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Scenes from the Street Car: Day 2 from MYLE and the tAble

Sunday, July 14 – Day 2 from MYLE and the tAble

Good Morning from New Orleans! 

Yesterday was an epic day full of story, rhythm, creativity, laughter, connection, and growth. Today, we got to witness the power of being in community in mighty ways, where we fully lived into being created wHoly and beautifully ourselves, both individually and in community.

At MYLE, students engaged in worship, sang songs, and listened to inspiring speakers. They also co-created an artwork installation, adding mini Lego figures of themselves or as the superheroes, ninjas, wizards, or Jedi they imagine themselves to be. Meanwhile, after morning worship with Bishop Eaton, students at the tAble learned about natural disasters, particularly those in Louisiana. They created disaster relief kits filled with items to help New Orleanians in the days immediately following a natural disaster.

During free time, students from the tAble enjoyed knock-out basketball, volleyball with a giant blow-up ball, and silly relays featuring fantastic dance moves. Before dinner, they went to Fulton Bowling Alley, where they cheered each other on, strengthening bonds and celebrating each other’s successes.

In the afternoon, MYLE participants explored various workshops designed to inspire and empower them. They delved into topics like storytelling, identity, and social justice. One workshop, “Dancing for the Lord with a Biblical Dance Party,” encouraged participants to live out loud and proud through movement and dance, guided by Bible stories. After an upbeat, jazzy choreography session, leaders reminded them, “Whether you have rhythm or not, who you are is perfect. You are created to be exactly who you are. You are not too much of anything, and you’re not, not enough of anything. The rhythm you have is your expression, and that’s what’s so beautiful!”

Closing worship at MYLE was incredibly moving. The MYLE director, Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy, reminded youth that water connects us through story. Students poured water from their homelands into a collective bowl, honoring the water from their homes and the land it nourishes. Rev. Alejandro Mejia acknowledged that we each carry our own burdens that dampen our peace and dim our light. He urged, “Be You.” Do not let the world define you by its standards. Remember, you are wonderfully made in the image of God. Each of you has a light that can shine brightly even in the darkest places. Believe in your worth and let your light shine for all to see.

While MYLE participants spent the afternoon grooving to their best dance moves, students at the tAble ended the night in NOLA fashion with a masquerade dance. The ballroom was filled with laughter and pure joy wearing beautifully created masks and dancing our own rhythms and expressions as One Direction reminded us, “That’s what makes you beautiful.” 🎶

In the words of Rev. Mejia, “Don’t be afraid of shining, my beloveds. Be proud of your body. Be proud of who you are. Be proud of your sexual orientation, your gender, your ethnic background.” He invited us to leave believing we are unique, that we can overcome and succeed, making a difference just by being authentic. “Shine brightly, thrive, and be you. Amen.”

 

Written by: Vicar Bobbi Cyr (she/her)
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Scenes from the Street Car: Day 1 from MYLE and the tAble

Saturday, July 13 – Day 1 from MYLE and the tAble

Good Morning, New Orleans!

Day One kicked off with a dazzling start to the Gathering in the vibrant city of New Orleans! 

Picture this: 684 enthusiastic youth and their caring adults checking in to the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), rocking some of the craziest, most whimsical hats you can imagine for Crazy Hat Spirit Day. The air was electric with excitement and creativity as participants let their imaginations run wild. The day was packed with games, laughter, and a burst of color, making it impossible not to smile.

The evening worship was a true highlight. Rev. Albert Starr reminded us that, “even in the heat (yes, even in the heat of the bayou), God’s love is inexhaustible.” We danced and grooved, shaking the floor with the Holy Spirit’s energy. Joe Davis’ spoken poem resonated deeply, giving everyone permission to show up as their most authentic selves. His words echoed in our hearts: “Here is where we give you the permission you may have not given yourself to show up and bring your most authentic self. Cause you can cry here. You can take your time here… we shine brighter when we all shine here.”

Meanwhile, at the tAble, 38 youth and their 40 loving caregivers checked in with a mix of excitement and nerves. Even in their exhaustion, participants were still smiling, embodying grace in action—in the smiles, the hugs, the shared stories, and the newfound friendships. This is what grace looks like, and it’s beautiful. Workshops provided a sacred space for participants and caregivers—both together and apart to connect deeply, sharing hopes and dreams, and cultivating a community of support and understanding. The chocolate chip cookie metaphor resonated deeply: we may all look different, but we are all uniquely delicious and perfectly made. ❤️

Both MYLE and the tAble celebrated the unique individuals God has created, and the joy of being wHoly ourselves. What a fantastic start to our journey together! Looking forward to a bright new day in the Crescent City.

Written by: Vicar Bobbi Cyr (she/her)
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