DENVER (ELCA) -- "If it were not for the convocation, a smaller percentage of young adults would be present," Arthur Norman told the 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Norman, ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, helped deliver the young adult convocation report to the assembly, Aug. 21.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met Aug. 16-22 here at the Colorado Convention Center. There were more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly was "Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century."
"The mission of the young adult convocation is to inspire and equip young adults for leadership roles in evangelism, discipleship and ministry in our setting," said Norman.
More than 20 Lutherans from ages 25 to 35 participated in the convocation. This is the second consecutive young adult convocation in conjunction with an ELCA churchwide assembly. Four members of the convocation opened the report by singing "Amazing Grace" to a jazz setting.
"We love Jesus and we love relationships more than churches, but we understand that the church is a place to praise God," said Norman. "When we walk into congregations, we are told that we look too young to be ordained. When we are called to a church, we're placed to do youth ministry," Norman said.
"Please help us to encourage congregations and synods of the ELCA to use our spiritual gifts as young adults. We are members of the body of Christ and without us, the body is incomplete. Celebrate with us the diversity we bring to the body of Christ," said Norman.
"Young adults are motivated to do God's mission in the world," Sara Aden, ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, told the assembly. "We are filled with energy and passion. We are individuals called to serve individuals. We are individuals in search of a community in which to belong. Start inviting us back to the church as adults. Don't be afraid of the different gifts we have to offer," she said.
At the young adult convocation, Aden said, each day began with worship and Bible study. Young adults also focused on servant leadership projects.
At the 1997 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Philadelphia, the young adult convocation launched the ELCA's "Initiatives to Prepare for a New Century," significant areas of ministry for the 21st century.
"Young adults are signs of hope," said Dr. Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president, Philadelphia.
Jim Colver, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, San Jose, Calif., rode his bicycle to the assembly stage. Colver is cycling from "coast to coast" to raise awareness and money for the Prison Congregations of America.
"Prison Congregations of America is an organization that works with prison and state officials to start congregations in every prison in this country," said Colver. He said he was inspired by the organization's mission and determined the best way to support the organization would be to ride his bicycle. Colver is in the process of riding from Rhode Island to California.
Colver is "one of the signs of hope in our world," said Butler.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
