[God’s] power in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.

(Ephesians 3:21 CEV)

When we live into the limitless, we open ourselves up to taking risks, to trying new things, to see ourselves as important pieces in our world. Limitless is about removing the limits we often put on ourselves and others and to live into a potential that is far more than we dare ask or imagine.

After reflecting on the 2021 Gathering’s theme of boundless: God beyond measure, the tAble planning team was struck by this verse. We worship a God that is greater than anything we could ever fathom. Sadly, we frequently look inward and limit ourselves. When living in a world with less limits, we rely on God’s love, grace and power to make the impossible possible.

At the tAble, we will explore the story of Ester, who reminds us that we are wanted, valued but most importantly a needed part of our community. We are called to the places where our piece fits, where we can make a difference and are able to be something that is bigger than we can ever imagine. Esther also reminds us that we are called to be in community that pushes us to use what God has given us for advocacy and for helping others see their limitless potential.

the tAble is a pre-event to the Gathering that blesses and empowers young people who live with a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities so that they might grow as faithful, wise and courageous witnesses. To learn more, visit: elca.org/thetAble

I had always grown up going to church and believing in something bigger, but I wasn’t overly passionate about my faith. At the airport, waiting to leave for the 2018 Gathering, a group of us decided to go to Starbucks and it was that moment when I realized this was a group of people who I knew I would make life changing memories with. I knew I was there for a purpose.

When we arrived in Houston, I discovered that a lot of the other people in our hotel were from Minnesota as well and that gave me an even greater opportunity to build long lasting relationships with other teens just like me! During our Interactive Learning day, I had the opportunity to talk with others from across the church and make connections.

My favorite part of the Gathering was Mass Gathering. Being in NRG Stadium, full of energetic souls, worship music and incredible speakers, nothing else mattered. There were no worries or outside distractions. It was a place where I could just be myself. So many people were giving their lives to Jesus, singing their hearts out. I wanted to be as passionate as them, so I sang along, elevating my worship to God. 

On the last night together, Tenth Avenue North performed. Most nights we stood in the stands surrounding the stage, but this particular night, we were able to get floor seats. I remember, my congregational group was singing at the top of our lungs. During one of the songs, my friends and the people around me wrapped our arms around each other, swaying back and forth. It was then that I felt God’s presence, reassuring me that God had a plan and I had a purpose. 

After the Gathering, my newfound faith was in action. I started doing Bible studies on a daily basis, highlighting the things that stood out to me, and sharing my notes when I felt called to do so. I surrounded myself with people that had the same beliefs as me, I joined a Bible study group at my school and I started going to church on a weekly basis. My life was changed in the best way. 

Grace Heideman is finishing up her senior year in a growing community in Minnesota. In the fall, Grace will attend the University of Minnesota – Duluth. She loves to weight lift and travel and is passionate about her faith.

As a shy introvert, being up on stage in a room of 700+ people is one of my worst nightmares. If you would have told me years ago that I would have been playing guitar, singing, and rapping (yes, rapping), in front of hundreds of youth from the North Carolina synod, I would have thought you were delusional. I was never really one to have a place in a group. There was a voice in my head saying, “I didn’t belong anywhere,” and I let that voice control my life for a long time. Until I met the band.

Rewind to 2015, there was an interest meeting to form a youth band for Synod Day at the Gathering in Detroit. I went to the meeting just to see what it was about. I was immediately pulled in. A few months later we had our first practice. I hated playing in front of people before, but something was different with this group. Our first practice was rough as we learned to play together, but as soon as we finished playing through our first song, I noticed something. The voice in my head telling me “I didn’t belong” was gone. It was replaced by a warm voice telling me, “Here, there is a place for you.”

Fast-forward to 2018, I had the opportunity to play with them again at the Gathering and many other synod events. They became my family, and that sense of belonging never left. Now in college, that sense of belonging has continued with me. Being involved with Lutheran Campus Ministry at my school and within Region 9 events, everyone and anyone is welcomed and affirmed. 

So come, the table is set, and there is a place for you. 

Grace Robinson is a sophomore at Roanoke College in Salem, VA majoring in Christian Studies and minoring in Psychology. She is originally from Concord, NC and a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, NC.

Every day is an adjustment. As we continue to lean into the discomfort and the unknown of this pandemic, let us remember what we do know. We know that God’s love for us is boundless. God’s love cannot be measured. We know that God’s boundless promise, no matter the darkness, is that Christ prevails.

Let us remember the Gathering’s scripture from Ephesians 3:14-21 CEV:

¹⁴I kneel in prayer to the Father. ¹⁵All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from [God]. ¹⁶God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that [God’s] Spirit will make you become strong followers ¹⁷and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in [God’s] love. ¹⁸I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. ¹⁹I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. ^20-21I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. [God’s] power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.

As we continue to adjust into the scary new reality of the unknown, we hope that you take the scripture below to heart. God is will us through this mess. God is with the sick, the poor, the anxious, the doctors, the public health officials, the grocery store workers, the elderly, and each and everyone one of you.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
³ though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
⁶ The nations are in an uproar, the kindoms totter;
    God’s voice utters, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge. 

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations God has brought on the earth.
⁹ God makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    God breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    God burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.

-Psalm 46: 1-11