CHICAGO (ELCA) - Youth leaders were selected by their
regions to participate in the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, absorbing
the process and nurturing their gifts through the Youth
Convocation. The 36 students from 25 states and Puerto Rico,
entering 10th through 12th grade, shared their experiences with
the assembly in a report that included song, prayer and
reflection.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of
the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 6-11 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall.
About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,069 ELCA voting
members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Living in God's
Amazing Grace: Thanks be to God!"
Familiar expressions of faith had a fresh twist when led by
the mohawk-ed and ribbon-ed, capped and suited young people. The
assembly was invited to pray as the Youth Convocation practices,
by enveloping raised weakened fingers with a neighbor's strong
knuckles. The Christian standard, "Jesus Loves Me," was sung in
call-and-response as directed by a lively pianist in flip-flops.
Doug from Texas said the youth have been praying for the
assembly, knowing "decisions and ideas being presented by this
assembly will not only affect the church of today but the
generations of tomorrow."
"The opportunity to participate within the assembly has
taught us that leadership is a gift, not meant to be kept to
ourselves," said Miriam from Alaska.
In the youth leaders' report, appreciation was coupled with
desire to incorporate the voices of youth in church proceedings.
Taylor from Wisconsin said, "We encourage all people to join with
us in open conversation in order for us to learn your opinions
and for you to share ours."
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Information about the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be
found at http://www.ELCA.org/assembly/ on the Web.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
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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
