Saturday, July 20 – Created to Be Disciples

Today was our closing worship for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, and what a week it has been! This Gathering, filled with deep and meaningful conversations, laughter, and the Spirit’s palpable presence, has truly transformed us all.

Throughout the week, we’ve heard from incredible speakers who each brought something unique and necessary to our hearts. Walking through the streets, engaging in Community Life, and participating in Interactive Learning, I witnessed groups buzzing with excitement and deep reflection. This Gathering, and the vibrant city of New Orleans, have challenged, supported, and inspired us in ways only this experience could.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton captured the essence of our journey during the final morning’s worship. She declared, “We made it! What a week! We’ve learned a lot, we met new people. We’ve learned about how it rains in New Orleans all the time. So now here we are—we’ve been brave, authentic, free, disruptive…and now we’re going to be disciples.”

Bishop Eaton shared the story of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that our neighbors are not just those we choose, but anyone God places in our lives.

She emphasized, “We don’t get to pick and choose who those people are. Those people are whomever God sends to us in our lives—people we might never ever meet.”

Friends, I have to share a story with you about a man, who I now know is named Robert. This is one of those stories that intersects in ways that only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate:

On Friday morning, I was running late to the convention center. As I hurried out of the hotel, I smiled at a man sitting in a wheelchair on the corner of the street. He said something to me, but I didn’t quite hear him. Despite my rush, I felt compelled to stop. This kind man looked at me with caring eyes and asked me to help him put his shirt on. As I helped him, I noticed it was a blue shirt given to him by another group from the Gathering. We exchanged smiles, and I wished him well before continuing on my way.

Later that day, in the Interactive Learning space, I met a group from Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX. When telling me about their Gathering highlights, they shared their own encounter with a man they had met just that morning. Their youth group had stopped to give a man wearing a blue shirt bracelets and pray with him. My eyes widened as Avery continued the story. Their youth leader, Sharon, asked this man his name, and the group prayed for him, leaving with hearts full of God’s love. As they walked away reflecting on their encounter, Stephen shared how he and his group were reminded of Austin Channing Brown’s powerful message from the previous night. Her words about addressing the root of issues rather than trying to change individuals deeply resonated with them. I learned the name of this man in the blue shirt, now adorned with Gathering bracelets, name is Robert.

If this was all there was to the story, it would be remarkable! The connections continued as Sharon sought me out later to tell me more. You see, later in the afternoon, this group from Brenham, TX, learned even more to the story. They encountered Silas, who had handed the man wearing a blue shirt and Gathering bracelets, a cup of water while they were praying for him. Silas Kulkarni, Director of Strategy and Advocacy of the ELCA Advocacy in Washington, DC and one of the organizers of the ELCA Advocacy booth, recounted that in his busy morning, he was also late to the convention center. But having been asked for a cup of water, Silas knew helping this man was more important than being on time. And now Silas knows Robert’s name, too. And so do you. 

Pastor Emily Harkins from the Dwelling spoke about the importance of being known by name. “When we truly see one another, then and only then, will we truly see Jesus. See me. See you. See them. See us. See Jesus.” In Robert’s kind eyes and brilliant smile, we all saw Jesus that morning.

This living Good Samaritan story beautifully exemplifies the message Bishop Eaton preached about in closing worship. It’s a testament to how we are called to be disciples, recognizing and loving our neighbors, regardless of our differences. This encounter with Robert brought the teachings of this week to life, demonstrating how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our everyday actions. Through the spirit of courage, compassion, and community, we are called to disrupt what is wrong and work for what is right, seeing Jesus in everyone we meet.

This week, we’ve heard powerful stories and testimonies of the Holy Spirit at work. We’ve danced like no one was watching, sang at the top of our lungs, witnessed moving lyrical dances, tasted the rich flavors of New Orleans, and immersed ourselves in its vibrant culture. This past week at MYLE, the tAble, and the Gathering has been life-changing. As Joe Liles told us at the beginning of the week, we are leaving as new people. We are changed, and friends, we ARE!

Now, in the words of Joe:
We must Walk. This. Out. in our own unique ways.Walk this out with the Spirit of Courage to serve in new places. Walk this out with the Spirit of Conversation to engage with those we’ve never met. Walk this out with the Spirit of Challenge to embrace uncomfortable faith. Walk this out with the Spirit of Curiosity to ask God who you are becoming.

As you leave New Orleans and return home, carry with you the Spirit of bravery, authenticity, freedom, and disruption. Be the disciple God has called you to be.

Until we meet again in 2027 in Minneapolis for our big Lutheran family reunion, remember who you are Created to Be—wHoly and beautifully, loved and beloved.

Weekly Recap Video

See you in Minneapolis, Friends!

Written by: Vicar Bobbi Cyr (she/her);
Stephen of Christ Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX contributed to this post

Monday, July 15 – Day 3 from MYLE and the tAble

The last full day of MYLE and the tAble was brimming with connection, creativity, and community spirit. 

At MYLE, it was “Created to Be” Spirit Day—a celebration of individuality, purpose, and potential. Participants expressed their identities through clothing and accessories reflecting who they are or what they’re passionate about, from motivational t-shirts to cultural attire and hobby gear, embracing uniqueness and collective strengths.

During morning worship, Dr. Moses Penumaka, president of the ELCA Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders, spoke to MYLE participants about our freedom in Christ, saying, “We are created to be free to love the world, heal the world, and embrace diversity, work for equity, and be inclusive.” Quoting Martin Luther, he reminded us, “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” His words inspire us to serve our neighbors with love and embrace the freedom we have in Christ.

