The third day’s theme for the tAble was “Your gifts belong at the tAble. How do you belong?” The day began centering in a Bible study. Participants then headed to the NRG Center and NRG Stadium for a private tour. The tour of the NRG facilities helped participants get acquainted with the entrances and spaces because Mass Gathering can sometimes be over-stimulating. Lunch was at the Stadium, with visits with emcees, a Mass Gathering speaker, and a Mass Gathering musician.
tAble participants got a sneak peak of the Interactive Learning space, getting to try out the ropes course. The course provided an opportunity for some nervous excitement; the operators have everyone’s safety in mind and they were both patient and encouraging. The spirit of belonging was evident with cheering and overt support from people watching from the ground. Participants also hid kindness rocks throughout the Interactive Center space. The rocks were created on the second day of the tAble, and are to be found as pieces of love for the finders to keep.
After sharing a meal, the community gathered for a concert held by Ginny Owens. Ginny will also be sharing her music on the Mass Gathering stage, connecting the tAble to the Gathering. Her music and conversation encompassed a variety of emotions including grace, beauty, and humor. Keeping with the day’s theme, Ginny reminded everyone at the concert of the book of Exodus, that we are like Moses, called to go out into the world with our gifts.
The evening then transitioned to evening prayer. Bishop Eaton shared the message based on the 14th chapter of Luke’s Gospel, sharing stories of invitations at gatherings. Bishop Eaton reminded everyone there that in this world, “This is God’s table, and you are the party.”
In the spirit of parties and celebrating gifts, the evening concluded with sharing gifts with one another at “the tAble’s Got Talent.” Participants shared their talents, including singing, dancing, reading a poem, sharing games, and a self-defense demonstration, with the community.
Follow the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering on social media:
- Facebook for MYLE, the tAble, and the ELCA Youth Gathering;
- Snapchat (elcagathering);
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Don’t forget to follow the hashtag #ELCAYG2018!
Follow instructions to download the ELCA Youth Gathering app here.
