Bishop Mark Hanson was among the last to board an American Airlines flight out of New Orleans that left shortly before 5:30 p.m. today. He rode in coach seating.

Hanson, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was mobbed by teens when he arrived at the airport. He posed for photographs with several of them.

The bishop and teens had been in New Orleans for several days for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering. Nearly 37,000 youth, leaders and chaperones attended the gathering, which is held every three years.

The bishop’s flight landed at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago a couple of hours later. He was last seen in baggage claim. (more…)

Heidi Hagstrom is the Director of the ELCA Youth Gathering.

The people of New Orleans as well as the ELCA are sending her their thanks . The July 22-26 gathering drew nearly 37,000 youth, their leaders and chaperones.

For the first time, a significant portion of the gathering focused on justice work. Twelve thousand youth were taken across the city daily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery. Their work included painting schools, planting wetlands and cleaning up overgrown cemeteries.

The theme of this year’s event was Jesus, Jazz and Justice. The community service projects drew the praise of New Oreans citizens, Mayor Ray Nagin andU.S. President Barack Obama.

Thanks to Heidi and all those behind the scenes who made the week about serving others in Christ’s name. You are wonderful examples of “God’s Work. Our Hands.”

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Banners from various ELCA youth groups were displayed around the Superdome during the 2009 Youth Gathering, which ended at noon day. Here are a few:

St. Louis, Missouri

(Gateway to Christ) (more…)

When I walked into my New Orleans hotel last night, William Wright (left) and Jacob Lucht seemed like an answer to a prayer. They were standing in the lobby with big smiles on their faces directing people to Lost and Found.

“Oh, it’s so nice that you’re doing this,” I told them. “Did many people lose things this week?”

They seemed puzzled. “I lot my hat yesterday,” I said. “Any chance somebody found it?”

Wright burst out laughing. I sensed that something wasn’t, well, right.

“You’re not really pointing people to a recovery area for lost items, are you?” I said.

“Nooooo,” Wright said and giggled. “Lost and Found is a band.” (more…)

Bradford Johnson, 17, Anchorage, Alaska

What he wishes he’d packed: My Native games equipment.

What he didn’t need to bring: Actually, I needed everything I brought.

Best moment: Today during the agape service.

Worst moment: Last night’s group

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A popular bumper sticker in New Orleans.

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