by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
With worship, music and dance, the first of two events of the
2006 Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) concluded July 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
More than 15,000 high-school-age Lutherans and adults from across
the country and around the world participated in the ELCA Youth
Gathering July 5-9, with activities also taking place in and
around San Antonio. More than 24,000 Lutherans will attend the
second event July 12-16 for similar activities.
"I've been at this gathering all week, and I've seen some awesome
things," the Rev. Jay Gamelin told young Lutherans at the closing
worship. Gamelin, campus minister at Ohio State University,
Columbus, preached the sermon. With the birth of Jesus, "God's
will became known in a way that changed the world," he said.
"The church is a movement in history. Dare to move," he said,
adding that "God is on the way," leaving here "like a freight
train."
The Rev. Margarita Martinez, bishop of the ELCA Caribbean Synod,
presided during worship. Worship also featured the music of
Agape, Rachel Kurtz, Ken Medema, the ELCA Youth Gathering's house
band led by Peter Mayer and friends, a choir and jazz band.
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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
