Sixteen youth from Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater recently attended the Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Junior High Youth Gathering in Willmar. 

 

Sponsored by the Lutheran Youth Organization, the theme of this year’s gathering was “Rooted in Faith,” based on the Bible verse Colossians 2:7 which reads, “Rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

 

Over 1,400 youth in grades 6 through 9 attended the event held Nov. 18-19, which included fun during mass gatherings, worship, singing, spiritual growth, relationship building and just hanging out together. Nightlife included dancing, games, service projects, swimming, henna tattoos and more.

 

The event’s keynote speaker was Jonathan Swenson, ordained minister and founder of Paraphrase Theatre, who travels the country communicating the Gospel through stories. Bridge 33, a teen band that performs a variety of genres with a special focus on Christian contemporary music, was the weekend entertainment.

 

“It [the gathering] brings people together who all have something in common,” said Ridge Hagemeister. “We all believe.”

 

Bethany Timm really liked the “Spirit Garage,” a place where attendees could go to talk to others about problems they were having, as well as the ornaments they made and inscribed with prayers. The ornaments were hung on a tree and read during the service.

 

“I liked how the people working there tried to connect with the kids,” said Ethan Allen. “They played games, tried to learn all our names and didn’t talk down to us.”

 

During the gathering youth board leaders reenacted Bible stories and shared stories of their faith, which the youth from Rejoice found meaningful.

 

“They were very enthusiastic,” said Tucker Waling. “It was really cool.”

 

“They talked about what they had gone through to get to where they are now with Christ,” said Emily Totz. 

 

The gathering was a fun and meaningful event for the Rejoice youth, who encourage everyone who has the opportunity to attend events like it.

 

“It’s not just about God and not just about having fun,” said Hagemeister. “It’s getting together with a bunch of people who believe in the same thing.”

 

The goal of ELCA Youth Gatherings is for young people to grow in faith, challenging and inspiring them to live their faith in their daily lives. For more information visit elca.org/YouthGathering.