and minds of ELCA youth who will be convening in New Orleans July 22-26 for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering. Approximately 37,000 youth and adult leaders are registered for an event which is especially marked with opportunities for service and learning. New Orleans has been a gathering spot for Lutheran young people in the past, including 1976 and 1997. In 1976 approximately 26,000 young people and adults leaders met at an "All-Lutheran Youth Gathering" housed in the Superdome Aug. 11-15 (photo shows floor of Superdome). Youth from The American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod joined hands for this inter-Lutheran event. A similar pan-Lutheran youth event was held in 1973.


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Courtesy of the ELCA Archives and The Wet Walk: Journey Book, 1976)