Meanwhile, students from the tAble went on a field trip to the Smoothie King Center. This behind-the-scenes look allowed students to familiarize themselves and become more comfortable in the space where Mass Gathering will take place. Experiencing the arena while it was empty helped prepare them for the excitement of being among 16,000+ participants, ensuring they feel comfortable and ready.

The fruits of the past three days spent in community were evident. Friendships blossomed as groups intermingled during free time, shared ice cream, and participated in workshops. The spoken word vibe-circle resonated with the wisdom, “You can only choose what you bring to each day. You can’t choose what everyone else brings.”

Students from both MYLE and the tAble spent time in Community Life together, engaging in holy play on giant inflatables. Witnessing the inclusive and gracious community forming between the two groups was a joy, with smiles and laughter filling the space.

Creativity was celebrated in many ways all day, from community art projects to talent showcases. During craft time at the tAble, students discussed the expansive love of God, sharing their faith in brave and meaningful conversations. 

At the MYLE Village Showcase, we learned about positive disruption in Puerto Rico through video and skit, enjoyed a beautiful dance from a Minnesota Swahili group, and learned to say “Praise the Lord” in Swahili: Bwana Yesu Asifiwe. Joe Davis shared a vulnerable moment about feeling free, reminding us that freedom is cultivated in community. We need to practice it every day, shouting from the bottom of our hearts to the top of our lungs: “I am free. You are free. We are Free… Because God says so.”

From vocals and dance moves to Beethoven on the piano, stand-up jokes, poetry readings, cup stacking skills, and skits, the Variety Show at the tAble was a testament to the love and support these new friends shared. One caregiver delivered an incredible rendition of “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, with powerful lyrics resonating with everyone: “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this is me…I’m marching on to the beat I drum. I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies, this is me”

As participants enjoyed their day in community, the convention center buzzed with activity as volunteers assembled, and participants began to check in. Gathering Directors, Deacon Tammy Jones West and Deacon Jess Liles, commissioned around 600 volunteers for the Gathering. Bishop Eaton expressed her deepest gratitude on behalf of the ELCA, even taking a selfie with all the volunteers!

Today was a testament to the power of community, the beauty of embracing who we are, and the joy of serving and supporting one another. Let’s carry this spirit forward, shining brightly and serving freely as we continue to create, connect, and grow together.

Written by: Vicar Bobbi Cyr (she/her)

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)

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)

The Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) will gather under the theme of “Made Free” in the summer of 2022. Gathering leadership asked a few people to briefly reflect on what it means to be “Made Free” and to live into the scripture verse of “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Isabelle El-Yateem, Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage

“As an Arab American youth, I think the theme of “Made Free” is awesome. We need to be released from all the things in the world that hold us back from our true potential. We need to be freed to call out for and demand justice and equality for all people, in all places and in all times!”

The Rev. Joann Conroy, ELCA American Indian/Alaska Native Lutheran Association

“Paul in a letter to the Galatians said, “…we should use that Freedom (of Christ) to serve one another in love and live a Spirit-filled life.” As we come to MYLE, we come sharing the freedom that Christ gave to us – love through a Spirit filled life rich in our Lutheran traditions and celebrating all of our Indigenous gifts of culture with the church.”

To learn more about the 2022 Multicultural Youth Leadership Event, visit our website: elca.org/MYLE.

This blog post was written by our 2021 MYLE team leader, Kelly Sherman-Conroy, and is in response to the chaplaincy work being done in the Minneapolis and St. Paul after the murder of George Floyd. She discusses the need for cultural competency before volunteering, so that we create a space of empowerment and comfort for those that need it.

According to Western Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children, “cultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures. Cultural competence encompasses being aware of one’s own world view, developing positive attributes towards cultural differences, gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and world views and developing skills for communication and interaction across cultures.”

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When local pastors, religious leaders and spiritual care leaders stepped up and took the call to help the communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul during the weeks following the murder of George Floyd, I don’t think they knew what they were in for. The call was not just about needing volunteers with shovels and rubbish bags in hand or handing out food and other supplies. The call for chaplains was very intentional.

As a Native American and an activist, I know first hand the harm that well intentioned people of faith can do when they come in to “help” communities that have been marginalized or minoritized. I remember at Standing Rock and the protests in North Dakota, a group of well-intentioned people of faith came to “help” and support. However, what many that came to help did not see, was that their own unintentional actions were creating more harm than good.  A deeper trauma than the trauma they were there to address.

So as a team of Rapid Response organizers met to address the needs of the communities during the uprising, this experience came to mind. How do we prepare a group of intentional volunteers that can be culturally aware as well as spiritually ready to care for all people regardless of beliefs? The call was made, and people responded.

I began with 4-5 Zoom trainings a day that talked about how to be culturally aware, understanding your actions, understanding the trauma many ethnic people were already coming with, what it is like to care for people in the midst of a large crisis such as this, and most importantly, non-violent communication for volunteers in the midst of a crisis. Their calming presence felt, and their aid was sought in helping other volunteers understand their actions.

So before you send out your volunteers to help in your community, find someone to lead in cultural awareness so that you are not unintentionally creating a space that is dehumanizing to those you are helping, but that you are creating a space that is empowering and comforting. Thank you to the over 100 volunteer chaplains for your work and intentionality.

Kelly Sherman-Conroy serves as the 2021 Multicultural Youth Leadership Event team leader and as Minister of Social Justice and Advocacy for CYF at Nativity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Kelly is a Luther Seminary PhD Candidate as well.